Summer at Kirkwood Mountain Resort
While Kirkwood is well known for its winter sports like alpine skiing, snowboarding, and cross country skiing, the resort area has much to offer in the summers as well. Centrally located on Carson Pass, Kirkwood Meadows makes the perfect base from which to explore the surrounding areas like Silver and Caples Lake, Hope Valley, and Blue Lakes.
Lodging is plentiful in Kirkwood Meadows in late spring, summer, and fall. For an overview of accommodations, see Kirkwood Lodging.
For information about Winter at Kirkwood, see Kirkwood Mountain Ski Resort.
Red Cliffs Lodge - Summer Headquarters
In past summers, Red Cliffs' Summer HQ has served as the base for summer activities at Kirkwood, including hiking, DiscWorld, zip lines, climbing walls, and mountain biking. The Summer HQ has been open from 4th of July weekend through Labor Day weekend from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. (209) 258-7210
As events at Kirkwood evolve over the years, some activities described below may no longer be offered or have been modified. It is always wise to call Kirkwood before making your plans.
Kirkwood Summer Attractions
Mountain Biking
On summer weekends Kirkwood Ski Resort opens miles of alpine trails, along with chairlifts 1 and 2, to mountain bikers. The season opens in early July and continues on weekends through August. There are routes appropriate for beginners through advanced riders.
Chairlift Rides
By taking advantage of Kirkwood's chairlifts, hikers can launch themselves onto high mountain trails and avoid the arduous uphill trek. The lifts operate on Thursday through Sunday from early July through Labor Day, 10 AM to 4 PM. Visit the Summer HQ for hiking guides and trail recommendations. Supplies can be purchased at the General Store. Lift ticket prices: about $TBA (children 5 and under free).
Free Disc Golf
Kirkwood's 18-hole disc golf course is thought to be one of the West Coast's most challenging courses. All but three of the holes have significant elevation changes, one of them a staggering 1,400 feet. DiscWood is located on the mountainside above Timber Creek. Play at DiscWood is free. You can get up a scorecard from the General Store or Kirkwood Mountain Sports Bike Shop and enjoy an afternoon exploring the mountainside. Discs and other essentials are available at the General Store.
Summer Events at Kirkwood
For the most up-to-date information about Kirkwood's summer activities, visit their Events Calendar
Kirkwood Summer Festival - July TBA, 2024
Festivities include a volunteer Fire Department BBQ, beer and wine tasting, auction, live music and more.
Kirkwood Summer Festival
Kirkwood Wildflower Hikes
summer
Where to go to enjoy the best displays of wildflowers around Kirkwood.
Wildflowers around Kirkwood