Craving a Rocky Mountain escape with just the right mix of adventure and charm? Let me tell you why Frisco is one of my favorite spots in Colorado. Nestled between the peaks and perched on the edge of Dillon Reservoir, this little Summit County gem has something going on in every season. “Some towns just breathe better—and Frisco is one of them.” That thought came to me standing at the edge of Dillon Reservoir, the water sharp and blue, framed by the kind of mountains that make you forget how to talk.
Top Attractions in Frisco, CO
Dillon Reservoir
I started at the shore of Dillon Reservoir, where paddleboarders cut slow paths through still water and a breeze carried the scent of pine and sunscreen. The light off the lake was almost too much—like the sky had dropped down a few feet. I stood on a wooden dock, just watching, breathing in that high-altitude clarity. Behind me, someone’s dog barked once, then gave up. Even the animals seemed relaxed here.
Main Street Frisco
From the water, I wandered into Main Street Frisco, a stroll that could’ve taken twenty minutes but took me nearly two hours. Each shop window had something different: gear, gifts, fresh-roasted coffee, fudge. Flower boxes spilled color onto the sidewalks, and the buildings held onto their western bones—wood siding, iron details, mountain practicality dressed up for company. I stopped in a small bookstore, bought a local trail map I didn’t need, and chatted with the owner about the wind coming in from the west. She said it always does, eventually.
Step Into the Past at the Frisco Historic Park and Museum
The Frisco Historic Park and Museum sits right on Main Street, but stepping inside its picket fence feels like dropping through time. Original log cabins and wooden schoolhouses dot the yard, preserved with that particular respect mountain towns seem to give their history. I walked from one building to the next, reading placards about miners and midwives, warming stoves and the avalanche that once buried half the town. One room still smelled faintly of smoke and old paper. “They lived hard here,” I thought, and kept walking through their stories.
Sled, Bike, or Skate at the Family-Friendly Frisco Adventure Park
I looped next to Frisco Adventure Park, a wide-open space that shifts with the seasons. In summer, it’s mountain biking, disc golf, and hiking families; in winter, it becomes tubing lanes and ski lessons. I wasn’t there for adrenaline—I just wanted to watch. Kids ran with controlled chaos across the grass, laughter echoing off the nearby ridges. A biker flew down a trail and raised one hand in a wave. I returned it, despite not knowing him. It just felt like the kind of place where you do that.
Boat, Paddle, or Relax Lakeside at the Frisco Bay Marina
Frisco Bay Marina sits like a punctuation mark at the bottom of town—a place to stop, exhale, and lean on a railing for a while. Kayaks bobbed, a pontoon boat drifted back into its slip, and a couple sat quietly on the edge of the dock sharing a paper basket of fries. I walked the path by the shoreline, the scent of the lake shifting between clean and sun-warmed algae. Every now and then, a paddle dipped or a sail flapped, but mostly—there was peace.
Watch Glassblowing and Shop Handcrafted Art at Gatherhouse
I didn’t expect to find glassblowing in Frisco, but Gatherhouse turned out to be a highlight. Part gallery, part working studio, the space smelled like hot metal and something faintly citrusy from the cleaning cloths. I watched a local artist shape molten glass into a vase while answering a dozen questions without missing a beat. The air shimmered with heat near the kiln. Shelves held delicate, sea-colored tumblers and abstract sculptures that looked like frozen waterfalls. I left empty-handed but mentally rearranging my kitchen cabinets just in case.
Hike or Bike the Scenic Ten Mile Canyon National Recreation Trail
Later in the day, I picked up the Ten Mile Canyon Trail, a paved path that runs through a stunning alpine corridor between Frisco and Copper Mountain. The incline was steady but forgiving. The views, however, were not. Peaks rose like punctuation around every bend, and the scent of wild sage mixed with the coolness of shaded stone. Cyclists passed with cheerful bells, and I kept pulling off the path to let them by—each stop secretly a chance to take another photo I’d never quite capture right.
Enjoy Dinner and Sleigh Rides with a Western Twist at Two Below Zero
On the outskirts of town sits Two Below Zero, a ranch experience known for sleigh rides in winter and chuckwagon dinners in summer. I didn’t book a show or a ride—I just walked around for a bit, took in the horses, and listened to the quiet hum of wind over open pasture. Sometimes, just being near something spirited is enough. The wooden barn was warm in the sun, the fences creaked like they meant it, and I could smell leather and hay on the air. It felt like the intermission I didn’t know I needed.
North Tenmile Trail 37
I ended my outdoor loop with a few miles on North Tenmile Trail 37, a forested route that starts just off the I-70 exit but immediately folds into pine. The trail climbs gently along a rushing creek, shaded by evergreens and stitched with wildflowers. There were stretches where I didn’t see another soul for twenty minutes. Birds flitted overhead. My boots brushed loose needles with each step. I reached a small clearing, sat on a log, and let the water talk. It felt like a good note to pause the day on—even if the trail kept going.
Frisco At a Glance
- Drive Time from Denver: ~1 hour 30 minutes west
- Vibe: Mountain-town ease with just enough wild
- Highlights: Reservoir views, alpine trails, art galleries, historic cabins, glassblowing
- Best Time to Visit: Summer for lake and trails, winter for snow and sleigh rides
- Cost: Moderate; trail access is free, activities and meals mid-range
- Hours: Museum, marina, and shops generally 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; restaurants open later
- Address Base: Start on Main Street and let your boots (or bike) guide you
Best Time to Visit
You really can’t go wrong any time of year in Frisco—it just depends on what kind of trip you want. Winter (November to March) is your playground for skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. I’ve bundled up for snowshoe hikes and ended the day with hot cocoa by the fire. Summer and fall (June to October) are my go-to for lake paddling, biking the rec path, and catching live music and festivals downtown. Honestly, every visit feels a little different—and I love that.
How to Get There
- By Car: I usually drive in from Denver—it’s a beautiful ride along I-70, and Frisco’s just about 1.5 hours west. You’re also only 30 minutes from Vail, so it’s easy to explore the whole area.
- By Air: I typically fly into Denver International Airport (DEN), but Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) is another solid choice, about an hour away. Either way, the drive is scenic and well worth it.
- By Shuttle: If I’m not renting a car, I take one of the shuttles from Denver—Epic Mountain Express and Summit Express both run regularly and drop you right in town. It’s stress-free and super convenient.
Where to Stay
- Frisco Lodge – This is one of my favorite stays—right on Main Street with cozy rooms, delicious homemade breakfast, and that classic mountain B&B charm. If you love walkable, local vibes, you’ll feel right at home here.
- Alpine Inn – When I’m looking for something affordable but still modern and clean, this is my go-to. It’s close to I-70 and great for hitting the slopes or heading out on a road trip basecamp style.
- Hotel Frisco – I stayed here once on a solo trip and loved how central it was. Shops, restaurants, and trailheads are just steps away, and the vibe is boutique without being fussy.
Final Thoughts
Frisco doesn’t rush to impress—it just opens the door and lets the sky do most of the work. You get lake stillness, mountain boldness, small-town friendliness, and moments that land softer than you'd expect. I left with trail dust on my shoes and trout in my memory, and a feeling like I'd just spent the day exactly where I was supposed to be.