Summit County Locals' Guide: Where We Actually Eat, Hike, and Hang Out

We've lived in Summit County for years. We know where tourists go and where locals go. They're not always the same places.

Tourists pack Main Street Breckenridge and wait in line for mediocre food. Locals know the hidden gems, the trails without crowds, and the restaurants worth the drive.

Here's our guide to Summit County. These are the places we actually visit, not the spots that show up on every generic travel blog.

Restaurants and Dining

Sauce on the Blue (Silverthorne)This is our go-to for Italian. The pasta is house-made, the wine list is solid, and the atmosphere is casual without being loud. It's tucked away in Silverthorne, so it doesn't get the tourist traffic that Breckenridge restaurants do. Locals know it. Visitors miss it. - Pro Tip - There's also a Sauce in Copper Mountain! Tell Silas that Lark Mountain sent you!

Umi Sushi & Grill (Frisco)Best sushi in Summit County. Fresh fish, creative rolls, and a full menu beyond sushi if someone in your group isn't a fan. The restaurant is small, so reservations help, especially on weekends.

Vinny's Euro American (Frisco)Casual spot with great burgers, sandwiches, and comfort food. Nothing fancy, just solid food and a laid-back vibe. It's where locals eat when they don't want to cook but don't want to spend $50 per person either.

Pug Ryan's Steakhouse & Brewery (Dillon)Overlooking Dillon Reservoir with views of the mountains. The beer is brewed on-site and the steaks are excellent. It's a step up from casual dining but not pretentious. Good for a nice dinner without the Vail or Breck price tags.

Treeline Kitchen (Frisco)Farm-to-table menu with rotating seasonal dishes. The food is creative and fresh. It's pricier than some Frisco spots, but the quality matches the cost. Locals go here for special occasions or when out-of-town guests visit.

Columbine Cafe (Breckenridge)Breakfast spot that locals actually use. It's off Main Street, so tourists walk past it. The portions are huge, the prices are reasonable, and the wait times are shorter than the Main Street breakfast joints.

Butterhorn Bakery & Cafe (Frisco)Best bakery in Summit County. Fresh pastries, excellent coffee, and breakfast sandwiches that are worth the trip. Get there early on weekends because the good stuff sells out.

Bakers' Brewery (Silverthorne)Solid craft beer and pub food. The atmosphere is relaxed and locals pack the place on weeknights. It's not trying to be fancy, just a good neighborhood brewery.

Angry James Brewery (Silverthorne)Another local brewery with rotating taps and a fun vibe. The beer is creative and the food menu is better than most breweries. Try the loaded tots.

Blue Spruce Brewing (Breckenridge)If you're in Breck and want to avoid the Main Street crowds, Blue Spruce is off Airport Road and worth the detour. Good beer, laid-back atmosphere, and a patio with mountain views.

Coffee Shops

Wilderness Coffee Co. (Frisco)Locals' coffee spot. Better espresso than Starbucks, friendlier service, and a cozy atmosphere. It's where you'll see the same faces every morning because everyone who lives here goes there.

The Crown (Breckenridge)Off Main Street in a quieter part of town. Great coffee, pastries, and a relaxed vibe. Tourists rarely find it, which is why locals love it.

Hiking Trails

Lily Pad Lake TrailEasy 2-mile round trip hike near Copper Mountain. The trail is family-friendly, mostly flat, and leads to a beautiful alpine lake surrounded by wildflowers in summer. It's popular but not overcrowded. Go early in the morning for the best experience.

Mayflower GulchOne of the most scenic hikes in Summit County. The trailhead is between Copper Mountain and Leadville on Highway 91. The trail climbs through an old mining area with wildflowers, alpine lakes, and ruins of historic cabins. It's moderately challenging but worth every step.

Quandary PeakSummit County's most popular 14er. The trailhead is near Breckenridge and the hike is about 6.5 miles round trip with 3,500 feet of elevation gain. It's challenging but non-technical. Start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms and crowds. The views from the summit are incredible.

Officer's GulchShort, easy trail just off I-70 between Frisco and Copper Mountain. It's only a couple miles round trip and offers great views without much effort. Good for families or anyone looking for a quick walk without committing to a full-day hike.

Sapphire Point OverlookMore of a walk than a hike, but the views of Dillon Reservoir and the surrounding mountains are stunning. The trail is paved and accessible, making it perfect for all ages. It's a popular spot for photos, especially at sunset.

McCullough GulchModerate hike near Breckenridge that leads to waterfalls and alpine lakes. The trail is about 5 miles round trip with steady elevation gain. Wildflowers bloom in July and August. Fewer crowds than Quandary but just as scenic.

Mohawk LakesAdvanced hike near Breckenridge that climbs to high alpine lakes surrounded by 13,000-foot peaks. The trail is steep and rocky but rewards you with some of the best views in Summit County. Bring layers because the weather changes fast at this elevation.

Mountain Biking

Peaks Trail (Frisco to Breckenridge)Iconic Summit County mountain bike trail that connects Frisco to Breckenridge. The trail is about 11 miles one-way with moderate climbs and fast descents. It's well-maintained and offers stunning views of the Tenmile Range.

Colorado Trail (Copper Mountain to Camp Hale)Section of the Colorado Trail that starts near Copper Mountain. The trail is moderately difficult with technical sections and climbs. You can ride as far as you want and turn around, or shuttle and ride one-way.

Vail Pass Bike PathPaved bike path that runs from Frisco to Vail along I-70. It's about 19 miles one-way with gradual climbs and beautiful scenery. Good for road bikes or gravel bikes. You can shuttle one way and ride back, or ride out and back from either end.

Frisco Peninsula LoopEasy, family-friendly paved loop around the Frisco Peninsula on Dillon Reservoir. The trail is flat, scenic, and perfect for casual riders or kids. You can rent bikes in Frisco and ride straight from town.

B&B Trail (Breckenridge)Intermediate singletrack trail near Breckenridge with fun descents and technical sections. It's a local favorite for after-work rides and offers a good mix of climbing and downhill.

Water Activities

Dillon ReservoirThe centerpiece of Summit County. You can kayak, paddleboard, sail, or fish. The Frisco Bay Marina rents kayaks, paddleboards, and boats. The water is cold even in summer, so bring layers. The views are incredible from the water.

Blue River (Silverthorne)Excellent fly fishing for trout. The river runs through Silverthorne and offers easy access from town. You'll see locals fishing here year-round. If you're new to fly fishing, hire a guide from one of the local shops.

Green Mountain ReservoirAbout 30 minutes north of Silverthorne. Larger and less crowded than Dillon Reservoir. Good for boating, fishing, and paddleboarding. The reservoir sits in a wide valley with stunning mountain views.

Shopping

Outlets at SilverthorneBest place to buy outdoor gear without paying resort prices. Nike, Columbia, North Face, Patagonia, and more. Locals shop here for ski gear, hiking boots, and everyday clothes. Prices are lower than Breckenridge shops and the selection is better.

Wilderness Sports (Frisco)Local outdoor shop with knowledgeable staff. They sell and rent gear for skiing, hiking, biking, and camping. Support local instead of the big chains.

Summit Cove Liquor (Dillon)Best liquor selection in Summit County. If you're cooking in your rental and want good wine or craft beer, this is where locals shop. Prices are better than resort shops and the staff knows their inventory.

Frisco Farmers Market (Summer)Saturday mornings in Frisco from June through September. Fresh produce, baked goods, local honey, and crafts. It's small but worth visiting if you're in town on a weekend.

Things to Do Beyond Skiing

Frisco Adventure ParkTubing hill in Frisco that's open in winter. It's cheaper and less crowded than resort tubing. Good for families with kids or anyone who wants to slide down a hill without skiing.

Copper Creek Golf CourseOne of the highest elevation golf courses in North America. The course sits at the base of Copper Mountain with stunning views. It's challenging because of the altitude, but the scenery makes it worth playing.

Breckenridge Nordic CenterCross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails near Breckenridge. The trails are groomed and offer options for all ability levels. Rentals are available on-site. It's quieter than downhill skiing and gives you a different mountain experience.

Ice Castles (Dillon, Winter)Massive ice sculptures built each winter on the shore of Dillon Reservoir. It's a unique experience with tunnels, slides, and LED lights. Locals take out-of-town guests here because it's unlike anything else in the area.

Frisco Historic ParkSmall historical park in Frisco with restored buildings from Summit County's mining era. It's free to walk around and offers a glimpse into the area's history. Good for a quick visit if you're interested in local culture.

Dillon AmphitheaterOutdoor concert venue on the shore of Dillon Reservoir. Summer concerts feature local and touring bands. Bring a blanket, pack a picnic, and enjoy live music with mountain views.

Peak One Neighborhood Trail System (Frisco)Network of hiking and biking trails near Frisco. The trails connect neighborhoods and offer easy access from town. Good for evening walks, trail runs, or casual bike rides.

Bars and Nightlife

Backcountry Brewery (Frisco)Local brewery with a rotating selection of beers and a lively atmosphere. It's where locals hang out after work or on weekends. The patio is great in summer.

5th Avenue Grill (Frisco)Bar and restaurant with a solid happy hour and late-night menu. Locals pack the bar on weeknights. It's not fancy, just a neighborhood spot with good drinks and food.

The Moose Jaw (Breckenridge)Locals' bar in Breckenridge. It's off Main Street and has a no-frills vibe. Pool tables, darts, cheap drinks, and a crowd that's mostly people who live here. If you want to avoid the tourist bars on Main Street, this is where you go.

Ollie's Pub & Grub (Silverthorne)Dive bar with cheap drinks, bar food, and live music on weekends. It's not glamorous, but it's authentic. Locals love it because it feels like a real neighborhood bar, not a resort establishment.

Where Locals Grocery Shop

City Market (Dillon)Best full-service grocery store in Summit County. Locals shop here for weekly groceries. Prices are lower than Whole Foods or resort markets. The Frisco and Silverthorne locations are both good.

Safeway (Frisco)Alternative to City Market with similar prices and selection. Some people prefer Safeway's layout or loyalty program. Either way, it's where locals buy groceries, not at overpriced resort shops.

Whole Foods (Frisco)If you want organic or specialty items, Whole Foods in Frisco has them. Prices are higher but the selection is better for specific dietary needs. Locals shop here for certain items but do their main shopping at City Market or Safeway.

Why This Matters

Tourists follow travel blogs and end up in the same crowded spots. Locals know where to go for better food, fewer crowds, and authentic experiences.

If you're visiting Summit County, skip the generic recommendations and try the places we actually use. You'll eat better, spend less, and see parts of the area most visitors miss.

If you're staying in one of our rentals, we'll send you our full locals' guide with even more recommendations based on what you're interested in. We want you to experience Summit County the way we do.

Browse our available properties at larkmountain.com and reach out if you want insider tips for your trip. We're happy to share.