West Keystone, Colorado

Depending on where you stay in Keystone, Colorado, you may have a slight difference in your vacation experience. While River Run and Mountain House are direct access to the mountains, West Keystone is farther away. Renting in West Keystone means you can have a peaceful vacation, things to do, and places to go to, without needing to leave the area. In the 1800s, gold and silver miners called the town, Keystone, after the Keystone State, Pennsylvania, their home state. West Keystone has its own mining history. Behind the stables in the area was Old Keystone, which was once a sawmill. The stables then were an old railroad depot. Silver ore were transferred from wagon to freight car, which was transported to Denver markets. Today, Old Keystone buildings still stand, alongside the Keystone Science School, where science tours are given to visitors. It was in 1970 when Max and Edna Dercum, along with Bill and Jane Bergman, developed and completed Keystone's ski resort. Keystone is unincorporated and has, as of 2000 Census, 825 residents.

A Relaxing Resort

If you choose not to take one of the many buses to River Run or Mountain House, the main attraction in West Keystone is the Keystone Ranch. Originally a cattle ranch and lettuce farm, Keystone Ranch ended that chapter in 1977 and would become a world-renowned restaurant. It has been a AAA four diamond restaurant every year since 1990. It is marked high on Colorado's Zagat's Survey. It has also won the Wine Spectator's Award for Excellence continually since 1996. There really aren't many other points of interest, except the astounding mountains and endless nature which surrounds. Searching for most else, such as events, dining, and shopping, you'll need to try each of the wonderful areas in Keystone. Another AAA four diamond restaurant is 11,400 feet high, called the Alpenglow Stube. Zagat's Survey describes it as "fabulous old-world food and service and the best setting in the state". If you rent in West Keystone, you're more than likely the type who wants peace, and one unique sleigh ride leads to a cozy cabin and creature comforts of a down-home cowboy meal. And to give you an idea as to the quality of food and the seriousness for which it is prepared, Keystone has its own culinary institute. When not on the slopes, check the calendar for special events. Some include Founders' Day, Chocolate Village, Easter, Christmas, Independence Day, skating ice shows, theatre performances, fireworks, golf tournaments, poker tournaments, cook offs, barbeque festivals, wine tastings, mountain bike kick offs, music festivals, skiing tournaments, and much more. In order to fully shop in Keystone, you must leave West Keystone and head to three shopping centers: River Run Village, Mountain House, and Lakeside Village. For the skier and snowboarder, Keystone, Colorado, is the perfect match. The A51 Terrain Park is a killer. It contains half-pipes, quarter-pipes, jumps, jibs, rails, and more. If you need lessons, there are pros to teach you how to dare the extremes of the mountains. Other activities you may enjoy are snowbiking, snowcat touring, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, tubing, sleigh riding, gondola touring, hockey, ice skating, and fly-fishing. West Keystone has championship golf courses for the aficionado. Some of the other summer sports include miniature golfing, camping, hiking, biking, horseback riding, fly-fishing, boating, rafting, wagon trail riding, and more. West Keystone, Colorado, is the farthest from the slopes and may appeal to you because of its distance from the crowds. You may never want to leave your rental home or condo, but need to leave only for the barest essentials. It has a historical feel with some of Old Keystone still standing. It also has one of the best restaurants in Colorado. And if you need more, you aren't too far away from all that Keystone has to offer.