Keanu Alapai
Outdoors & Environment Columnist
As the Outdoors & Environment Columnist for The Summit Tribune, Keanu Alapai covers local ecology, wildlife, and outdoor recreation. His columns explore the intersection of community life and natural history, featuring profiles of local conservationists and park systems. By blending reporting on water resource management and environmental conservation, he makes complex ecological issues accessible and engaging for readers. Through his writing, Keanu aims to inspire the community to explore and preserve the region's natural spaces.
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Latest Articles
Chicago Weekend Events Beckon Summit County Residents
This weekend, a rare pop-up art installation featuring augmented reality opens in Chicago's West Loop, offering Summit County residents a unique cultural draw just a few hours away.
Aug 11, 2026 · 4 min read
Top 2 Family-Friendly Outdoor Activities in Summit County This Summer
The Frisco Adventure Park bike park offers free family fun, a stark contrast to $60 two-hour stand-up paddleboard rentals at Dillon Reservoir.
Jul 21, 2026 · 3 min read
What Are Summit County's Historic Architectural Styles?
In the heart of Summit County, a single block on Main Street can showcase a Queen Anne Victorian home built during the 1890s mining boom directly beside a 1920s Craftsman bungalow, each telling a sile
Jul 17, 2026 · 3 min read
What are Summit County's attractions and dining spots?
Summer visitor numbers in Summit County have surged over the past decade, now comprising nearly 45% of annual tourism—up from 30% twenty years ago.
Jul 10, 2026 · 3 min read
Frisco Plans 2026 Fourth of July Celebrations Despite Fire Restrictions
The Frisco Fourth of July parade is offering a $1,000 prize for the best-decorated float, a clear sign that Summit County communities are embracing creative, daytime celebrations in 2026.
Jun 29, 2026 · 2 min read
Breckenridge Backstage Theatre Names John O'Connor Director of Production
Just as the curtain prepares to rise on its summer season, the Breckenridge Backstage Theatre has appointed Breckenridge native John O'Connor as its new director of production, according to SummitDail
Jun 23, 2026 · 2 min read
Colorado mountain summers warming, increasing wildfire risk
As of June 16, 2026, every acre of Colorado is at least abnormally dry, according to Kiowa County Press .
Jun 21, 2026 · 3 min read
El Niño officially arrives, boosting Colorado's moisture forecast
Sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific's Niño 3.
Jun 21, 2026 · 3 min read
Gold Hill Trail Closes Monday for Urgent Erosion Repairs
Starting Monday, June 22, the popular 1.
Jun 21, 2026 · 2 min read
What are Summit County's geological formations and ecosystems?
The Breckenridge mining district, a small corner of Summit County, once yielded approximately $300 million worth of metals, according to the Colorado Geological Survey .
Jun 21, 2026 · 3 min read
Summit Historical Society Explores Dillon Reservoir's Submerged Past
Over 320 graves, along with the 1883 Dillon Schoolhouse, were meticulously moved from the valley floor before the waters of the Dillon Reservoir submerged the original town forever.
Jun 20, 2026 · 3 min read
Keystone Snowboarding TikTok Trail Trend Emerged
Five years ago this week, a single 15-second TikTok video featuring a previously obscure snowboarding line at Keystone Resort triggered a 250% surge in daily traffic to that specific area.
Jun 20, 2026 · 3 min read
What Are Summit County's Hidden Trails for Hiking and Biking?
Ohio isn't typically known for dramatic waterfalls, but in Summit County, the 75-foot Brandywine Falls plunges into a scenic gorge.
Jun 18, 2026 · 4 min read
Summer Activities and Events in Summit County
While Summit County's winter slopes draw millions, I often trade skis for a paddleboard on Lake Dillon, or a snowboard for a golf club at 9,600 feet.
Jun 18, 2026 · 2 min read
Your Guide to Summit County Summer Festivals
Summit County Council recently approved a $180,000 grant for Canyons Village's new 'Boundless' festival, aimed at external marketing.
Jun 16, 2026 · 4 min read
Summit County Film Commission Hosts Mixer to Boost Local Industry
On June 15, 2026, the Theatre SilCo Performing Arts Center will host an unusual gathering.
Jun 14, 2026 · 2 min read
Colorado Parks and Wildlife Kills Uncollared Wolf Linked to Sheep Attacks
Colorado has already approved over $1.
Jun 14, 2026 · 2 min read
Bennet Reveals 2026 Plan for Housing, Healthcare, and Childcare
Senator Bennet's newly unveiled platform proposes a $50 billion federal investment in affordable housing, aims to cap healthcare premiums at 8.
Jun 12, 2026 · 3 min read
Colorado fights federal orders keeping coal plants open
The Trump administration's emergency order to keep an aging coal plant in Craig, Colorado, operating is estimated to cost almost $80 million annually, despite its scheduled retirement in late 2025, ac
Jun 11, 2026 · 4 min read
Summit County to Enact Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Amid High Danger
Starting Saturday, June 6, every spark and flame in unincorporated Summit County will be under scrutiny.
Jun 10, 2026 · 2 min read