Summit County, Colorado offers the perfect place to kick off your summer over Memorial Day. During this time of transition between spring and summer, the mix of breathtaking nature and small town charm is the perfect recipe to deliver a relaxing and fun long weekend.
Weather
Late May in Summit County brings emerging warmth, with the mountains just beginning to thaw. Average temperatures hover in the 50s (F) during the day, with lows dipping into the low 30s at night, although daytime highs can get much warmer depending on the weather patterns. There will be snow lingering at higher elevations, which makes for a stunning backdrop with the newly budded trees. Keep in mind that in Colorado, snow can happen at any time of the year, and it has been known to snow over Memorial Day weekend, but that is not the norm! With that said, tt’s a good idea to keep a close eye on the forecast before you leave, pack layers, warm footwear and waterproof clothing to make sure you’re prepared for all conditions.
Crowds
Memorial Day Weekend draws lots of visitors to Summit County, but the crowds are not overwhelming since there are multiple towns and open spaces to disperse. Popular trailheads, marinas and main streets will be busier, so plan ahead for parking and reservations. You can expect a lively, festive atmosphere, with many events happening over the holiday weekend.
Summit County Events Over Memorial Day Weekend
Shakin’ at the Basin Concert Series
Kick off the weekend with spring skiing and live music at Arapahoe Basin ski resort! Depending on the season’s snow totals, A-Basin is often open for skiing well into June. The anticipated closing day for 2025 is June. Every Saturday through the end of May, you can take a dance break at Mountain Goat Plaza to enjoy live bands and DJs to usher in those early summer vibes. There is nothing more fun than skiing in a t-shirt on a sunny early summer day!
Local Art Walks
The vibrant art scene of Summit County come alive with open studios, gallery walks and pop-up exhibits in late May. Frisco’s main street galleries showcase diverse local artists, while Breckenridge features public art installations scattered throughout town, as well as workshops and open gallery events in spring.
Keystone Resort Summer Opening
Keystone Resort often celebrates the start of summer operations over Memorial Day Weekend, with family-friendly activities, scenic gondola rides, and mountain biking (weather permitting). Check the Keystone summer calendar before your trip, but there will most likely be plenty of fun things happening at Keystone over the holiday weekend.
Memorial Day
Dillon hosts a Memorial Day tribute to honor all who have served, featuring a concert band, flag ceremony and reading of names at the Dillon Cemetery. Breckenridge typically hosts a ceremony honoring veterans in the historic downtown area as well.
Things to Do in Summit County Over Memorial Weekend
The towns of Summit County (Breckenridge, Keystone, Frisco, Silverthorne, and Dillon) offer a huge variety of activities that are perfect for this unofficial kickoff to summer!
Hiking
Lower elevation trails tend to thaw out first, so this is a great time of year to explore hiking trails in Summit County. Popular trails include the Sawmill Reservoir Trail in Breckenridge, the scenic Rainbow Lake Trail in Frisco and the Old Dillon Reservoir Trail which offers panoramic views of Lake Dillon. Early wildflowers begin to bloom in meadows along lower trails, and wildlife sightings are common as animals become more active. This is a beautiful time of year to hike in Colorado!
Biking
The Recreational Pathway System (RecPath) offers miles of maintained trails that are great for the whole family. The 18-mile paved bike path around Lake Dillon offers stunning views of the mountain-framed reservoir, and is accessible from various points in Dillon and Frisco. The Blue River Bikeway continues 10 miles south to Breckenridge, and the relatively flat trail is perfect for all levels.
Whitewater Rafting
Depending on water levels and snowmelt conditions, whitewater rafting can be a fun activity over Memorial Day Weekend. The rafting season in Colorado typically begins in early May and runs through mid-September, with peak flows occurring around mid-June. In Summit County, the Blue River offers a popular rafting experience. This river features a 5-mile stretch of Class II–III rapids, providing an exhilarating adventure through the scenic landscapes between Silverthorne and the Gore Range. The Blue River’s rafting season generally starts around Memorial Day and can extend into July, contingent on water releases from Dillon Reservoir and seasonal snowpack. You’ll definitely want to book in advance, as rafting trips can fill up quickly during this time of year.
Fishing
As the ice melts, the lakes and rivers around Summit County become hotspots for anglers and fly fishing. Lake Dillon and the Blue River are popular areas to find trout and salmon, and local outfitters can take you to the best fishing spots.
Explore Lake Dillon
Rent a kayak, paddle board or pontoon boat from the Frisco or Dillon Marina to enjoy the calm waters of Lake Dillon. The Frisco Bay Marina also features a sandy beach, playground and restaurant, making it a great spot to hang out with the family.
Plan Your Memorial Day Visit!
To make the most of your Memorial Day Weekend, choose a vacation rental that puts you in the heart of the action. Summit Mountain Properties offers a curated selection of Summit County vacation rentals, with rentals in Dillon, Keystone, Silverthorne, Frisco and Breckenridge. You’ll have access to popular attractions and trails while enjoying the comfort of a spacious home away from home. Book your Summit County vacation rental and start planning your Memorial Day mountain getaway.
