By: Meg Atteberry
A far cry from the tourist-packed streets of nearby Breckenridge, Frisco is a multi-sport adventurer’s paradise. A favorite weekend getaway among Colorado locals, thanks to the ample recreational opportunities and stunning views of both lakes and high peaks, Frisco is a must-visit on your mountain town bucket list.
How to Get to Frisco
Located along the famous I-70 mountain corridor, you can reach the charming town of Frisco with just a one hour and 20-minute drive from Denver. Take the Frisco exit for Main Street, then kiss your car goodbye for the weekend. One of the most wonderful perks of setting up a basecamp in this mountain town is that you won’t need your car. With ample paved biking trails and a reliable bus system, you can get everywhere you need to go by bus, bike, or foot.
Where to Stay
Since Frisco is built for outdoor recreation, you really can’t go wrong with places to stay. The Hotel Frisco offers up cute mountain accommodation right on Main Street so you can easily bike to the single track and walk to the brewery. Rooms vary from a top-level apartment (perfect if you’re traveling with a furry friend) or a simple double room for two. If you’d prefer to sleep on the dirt, then book a few nights at the Peak One Campground. Complete with incredible waterfront views of the Dillon Reservoir and premier access to biking trails and frisbee golf, Peak One brings you the best of mountain camping.
What to Do
You’ll never be bored in and around Frisco. It’s not uncommon to bike to a hiking trail, lock up your wheels, go for a leisurely hike and see people paragliding in the distance. This multi-sport adventure town caters to every type of adventurer, which is what keeps local Coloradans coming back again and again. The best part? You won’t have to contend with the crowded streets and overly touristy atmosphere of nearby Breckenridge. Frisco is the slice of mountain paradise you dream about. Here’s a look at a few must-do activities in Frisco. Frisco’s Best Hikes If there’s one thing you can’t miss in Frisco, it’s the wide array of hikes! Catering to every kind of mountain hiker, there are plenty of trails to get excited about. All the trails in the area are pup-friendly, so don’t forget your dog! Here are a few local favorites:
- Rainbow Lake Trail: 1.5 miles, 150 feet of gain, easy. A calming alpine lake at the base of Peak One, perfect for small children and newbie hikers.
- Lily Pad Lake via Meadow Creek: 3.1 miles, 745 feet of gain, moderate. A moderate challenge to an alpine lake with views overlooking the Dillon Reservoir along the way.
- Peak One: 7.2 miles with 3,645 feet of gain. Very challenging. A big, rewarding view atop Peak One (12,805 feet) overlooking Frisco and the Tenmile Range. More beautiful and far less crowded than nearby Mount Quandary.
Paddle the Water
The Dillon Reservoir is a huge municipal reservoir that encompasses the towns of Frisco and Dillon. With over 50 miles of paved biking trails, countless beaches (swimming isn’t allowed since this is a freshwater source), and ample recreation options, paddling the water is a must-do when visiting Frisco. Pick up your SUP or kayak (rentals available at the Frisco Bay Marina) and paddle along the 27 miles of tranquil coastline as you take in stunning views of the Tenmile Range. Pack a picnic and post up at one of the beaches along the Frisco Peninsula. Relax in the sand as you enjoy picture-perfect mountain views reflecting on the water.
Biking the Peninsula
For you MTB single-track lovers out there, why not hit up exciting trails with a view? The Frisco Peninsula offers up several waterside mountain bike trails catering to all abilities. The 6-mile Lakeshore Loop Perimeter Trail is perfect for the beginner or for those who want to soak in all of the views. These trails tend to melt out by spring, making it one of the first trails in the area to be snow-free. Don’t forget to visit in July when the wildflowers are in full bloom for a colorful ride that showcases the most beautiful landscapes in Frisco. Psst... Rent your bike at Rebel Sports right on Main Street.
Other Activities
Want even more adventures for your weekend in Frisco? There are a wide variety of fun-filled ways to explore this charming mountain town. Other things to do nearby include:
- Catch the sunset at Sapphire Point.
- Road bike the perimeter of the Dillon Reservoir or challenge yourself with a ride to the top of Vail Pass.
- Relax at the Frisco Bay Marina and soak in the views along the sandy beach (a certified clean marina).
- Hire a guide and rock climb the Royal Flush to the top of Mount Royal.
- Rent a pontoon boat and go for a sunset cruise on the Dillon Reservoir.
- Explore the town of Frisco. Don’t forget to stop at the Gatherhouse and learn how to blow glass. Then cool down with some ice cream at Foote’s Rest Sweet Shoppe.
Where to Eat
All of these outdoor activities have you hungry? I know our mouths are watering for some post-hike noshing. Choose from dog-friendly patio brewhouses to delectable fine dining and everything in between.
- Ein Prosit Fine Beers and Sausages. Skip the Crowds in Estes Park and Explore Nederland, Colorado Instead. Enjoy local, German-inspired brews and top-of-the-line sausages right in the center of town. Located in the heart of Main Street with a dog-friendly patio.
- 5th Avenue Grille. Fine dining that features delicious surf and turf, perfect for date night.
- Bread + Salt. The breakfast and brunch hot spot featuring fresh favorites prepared with a twist. Healthy, fresh eats that will fuel you up for the day ahead without being heavy.
- Rocky Mountain Coffee Roasters. This homegrown roaster has been pouring the perfect cup of coffee for 16 years. Perfect for a cuppa before you hit the trails.
Frisco, Colorado, certainly delivers outdoor adventure in a stunning setting. The crowd-free trails and epic lakeside beauty make this an ideal spot to spend the weekend in Colorado if you’re looking to get a real taste of the Rocky Mountains.
About the Author: Meg Atteberry
Meg ditched the 9-5 world as an architect in pursuit of adventure. Now a freelance writer for the outdoor industry, she’s made it her life’s work to inspire others to say “yes” to adventure. From the remote wilderness areas of Colorado, to exploring a foreign country, Meg specializes in off-beat destinations for the intrepid soul. You can find her in the backcountry searching for the perfect camp spot in her home of Colorado.
