Forget Florida, Retire To Colorado's Scenic Escape With A Vibrant Culture, Craft Brews, And Mountain Trails

Located 73 miles west of Denver on I-70 is a county that attracts travelers and retirees aplenty thanks to its pristine hiking trails, scenic small towns, and delightful local arts and culture. Summit County, Colorado, is estimated to be home to about 31,000 people, 15.8% of whom are over the age of 65, according to data from the U.S. Census. In it is the scenic town of Breckenridge, an artsy area and well-renowned skiing hotspot. Of course, Breckenridge isn't the only small town in Summit County that makes it worth experiencing; other jewels include the towns of Frisco, Dillon, and Silverthorne. 

Summit County as a whole is a wonderful destination, whether you're staying for a season or a lifetime, especially for retirees — it even made our list of the best mountain areas where life expectancy is the highest in the nation. From its vibrant arts and festivals scene to world-class breweries and breathtaking hiking trails, it's well worth exploring Summit County and all it has to offer. Summers are mild and pleasant, while winters are quite cold, albeit exciting, thanks to endless outdoor opportunities that never hibernate.  

If you plan on visiting or moving to Summit County, we have one important note: elevation here varies wildly from place to place. At its lowest, it's 7,974 feet above sea level (via Summit County). At its highest, it's an impressive 14,270 feet above sea level. Make sure that you drink plenty of water and ascend slowly; avoid elevation sickness by taking it easy and staying well-hydrated (so take it easy on the craft beer to start). There's a lot to look forward to when visiting Summit County, and you don't want to miss out for any reason — especially the preventable ones! 

Breweries offer excellent opportunities for retirees to socialize and make friends on top of tasting all the latest local sips. Summit County is home to several breweries, all scattered between Breckenridge, Frisco, Dillon, Silverthorne, and Keystone. Among these, there are a few notable standouts. The Breckenridge Brewery and Pub was one of the first craft breweries to open in the state. Established in 1990, this little gem currently boasts more than 10 varieties of craft beer. In Frisco, the Outer Range Brewing Company is home to more than twenty in-house brews on tap, and more, commanding a longer visit than "just one drink". These aren't all of your choices, of course — but they are some of the most well-known! 

No transportation, or don't want to worry about who's going to be the designated driver? No worries — utilize The Summit Stage – this free public transportation service offers easy travel in and around the county. Head to Silverthorne for the best of Summit County's unique, artsy culture. It's a scenic town situated between three mountain resorts where you can experience the Silverthorne Creative District. Catch a concert or a play at Theatre SilCo, or take a painting class at The Art Spot. Silverthorne is also a premier First Fridays town. On the first Friday of every month, food and drink vendors take to the streets, and the city hosts special events like country western dances and international celebrations.  

Back in Breckenridge, culture thrives thanks to the Breckenridge International Festival of the Arts. It's a four-day party filled with local artists, live music, immersive experiences, and more, and it's far from the only one: Summit County is host to dozens of festivals year-round. 

Summit County is excellent for culture-loving retirees, but for nature lovers, it's a worthy destination as well. It just so happens that the Colorado Trail, a 567-mile adventure that leads hikers from Denver to Durango (or vice versa), goes right through Summit County and is easily accessed from towns including Breckenridge, Silverthorne, Frisco, Dillon, and Copper Mountain. Take your pick from a number of scenic Summit County hikes, each of varying difficulties for hikers of all ages and skill levels. There are trails that are only open seasonally, and trails that are open year-round — ideal for retirees with open schedules who want to be lost in nature at a moment's notice. 

With more than 4.5 stars and 2,500 reviews on AllTrails, the Spruce Creek Trail is one of the popular options. Meander through dense forest and experience the crystal-clear water of Lower Mohawk Lake on a challenging, 6.5-mile adventure. The Sapphire Point Overlook Trail is another much-beloved staple of Summit County hikers. With impressive ratings and reviews, it leads its guests on an easy, .6-mile romp to a gorgeous view of Dillon Reservoir, Colorado's popular Rocky Mountain lake to fish and kayak. With so many hiking trails in Summit County, Colorado, it's hard to know where to begin, but these will make for an excellent jumping-off point.