Are you traveling to Breckenridge in the summer or fall months? Looking for things to do? Then check out this post! If you are coming in the fall, keep in mind some of these things may not be operational.
HIKING
I have lots of great hikes to mention.
Hoosier Pass
Distance: There are a few trails and you can make it what you want. Sometimes I just go do a short hike, or sometimes I make it longer.
There are a couple of great hikes here including a 2.8 mile loop with fantastic mountain views.
Taking the other loop will lead you to a lake. This loop is about 3 miles. If you are thinking there is no way my kids will hike 3 miles. That is okay. You can make this hike as short as you want because in about 1/4 mile you will get to some awesome mountain views. So make the hike as little or as much as you want. Keep in mind if you are here early in the summer season you may be encountering snow still.
Blue Lakes
This is such a wonderful area. The views are amazing and you have the chance to see marmots and mountain goats!!!! The first lake is very pretty. If you hike along the south shoreline then you will get to a waterfall. This waterfall usually starts flowing pretty good in July. The hike to this small waterfall is short, only about a mile and mostly flat. Great with kids!
You can no longer drive up to the upper lake. To get there go past the gate and walk up the road. Listen for the high pitched sounds of the marmots. I have seen mountain goats at the upper lake on several occasions too. If you want to hike more here, walk across the dam. You will find a trail on the other side of the dam. This trail goes back into Monte Crisco Gulch.
Monte Crisco Gulch is absolutely amazing. Distance depends on how far back you go. I did this with my kids when they were little and we went about 1.5 miles in. Gorgeous views, not crowded and some small waterfalls.
On your way back down Blue Lakes Rd (just after the lower lake), look for a waterfall on your right. Its about a 1/4 mile down from the parking lot.
Sallie Barber Mine
Distance: about 3 miles round trip
This is a nice hike to an old mine. It is about 3 miles roundtrip. The hike itself is not the most exciting, but the mine is pretty cool to see.
Iowa Hill
This is a neat little hike if you are interested in mining history or seeing old mining equipment. It is uphill and probably about 1.5 miles or so.
Sawmill Reservoir
From Breckenridge, get to the snowflake lift and hike up the trail under the lift. This will lead you to the Sawmill Reservoir. Once at the lake, you can walk around the lake. This is a pretty short hike and good for kids. If you are looking for the fairy forest, it no longer exists as the town of Breckenridge decided to rehabilitate the trail.
If you want to get to sawmill, but don’t want to hike up from town. You can drive to the lake. However, it is a short walk from the parking lot to the lake.
Mohawk Lakes
Distance : 6+ miles (Depends on how far you go back)
I love this hike and its a bit more then the 5 miles I mentioned earlier. It is one of my favorites though! It is a more strenuous hike as you will be climbing more. On the way up you will first get to Mayflower lake. Which is pretty and has some nice views. Continue going up and you will get to some old mine remnants and continental waterfall. Keep going up even further and you get to lower Mohawk lake! Want even more of a hike…keep on going there are more lakes! We have backpacked to this location and it was amazing. If you are hiking with kids and don’t think they can make it to the lake, it can still be a nice hike to Mayflower Lake.
Aspen Alley
This is a wonderful hike when the leaves are changing in the fall. Be aware this is a mountain biking trail as well. But as the name suggests there are lots of Aspens and therefore lots of fall color in Sept! While you are here check out the Sawmill Museum. This is an outdoor area with sawmill equipment. The trail switchbacks up into the Aspens Trees and will eventually end at Boreas Pass Rd.
McCullough Gulch
Distance: About 3.5 miles to the waterfall and back (taking the shuttle). Further if you go to the lakes.
This is another favorite of mine. If your kids are adventurous and willing to hike a bit they will love this waterfall. The first time I took my daughter she was about 3-4 years old. If you are just going to the waterfall it is about 3.0 miles roundtrip. Do you want more of a hike? Then continue on to the lake. The lake is huge and so pretty! Totally worth the 0.5 mile hike. You can no longer park up here so you will need to take the shuttle to the trailhead. You can start at Lower McCulloguh Gulch but that makes it a longer hike.
Burro Trail and Warriors Mark Trail
These trails are in the trees, so not much of a Mountain View. But the river and a creek run through. When you are on the Burro Trail you can walk out onto the peak 9 ski runs.
Lower McCullough Gulch
Distance: about 2.4 miles to the dirt road and back.
This trailhead is off of Highway 9 in Blue River. It is a considerable uphill climb, but gets to some awesome mountain views of Quandary.
Sapphire Point
There are awesome views up at Sapphire Point and a short loop. You will see chipmunks up there and can see people feeding them, but I will ask you nicely to not do that. Even the Dillon Ranger District will ask to not feed them. Chipmunks are still wild animals and we should not be feeding them.
Reiling Dredge Boat
Distance: about 2 miles round trip from the B&B trailhead.
Go check out the Reiling dredge boat up in French Gulch. The longer way to get there is to park at the B&B trailhead and hike up from there.
However, if you need a shorter route there is the Reiling Dredge trail off of French Gulch Road about a mile or so further up the road from the B&B trailhead. There is a small parking lot on the left hand side of the road. Then it is a short walk to the dredge boat from here.
Montgomery Reservoir
This is a little further out in Alma. Drive around the lake to the backside. There is a trail here called Wheeler Lake. But without having to hike to far you can find a waterfall and an old mill.
Quandary
Distance: a little over 6 miles roundtrip
This is one of our famous 14ers. It can get crowded in the summer months. This is also a strenuous hike with lots of uphill in pretty short mileage. Don’t let the mileage fool you, it is a steep hike! Over 3000 feet in elevation gain.
Playgrounds
River Park Playground
This playground has a lot of climbing areas. It is made to be more “natural” with wood structures. There is also a bike park area and playground for smaller kids. The river is right there, so you can take a walk on the dirt path or the rec path as well.
High Line Railroad Park
If your kids like trains they find this playground entertaining. The playground itself has a “train” to play on. Plus there are a few trains on display.
Breckenridge Elementary School
When school is not in session, check out the playground at Breck El.
Upper Blue Elementary School
When school is not in session, check out the playground at Upper Blue
Golf
The Breckenridge golf course offers great views. This is the only golf course in Breckenridge. There are others in the county.
Horseback Riding
Want to go horseback riding in Breck then check out
Summer Dog Sledding
Check out Summer Dog Sledding at Good Times
https://www.goodtimesdogsledding.com
Ice Skating
Stephen C West Ice Arena
If you need an indoor activity the ice rink is open year round.
Biking
Wellington Bike Park
If you have bikes or rented a bike, check out the Wellington Bike Park. Even if your kids are just getting started on mountain biking, there is nice pump track.
Rent Bikes
Rent bikes in town! If you don’t want to mountain bike then hit up the Rec Path, where you can bike to Frisco and further. .
If you are mountain biking in Breckenridge and it is new to you, there are some really easy trails right along the river. I would say the Lower Flume trail is not that bad, but it is considered to be a blue trail. But I would rate it as one of the easiest in Breck. If you are just starting out I’d stick to the trails by the river or go to Frisco and hit up the Penninsula trail.
Breck Creates Art Classes
If your kids like art, check out Breck Creates for toddler and older kids art. They even have classes for adults. https://www.breckcreate.org/calendar/action~posterboard/cat_ids~6/
Isak Heartstone (the troll)
I didn’t list this under hikes, because its more of a short walk. You can not miss the Troll! The troll was created by an artist in Denmark, Thomas Dambo. It is quite a sight to see.
Mountain Top Children’s Museum
Mountain top Children’s Museum is back! In the summer months they have a camp and you can register for just a day if you need someone to watch them for a day while you do a more strenuous hike, etc..
https://www.mountaintopbreck.org
Breckenridge Mountain
Epic Discovery
Breckenridge mountain has lots of activities on the mountain during the summer. This is even available for kids. There is a ropes course, trampoline, zipline, summer tubing, rock climbing wall, mini golf, etc.. You buy a day pass and have unlimited attractions. My tip is to get here early. If there is a thunderstorm nearby it will shut down the attractions for a period of time. These storms usually hit in the afternoon, so if you go early a storm would have minimal impact to you. There is a separate pass for older kids and adults. There is a bigger ropes course once you meet a certain height/weight limit.
Downhill Mountain Biking
You can buy a bike haul lift ticket and do downhill riding on the mountain as well. Yes you can rent bikes to do this.
Country Boy Mine
Check out Country Boy Mine. You can tour the mine, gold pan, etc…
Fly Fishing
Want to try Fly Fishing? There are guides in town to book Fly Fishing trips with.
Stand Up Paddle Boarding
If you want to do some stand up paddleboaring, but don’t want to head down to Lake Dillon then go over to Maggie Pond in the village.
History
Did you know that Breckenridge offers History tours and Ghost Tours?
History Tours
Ghost Tours
Museums
Barney Ford Museum
Edwin Carter Museum
Breckenridge Sawmill Museum
What To Do If It Is Raining
A hot topic: What do in the mountains if it is raining? That is a tough one. Something I struggle with as we are very outdoorsy and there are not a lot of indoor options. Usually it’s nice and we may get an afternoon thunderstorm and the sun comes back out. But seriously what do you do if it is raining ALL DAY!!!! Here is my advice and some ideas.
If you want to stay local:
- Breckenridge Ice Skating Rink. There is ice skating here all year round.
- Country Boy Mine. Take a tour of the mine
- Head over to Fairplay.There is this cool outdoor museum with old buildings. It’s called the South Park Museum. Yes its still outdoors, but if its not a hard rain, put on your raincoat and checkout this area.
- Check out a local brewery or distillery.
- We have rec centers and escape rooms too. The rec center has a pool, indoor play area, climbing wall, basketball courts.
- Ready, Paint, Fire to paint some pottery to bring home.
- Breckenridge Backstage Theatre
Consider taking a drive:
If we find that it is going to be a rainy day here, I check forecasts of other areas nearby. I have found that you can usually escape the rain. A couple of years ago it was supposed to rain all day on my daughters birthday. So we drove an hour over to Avon and rode the chairlift and played at Nottingham Park. Here are some places you could consider.
- Buena Vista: Mount Princeton Hot Springs, take a drive up to cottonwood pass, Cottonwood Lake, St Elmo Ghost Town, etc…
- Glenwood Springs: a few different hot springs here, the adventure park, Glenwood caverns, etc.. Glenwood has a much lower elevation, so be prepared for much warmer temperatures.
- Avon: Nottingham park is fun for kids, you can paddlboard on the lake, take the lift up at Beaver Creek, etc…
- Steamboat Springs: Lots of cool things to see and do here. Hiking, Fish Creek Falls, Hot Springs, etc… Steamboat is a lower elevation, so again it can get much warmer here.
- Royal Gorge: There is a park with the royal gorge bridge or take the train ride.
- Sand Dunes NP: This a great place to visit. Its a drive for sure. About 2.5 hours. My suggestion would be to leave early. Head out to Sand Dunes. On your way back stop in Salida. This is a cute town and if its nice out, you can even rent tubes to float in the river.
- Twin Lakes: This locations is truly Colorado without a huge hike. You have the mountains and decent size lake. There is a trail that goes around the lake. If the weather is cooperating, then you can even drive up to the top of Independence Pass. If you don’t like driving roads with switchbacks and some drop off points, then maybe skip this.
Have a photosession to document your trip
Consider doing a photo session to document your trip. I am a local photographer. I live in the south side of Breck and know the area very well. I always suggest choosing a photographer that matches your style. My style is a mix of looking at the camera and candid. www.micheleschankerphotography.com
If you don’t choose me, there are several photographers in the county. I do suggest hiring a local photographer in the county. This is more important in winter, but can happen in summer too. If I-70 closes due to an accident, etc… or just has bad traffic it can make it hard for Denver photographers to get here. So I suggest hiring someone who lives up here. It will take the stress away if you are left scrambling at the last minute.