• By Kim Grant

Set amidst the Rocky Mountains, Copper Mountain offers tons of adrenaline-producing summer activities — for all levels and abilities. This itinerary focuses on mountain biking and zip lining (with an alpine roller coaster thrown in for good measure). The rugged trails, steep descents, and stunning vistas will challenge and inspire cyclists. Following that, get a bird’s-eye view of one or two different zip lines.

Balance adventure with local cuisine (mostly in Frisco, about 10 minutes away) to replenish your energy. Accommodations are mostly condos and townhouses, with amenities for chilling and recuperating. Whether you’re a seasoned adventure-seeker or dipping your toes into new waters, this Copper Mountain itinerary drops you into the heart of Colorado‘s mountainous playground.

Copper Mountain Yoga, Copper Road, Frisco, CO, USA

Butterhorn Bakery & Cafe, Main Street, Frisco, CO, USA

Mountain Dweller Coffee Bar & Roastery, Lusher Court, Frisco, CO, USA

Bird Craft, Lusher Court, Frisco, CO, USA

Outer Range Brewing Company, Lusher Court, Frisco, CO, USA

The Lost Cajun, Main Street, Frisco, CO, USA

Rocky Mountain Coaster at Copper, Copper Circle, Frisco, CO, USA

Top of the Rockies Zip Line, Colorado 91, Leadville, CO, USA

Tavern West, West Main Street, Frisco, CO, USA

The Uptown On Main, Main Street, Frisco, CO, USA

Copper Mountain Resort - Center Village, Copper Road, Frisco, CO, USA

Copper Mountain Resort East Village, Wheeler Place, Frisco, CO, USA

Sugar Lips Mini Donuts, 10 Mile Circle, Frisco, CO, USA

Peppino's Pizza & Subs, Main Street, Frisco, CO, USA

Before Breakfast in Breckenridge, Keystone & Copper

Yoga

Kickstart your day with a Kundalini or Vinyasa yoga session at Copper Mountain Yoga, Copper’s only year-round yoga offerings. During the summer (mid-June to mid-September) it’s free on Saturdays and Sundays at Jack’s Lawn, Center Village. Check the schedule for classes weekday classes (except Wednesday). Classes cater to all levels. Stretch and breathe in the crisp mountain air. The combo of nature and mindfulness offers an ideal balance for the rest of the day.

Best Places for Breakfast in Breckenridge, Keystone & Copper

Butterhorn Bakery

The homey Butterhorn Bakery & Cafe in Frisco is a beloved local institution, serving up an enticing range of breakfast dishes and baked goods since 1975. (Lunch is primo too.) I always seem to get a fruit smoothie and the ‘Butterhorn Breakfast Sandwich,’ with fluffy eggs, sharp cheddar, and bacon, sausage, or ham on a freshly baked croissant.

Mountain Dweller Coffee Roaster

Mountain Dweller Coffee Roasters, a vibrant coffee shop tucked away in Frisco, has a relaxed, modern vibe. They’re renowned for their artisanal coffee, sourced from the best coffee-growing regions worldwide and roasted on-site. Pair a cup with a hearty, nutritious breakfast bowls or pastry. The ‘Avocado Toast’ sprinkled with goat cheese and pepitas is highly recommended.

Best Things To Do in the Morning in Breckenridge, Keystone & Copper

Mountain Biking

Copper Mountain’s expansive network of trails makes it a paradise for mountain bikers. Whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate rider, there are trails for your name on them. Navigate through lush forests, across streams, and over rolling hills on a rented bike (or your own). The trails vary in length, too, so choose according to your comfort and fitness levels. The 2023 Bike Haul is via the Woodward Express (West Village). Check out a few specific trails here.

Best Places for Lunch in Breckenridge, Keystone & Copper

Bird Craft / Outer Range

Bird Craft in Frisco offers a fresh take on classic comfort food. Their specialty is gourmet chicken dishes, both fried and rotisserie style. Try the ‘Bird Craft Sandwich,’ featuring their signature fried chicken, house pickles, and chipotle mayo.

The lunch menu at mountain-inspired Outer Range Brewing Co. in Frisco features creative and satisfying dishes. Pair one of their acclaimed craft beers with a ‘Pork Belly Banh Mi’ or a ‘Veggie Grain Bowl.’ This is a warm and inviting place to hang out.

The Lost Cajun

For a taste of Southern comfort and Louisiana-inspired cuisine in the heart of Colorado, visit The Lost Cajun in Frisco. Dive into a bowl of their gumbo or enjoy a hearty ‘Cajun Combo’ to sample their most popular dishes. The ‘Crawfish Étouffée,’ smothered in a rich, savory sauce, is a fan fave. It’s a casual, laid-back place.

Best Things To Do in the Afternoon in Breckenridge, Keystone & Copper

Zip Line & Roller Coaster

After lunch, you have a choice of zip lines. In Center Village, you can fly 30 feet in the air for a distance of 300 feet over the town lake. It’s a great intro for all ages. If you are here with the family, also check out the quad power jump, climbing wall, and paddle boats. Or … head to Top of the Rockies zip line, about 15 minutes from Copper in Leadville, with six lines. It’s the only place in the world, they say, that you can zip over a moving train. Winter zip-lining? Yessiree, in adjacent Breckenridge.

Or grab a seat on the alpine Rocky Mountain Coaster which cruises through the forest year-round. At s 5,800 feet long, it’s one of the longest in North America and reaches speeds of up to 25 mph.

Best Places for Dinner in Breckenridge, Keystone & Copper

Tavern West

End with a delightful dinner at Tavern West, a popular and stylish dining spot in Frisco. This upscale eatery boasts a sophisticated menu, featuring traditional and innovative dishes along with exceptional service. Try their elk medallions for a unique taste of Colorado, or savor the pan seared sea scallops for a lighter yet equally satisfying option. I like the combo of rustic charm and modern elegance.

The Uptown on Main

The Uptown on Main in Frisco offers an eclectic menu that combines global influences with Colorado’s finest ingredients. Their mountain paella — brimming with local game, saffron rice, and vegetables — is a signature dish that embodies that fusion approach. The interior is contemporary, with stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. The wine list is diverse and the service attentive. Save room for dessert, perhaps Rocky Mountain chocolate fondue?

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Best Places to Stay in Breckenridge, Keystone & Copper

Copper Mountain Resort

There are more than 300 condos and hotels at Copper, with quintessential mountain lodging. All are comfortably furnished and have great mountain views. Most have hot tubs, fitness centers, and convenient access to mountain activities.

Center Village is, well, in the center of things. It has lots of dining and shopping choices plus, it’s the primary place for events. It takes about two or three minutes to walk to the American Eagle and American Flyer lifts. West Village, more tranquil, is home to the Ski & Ride School and offers easy access to beginner terrain. East Village has condos and upscale private homes, easy access to advanced and intermediate terrain, a high-speed chairlift, and Tubing Hill.

After Dark in Breckenridge, Keystone & Copper

Special Events

Check out the events calendar for Copper, with loads of fun activities: a popup backcountry brew pub, a series of free concerts, mountain-inspired mixology, ales and astronomy, and the ocassional mountainside movie. When are you going? Plan around these monthly calendars: June, July, August, or September. Every Friday through Sunday you’ll find live music, yoga, campfire singalongs, and guided hikes.

Bonus Pro Tips

Need a sugar rush? Head to Sugar Lips Mini Donuts, Center Village, Copper Mountain (between 8 or 9 am and 5 or 6 pm) for *amazing* donuts.

In the mood for pizza? You can’t beat Peppino’s in Frisco, with crispy crusts and super-friendly service. The wings are primo too! It’s great for takeout, but the old-school vibe doesn’t disappoint either.

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