Frisco - Swan Mountain - Montezuma

From lake to pines and back

Frisco - Swan Mountain - Keystone - Montezuma - Keystone - Swan Mountain - Frisco

A nice bike ride with varied terrain sure to entertain your legs with the challenge of short and long climbs and your eyes with scenes of lakes and pine trees. Swan Mountain will satisfy your quest to climb to a view. The road to Montezuma along the Snake River is relatively quiet; a place to get into a rhythm of climbing. This route mixes bike paths with roads. It does not matter exactly how you get through Keystone, just keep going until you find the road to Montezuma (Rd 5, Montezuma Rd.). This is a day to explore and enjoy being in the mountains on your bike.

I would recommend riding steady, but taking a break on Swan Mountain and in Beaver Run Village in Keystone. Enjoy a drink at the Marina, or picnic on the lawn, near the boats, upon your return to Frisco Marina.

A good ride for all levels of cyclists (allow more time for climbing if needed).

Your ride:

• Starts in: Frisco, CO, US
• Distance: 36.9 mi
• Elevation: + 2703 / - 2704ft
• Max Grade 8.8 %
• Finish: Frisco Marina (out and back)
• Difficulty: Intermediate ride (with one steep climb) over bike paths and road.

Please read the additional riding in Summit County cycling tips offered on this page.

LOCATION - SUMMIT COUNTY

Summit County is one of my favorite areas to visit in summer and fall, the colors of the changing leaves in autumn is spectacular along the route. Nearby towns include: Frisco, Dillon, Silverthorne, Keystone, and Breckenridge. You can reach Montezuma by bicycle from any of these local Colorado towns.

START/FINISH AND PARKING

This route begins and ends at the free public parking lot at Frisco Marina (267 Marina Rd, Frisco, CO 80443).

WATER ON ROUTE

Water is available next to the small restroom at the parking lot, also at the Marina, or pick up more water in Keystone Beaver Run Village.

RESTROOMS ON ROUTE

Public restrooms are located at the Marina, in the public park in downtown Frisco, and in Keystone Beaver Run Village.

CAUTIONS ON ROUTE

Come prepared for changing weather. Plan your ride between 8:00am-3:00pm. Afternoon rain showers are common; seek shelter from lightening.

POINTS OF INTEREST (POI) ON ROUTE

• Frisco Marina has rental boats and scenic activity.
• Frisco has a small museum, historic park and frequent festive outdoor town events.
• Swan Mountain is a short cut between Frisco/Breckenridge and Keystone. It is a nice climb for cyclists and a new bike path was recently built on the east side.
• Keystone: with a population of just over 1,000, Keystone ski area offers nearly 3 acres of skiing per full-time resident. 20 ski lifts and 2 gondolas service a mountain with 57% terrain rated as "most difficult." Keystone Village is a man-made mountain base collection of condos, shops, homes and a golf course. Keystone has year-round special events.
• Keystone Bike Park features miles of single-track trails. You may ride the lift up and cruise the single track down. Bike rentals, helmets and safety equipment are available at the base of the lift in the village. Bike Park information. Attend a bike clinic in summer.

AREA HISTORY

Read more about the history of the towns you will be riding through and roads you will be riding upon here.

LOCAL FOOD AND DRINKS

Frisco

• Boatyard American Grill: Lunch, dinner and wine; good healthy food. Location Open daily 11:00am-10:00pm. 304 Main St, Frisco, CO 80443
• Greco's Pastaria: Pizza, salad, and pasta. Location 311 E. Main Street, Frisco, CO 80443
• Whole Foods: Grocery store; has bicycle parking and makes a good place to stop. Location 261 Lusher Ct, Frisco, CO 80443.
• Butterhorn Bakery: Good breakfast and lunch, plus pastries and breakfast burritos to go. Open 7:30am-2:30pm (no dinner). Location 408 Main Street, Frisco, CO 80443.
• Prost Fine Beers and Sausages: Beer, sausages, soups and sandwiches. Open daily 11:30am-10:00pm. Happy Hour daily 4-6pm. Location 313 Main St, Frisco, CO 80443.
• Island Grill and Bar: Food and drink on patio restaurant in Marina. Nice patio. Open Memorial Day to Labor Day. Open daily 11:30am-7:00pm. Happy Hour daily 4-7pm. Free Live music on Friday nights during Happy Hour. Location 900 E Main St, Frisco CO 80443.
• Food Hedz: Very nice lunches and dinners, changing menu of fresh food. Best for sit down meals with wine. Location 842 Summit Blvd, Frisco, CO 80443. closed Sundays and Mondays, open Tue-Sat: 11:am-3pm and 5-8pm.

Keystone

• River Run Village at Keystone: Numerous cafes and restaurants may be found in the seasonal village of Keystone; some with nice patios, fountains or flower baskets. A nice place to take a break, warm up or seek shelter.

Summit Cove / Soda Creek

• The Pour House: Coffee, bagels, panini, sandwiches, breakfast burritos. Location 40 Cove Blvd, Dillon, CO 80435 (Summit Cove). Open daily 6:30am-7:00pm.
• There is a grouping of restaurants in Soda Creek neighborhood just before you climb up the east side of Swan Mountain.

Near Summit High School

• Gas Station / Convenience Store: Just off the route - bagels and coffee, water and snacks.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CYCLING IN COLORADO

More cautions, cycling tips, tourist information and a list of bike shops (including bike rental locations) may be found on the Pedal Dancer Ambassador Profile page.

ROUTE CONTRIBUTORS

Karen Rakestraw, Laurie Decoteau, and Sue Stokes.