About Summit County, Colorado
Nestled high in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, Summit County is a vibrant mountain community just 60 miles west of Denver, spanning over 600 square miles of breathtaking alpine terrain. Home to the towns of Breckenridge, Frisco, Dillon, Silverthorne, Blue River, and Montezuma—as well as the resort areas of Keystone, Copper Mountain, Heeney, Mesa Cortina, and Wildernest—Summit County offers a unique blend of small-town charm and world-class recreation.
Founded in 1861 during Colorado’s gold and silver rush era, Summit County has a rich history rooted in mining, mountain exploration, and rugged frontier spirit. Over the decades, it has transformed from a bustling mining hub into one of Colorado’s premier outdoor destinations—while maintaining the charm and character of its early days.
Roughly 80% of the county is made up of public lands, including parts of the White River National Forest and the Eagles Nest and Ptarmigan Peak Wilderness Areas. From the shimmering Dillon and Green Mountain Reservoirs to iconic mountain ranges like the Gore and Tenmile, outdoor beauty surrounds you in every direction. Summit County is also home to the Blue River, Snake River, and Tenmile Creek—ideal for fishing, rafting, and kayaking.
With elevations ranging from just under 8,000 feet to peaks above 14,000 feet, Summit County boasts four world-renowned ski resorts—Arapahoe Basin, Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, and Keystone—alongside endless year-round outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, snowshoeing, horseback riding, and more. Free public transportation is available through the Summit Stage, connecting communities and serving over 1.75 million riders annually.
Summit County also offers exceptional educational opportunities, including six neighborhood elementary schools, Summit Middle School, Summit High School, Snowy Peaks High School, and the private Peak School. Colorado Mountain College further enhances the area’s academic landscape, with campuses in both Breckenridge and Dillon.
