bfrosty
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jul 27, 2006
- Messages
- 461
Good Day all - I hope you find my trip report to Keystone Lodge (River Run Village) in Colorado entertaining, funny, informative or whatever else you can take from it. Please read and enjoy the ride. We did!!! 
It all started with....Where are we going this summer? (Circa March 2011).
We found a resort in Disney's Concierge Collection named Keystone Lodge located about 844 miles West of St. Louis, MO. So we set forth, booked the room for $99DVC fee for 6 nights. This is the first time we've used points outside the normal collection.
One of those corny plywood cutout stands...you know...you just have to take a pic.
Day 1 - "The Drive", yes we drove, but typically we fly most places for vacation. So, we piled in the van and set sail about 3pm on 7/1/11. Arriving at 4am Saturday morning we checked in. Yes! Our room was ready 12hrs ahead of normal scheduled check-in. The hotel was very nice and even told us, "Yes, you could have checked-in at 1-min after midnight! (Non-Ski Season)Wow. Cool start to a great vacation.
Sub-Story - Keystone Lodge (aka River Run Village) is located 8mi. off Hwy 70, about 55mins due West of Denver, Co. The town of Dillon is right at the exit and you must drive thru it to get to Keystone. Keystone is 10min from Loveland Pass (The Continental Divide @ 11,000+ Ft in Elevation). Keystone is at about 9,000ft Above Sea Level. It's a little hard to breathe, but you get use to it.
This photo was taken along the path throughout Keystone resort. About 3mi. roundtrip
Fishing on Lake (Reservoir) Dillon for trout...didn't catch anything, but what an experience to just fish. A single day license for 17+ is $9 and a 5-day is $31.
Saturday 7/2
Checked out the “Keystone Village” and walked around the grounds. Then took a 3 ½ mile hike around the immediate area, all along the Snake River. Absolutely beautiful and the kids can’t believe the snow on the mountains off in the distance.
Came back to the room for lunch and a brief nap (still catching up from Friday night) and then we headed out to Lake Dillon. Played on the playground, walked along the shore and skipped rocks.
Then drove up to Frisco and walked along Main Street with tons of shops and restaurants. Lots of people have dogs in this very “dog friendly place”. We then ate dinner at the Boatyard…which was incredible and I had a beer from the local Dam Brewery (Sweet George’s Brown Ale)…yum! Caramel flavor to it. Then we went back to our condo at Keystone (River Run) for the 9 PM fireworks show.
On the rocky beach on Lake Dillon (6mi west of keystone resort) The water was 32F. No swimming.
Sunday 7/3
Went to 10 AM mass at Our Lady of Peace in Dillon. The church was packed with ½ of the people standing outside (fortunately we got their 15 minutes early). They are building a new church in Silverthorne and breaking ground next week….this is right by RiverRun.
Then we came back to our room and I had made a 12:30 reservation for Snow Tubing upon the Keystone Mountain. We took the 15 minute gondola ride up to the summit and then saw that above that treeline, the gondola goes twice as high and far to the peak of the mountain. At the top we grabbed our tubes and began the first of about 10 trips down the mountain in our inner tubes. We went single, double, triple and all four of us! Incredible fun and then you take the covered escalator up to do it again and again!
Myself and the misses awaiting our trip down the mountain...just like when you were a kid, except this hill has a fancy escalator to haul you back up the hill.
Kids getting ready to go down. The best is when all 4 of us went at once. You get more speed. In the Winter, the guide told us they have 5-6 lanes open. There were just two left in July. They scoop it up and push it together as it melts.
Then we came back for lunch and chilled out a bit. Then off to the Silverthorne Outlet mall…yippee! What a deal at the Columbia stores…fantastic! Lots of fun.
Then we ate dinner at the Dam Brewery. Our DD6 had mac n cheese, DS12 had pulled pork (of course…same thing he has had for the last three dinners …ribs or pulled pork) and myself and DW split the “Pilsner chicken” and a sampling of all 8 beer varieties. Just forget about the to-go cup unless someone asks.
We parked and walked through the underground tunnel over to the Lakeside shops area, which was the other side of Keystone. Our DD6 got some treats at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and we got our Swedish fish too. Then, came back to the room and my DS12 and I watched movies and my DW took our DD6 swimming in the heated Dakota pool, just a short walk through Keystone village…lots of fun. Then back, showers and time for bed. Just two days into our trip and what an adventure already!
Monday, July 4th (Happy Independence Day!!!!)
We drove up to Loveland Pass (about 9 miles from our resort) this morning. It was absolutely gorgeous! On the way up we drove past the Arapahoe Ski Resort and saw folks skiing and snowboarding down the mountain. As we went higher and higher we could still see them, getting smaller and smaller. We got out towards the top and walked around a bit too. I got some great pictures with my camera of the kids playing in the snow on the 4th of July in shorts! We headed down to Lakeside (near our resort) on bought fishing licenses and then headed over to Silvermill to get some Blue Bell ice cream at that Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory…yum yum! We went down to the inlet of Lake Dillon to fish…it was beautiful. Our DD6 had more fun jumping on rocks and playing with sticks than anything. Then we tried our luck at fishing in the beaver ponds and a bit in the Snake River too. The water is fast moving due to the heavy snow of late. Then back to our room to eat dinner before heading out to the fireworks show at Lakeside at 9 PM. It looked like clouds were going to roll in over the mountains but we stayed dry. The shuttle from our Keystone resort to Lakeside reminded us a little of our Disney trips with the shuttles too. The fireworks were awesome!
We are atop the Great Continental Divide. We are standing on the west (that snow melt will make its way to the Pacific ocean and to the left of that trail the snow melt will eventually reach the Atlantic or Gulf.
Another shot with the misses and dd6.
A couple of deer right by the roadside. We pulled off and watched them for about 10min.
Behind us on the way up to The Continental Divide is the Arapahoe Basin. Yes, people were skiing on the 4th of July. One of the last places that had enough snow to ski.
Yes, making snowballs on the 4th of July at 11,000Ft plus.
Tuesday, July 05, 2011
Today we are all set to head up to a 10 AM trail ride at Breckenridge Stables. Just about 9 miles away from our resort and our DD6 can ride her own horse (unlike many stables who won’t do this unless the child is 9 or 10). The ride was 1 ½ hours on Peaks 9 and 10 of Breckenridge.
My DD6 rode on Roxie and followed the guide Alexa who rode on Snickers. My DW was right behind on Jessie and my DS12 was in front of me on Dakota. I behind him on Hawaii who is a “movie star” and was featured along with another horse from this stable named Kansas in the moving “Cowboys and Aliens” coming out on July 29th. The wranglers told me that “Harrison Ford” rode on Hawaii in the movie. Wow! I got to ride on a celebrity horse.
The ride was beautiful with views all around and we even went through narrow parts of the river. We all loved it!
On the trail, just beautiful scenery and weather. I highly recommend Breck Stables in Breckenridge, Co. One of the few the allow 2yrs Up to ride a horse. Over 6 and they get their own horse, but is lead by the trail guide. Ask for Alexis!
"Hawaii, one of two horses, that were on loan for the upcoming movie "Cowboys & Aliens". The trail guide told me that Harrison Ford rode this horse in the film. I'm going to have to get it on BluRay when it comes out!
Then we went to Breckenridge and took the Gondola up to the Fun Park and got tickets to ride the Golden Alpine Coaster which was like a private car roller coaster down the mountain. It was worth the wait…fun fun fun!
Then we road the Gondola back down and headed back through Frisco and ate lunch at the Boatyard. Then it began to rain to we headed back to our resort. I took to the kids to play pool at our resort for a while and we just chilled out that night.
In Breckenridge, on the new Gold Coast Runner. A 2500ft roller-coaster ride using this one car. It pulls you to the top and you coast down. I didn't use my brake at all.
Wednesday, July 6
Today we went on our planned Colorado River White Water rafting trip up in Kremmling. It was a 45 min. drive north of Keystone up the highway and a very scenic view along the way. We loaded up and took a van with the rafting company down to our put in spot in the river.
Though we had two other families along, we got to ride in a raft just the four of us and the guide master for our trip (made that request with the RSVP). So we got the raft with all the supplies, but it worked out fine. My DS12 and I were at the front, our DD6 in a secured fastened chair in the middle next to my DW. Our guide, Mouse, had been doing this for over 20 years and this was his 1635th trip. He kept us safe down 12 sets up rapids and told us many stories about the history, geological formations, jokes and some of his adventures and rescues on the water. He was great with my DD6, letting her get down from the chair during the calm water and paddle her own boat too. The ride was from 10:30 until 2 pm and we stopped for a catered lunch along the way. Everything was way above our expectations and the ride was incredible. We saw a bald eagle and 2 bighorn sheep along the way too!
After that we came back to our resort and showered and then went to dinner at Luigi’s Italian restaurant in our resort…yum yum! Then we drove up Loveland Pass again and saw some deer again. Then we hiked up the trail and saw some great views and got great pictures. My DD6 and DS12 then hiked down to a 20 plus foot snow drift and we got pics of that too. We slept well after that hike and adventurous day!
On the Colorado River, hitting Class 1-4 rapids w/gourmet lunch half way thru. Awesome time, I recommend "Adventures in Whitewater" and guide "Mouse". RJ (RonJon) is the other and great also.
Back up on the Continental Divide, about a 20ft wall of snow the kids had fun playing on.
Thursday, July 07, 2011
Ohhh…a rainy day and we were exhausted from the weeks activities. We bummed in our room all morning, took a stroll around the resort grounds, played some pool (snooker) in the game room and swam in the heated pool for a while. Rested and relaxed by the fireplace for a few hours, then decided to pack it in. The forecast was calling for rain all day and tomorrow, so we packed it up and had a final dinner at the Wolf Steakhouse in the village. It was fantastic!
Our trip was a wet one for the 1st 3hrs, then it was a dry ride the rest of the night. We arrived home about 9:15am on Friday.
Take care,
Bfrosty and the Gang.
It all started with....Where are we going this summer? (Circa March 2011).
We found a resort in Disney's Concierge Collection named Keystone Lodge located about 844 miles West of St. Louis, MO. So we set forth, booked the room for $99DVC fee for 6 nights. This is the first time we've used points outside the normal collection.
One of those corny plywood cutout stands...you know...you just have to take a pic.
Day 1 - "The Drive", yes we drove, but typically we fly most places for vacation. So, we piled in the van and set sail about 3pm on 7/1/11. Arriving at 4am Saturday morning we checked in. Yes! Our room was ready 12hrs ahead of normal scheduled check-in. The hotel was very nice and even told us, "Yes, you could have checked-in at 1-min after midnight! (Non-Ski Season)Wow. Cool start to a great vacation.
Sub-Story - Keystone Lodge (aka River Run Village) is located 8mi. off Hwy 70, about 55mins due West of Denver, Co. The town of Dillon is right at the exit and you must drive thru it to get to Keystone. Keystone is 10min from Loveland Pass (The Continental Divide @ 11,000+ Ft in Elevation). Keystone is at about 9,000ft Above Sea Level. It's a little hard to breathe, but you get use to it.
This photo was taken along the path throughout Keystone resort. About 3mi. roundtrip
Fishing on Lake (Reservoir) Dillon for trout...didn't catch anything, but what an experience to just fish. A single day license for 17+ is $9 and a 5-day is $31.
Saturday 7/2
Checked out the “Keystone Village” and walked around the grounds. Then took a 3 ½ mile hike around the immediate area, all along the Snake River. Absolutely beautiful and the kids can’t believe the snow on the mountains off in the distance.
Came back to the room for lunch and a brief nap (still catching up from Friday night) and then we headed out to Lake Dillon. Played on the playground, walked along the shore and skipped rocks.
Then drove up to Frisco and walked along Main Street with tons of shops and restaurants. Lots of people have dogs in this very “dog friendly place”. We then ate dinner at the Boatyard…which was incredible and I had a beer from the local Dam Brewery (Sweet George’s Brown Ale)…yum! Caramel flavor to it. Then we went back to our condo at Keystone (River Run) for the 9 PM fireworks show.
On the rocky beach on Lake Dillon (6mi west of keystone resort) The water was 32F. No swimming.
Sunday 7/3
Went to 10 AM mass at Our Lady of Peace in Dillon. The church was packed with ½ of the people standing outside (fortunately we got their 15 minutes early). They are building a new church in Silverthorne and breaking ground next week….this is right by RiverRun.
Then we came back to our room and I had made a 12:30 reservation for Snow Tubing upon the Keystone Mountain. We took the 15 minute gondola ride up to the summit and then saw that above that treeline, the gondola goes twice as high and far to the peak of the mountain. At the top we grabbed our tubes and began the first of about 10 trips down the mountain in our inner tubes. We went single, double, triple and all four of us! Incredible fun and then you take the covered escalator up to do it again and again!
Myself and the misses awaiting our trip down the mountain...just like when you were a kid, except this hill has a fancy escalator to haul you back up the hill.
Kids getting ready to go down. The best is when all 4 of us went at once. You get more speed. In the Winter, the guide told us they have 5-6 lanes open. There were just two left in July. They scoop it up and push it together as it melts.
Then we came back for lunch and chilled out a bit. Then off to the Silverthorne Outlet mall…yippee! What a deal at the Columbia stores…fantastic! Lots of fun.
Then we ate dinner at the Dam Brewery. Our DD6 had mac n cheese, DS12 had pulled pork (of course…same thing he has had for the last three dinners …ribs or pulled pork) and myself and DW split the “Pilsner chicken” and a sampling of all 8 beer varieties. Just forget about the to-go cup unless someone asks.
We parked and walked through the underground tunnel over to the Lakeside shops area, which was the other side of Keystone. Our DD6 got some treats at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and we got our Swedish fish too. Then, came back to the room and my DS12 and I watched movies and my DW took our DD6 swimming in the heated Dakota pool, just a short walk through Keystone village…lots of fun. Then back, showers and time for bed. Just two days into our trip and what an adventure already!
Monday, July 4th (Happy Independence Day!!!!)
We drove up to Loveland Pass (about 9 miles from our resort) this morning. It was absolutely gorgeous! On the way up we drove past the Arapahoe Ski Resort and saw folks skiing and snowboarding down the mountain. As we went higher and higher we could still see them, getting smaller and smaller. We got out towards the top and walked around a bit too. I got some great pictures with my camera of the kids playing in the snow on the 4th of July in shorts! We headed down to Lakeside (near our resort) on bought fishing licenses and then headed over to Silvermill to get some Blue Bell ice cream at that Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory…yum yum! We went down to the inlet of Lake Dillon to fish…it was beautiful. Our DD6 had more fun jumping on rocks and playing with sticks than anything. Then we tried our luck at fishing in the beaver ponds and a bit in the Snake River too. The water is fast moving due to the heavy snow of late. Then back to our room to eat dinner before heading out to the fireworks show at Lakeside at 9 PM. It looked like clouds were going to roll in over the mountains but we stayed dry. The shuttle from our Keystone resort to Lakeside reminded us a little of our Disney trips with the shuttles too. The fireworks were awesome!
We are atop the Great Continental Divide. We are standing on the west (that snow melt will make its way to the Pacific ocean and to the left of that trail the snow melt will eventually reach the Atlantic or Gulf.
Another shot with the misses and dd6.
A couple of deer right by the roadside. We pulled off and watched them for about 10min.
Behind us on the way up to The Continental Divide is the Arapahoe Basin. Yes, people were skiing on the 4th of July. One of the last places that had enough snow to ski.
Yes, making snowballs on the 4th of July at 11,000Ft plus.
Tuesday, July 05, 2011
Today we are all set to head up to a 10 AM trail ride at Breckenridge Stables. Just about 9 miles away from our resort and our DD6 can ride her own horse (unlike many stables who won’t do this unless the child is 9 or 10). The ride was 1 ½ hours on Peaks 9 and 10 of Breckenridge.
My DD6 rode on Roxie and followed the guide Alexa who rode on Snickers. My DW was right behind on Jessie and my DS12 was in front of me on Dakota. I behind him on Hawaii who is a “movie star” and was featured along with another horse from this stable named Kansas in the moving “Cowboys and Aliens” coming out on July 29th. The wranglers told me that “Harrison Ford” rode on Hawaii in the movie. Wow! I got to ride on a celebrity horse.
The ride was beautiful with views all around and we even went through narrow parts of the river. We all loved it!
On the trail, just beautiful scenery and weather. I highly recommend Breck Stables in Breckenridge, Co. One of the few the allow 2yrs Up to ride a horse. Over 6 and they get their own horse, but is lead by the trail guide. Ask for Alexis!
"Hawaii, one of two horses, that were on loan for the upcoming movie "Cowboys & Aliens". The trail guide told me that Harrison Ford rode this horse in the film. I'm going to have to get it on BluRay when it comes out!
Then we went to Breckenridge and took the Gondola up to the Fun Park and got tickets to ride the Golden Alpine Coaster which was like a private car roller coaster down the mountain. It was worth the wait…fun fun fun!
Then we road the Gondola back down and headed back through Frisco and ate lunch at the Boatyard. Then it began to rain to we headed back to our resort. I took to the kids to play pool at our resort for a while and we just chilled out that night.
In Breckenridge, on the new Gold Coast Runner. A 2500ft roller-coaster ride using this one car. It pulls you to the top and you coast down. I didn't use my brake at all.
Wednesday, July 6
Today we went on our planned Colorado River White Water rafting trip up in Kremmling. It was a 45 min. drive north of Keystone up the highway and a very scenic view along the way. We loaded up and took a van with the rafting company down to our put in spot in the river.
Though we had two other families along, we got to ride in a raft just the four of us and the guide master for our trip (made that request with the RSVP). So we got the raft with all the supplies, but it worked out fine. My DS12 and I were at the front, our DD6 in a secured fastened chair in the middle next to my DW. Our guide, Mouse, had been doing this for over 20 years and this was his 1635th trip. He kept us safe down 12 sets up rapids and told us many stories about the history, geological formations, jokes and some of his adventures and rescues on the water. He was great with my DD6, letting her get down from the chair during the calm water and paddle her own boat too. The ride was from 10:30 until 2 pm and we stopped for a catered lunch along the way. Everything was way above our expectations and the ride was incredible. We saw a bald eagle and 2 bighorn sheep along the way too!
After that we came back to our resort and showered and then went to dinner at Luigi’s Italian restaurant in our resort…yum yum! Then we drove up Loveland Pass again and saw some deer again. Then we hiked up the trail and saw some great views and got great pictures. My DD6 and DS12 then hiked down to a 20 plus foot snow drift and we got pics of that too. We slept well after that hike and adventurous day!
On the Colorado River, hitting Class 1-4 rapids w/gourmet lunch half way thru. Awesome time, I recommend "Adventures in Whitewater" and guide "Mouse". RJ (RonJon) is the other and great also.
Back up on the Continental Divide, about a 20ft wall of snow the kids had fun playing on.
Thursday, July 07, 2011
Ohhh…a rainy day and we were exhausted from the weeks activities. We bummed in our room all morning, took a stroll around the resort grounds, played some pool (snooker) in the game room and swam in the heated pool for a while. Rested and relaxed by the fireplace for a few hours, then decided to pack it in. The forecast was calling for rain all day and tomorrow, so we packed it up and had a final dinner at the Wolf Steakhouse in the village. It was fantastic!
Our trip was a wet one for the 1st 3hrs, then it was a dry ride the rest of the night. We arrived home about 9:15am on Friday.
Take care,
Bfrosty and the Gang.
Bill
