A Local’s Guide To Breckenridge: What To Do (aka Outdoor Fun)

Sure there are four seasons in a calendar year, but I’m not convinced that Breckenridge sees all four. Summer is really only about two months, and fall is even shorter. Winter lasts the longest- six to seven months, and spring is replaced with a few weeks we like to call mud season.

Summer

Summer in the Rocky Mountains means it’s hiking season! Breckenridge has so many trails of varying difficulty, from the 14’er Quandary Peak, to easy trails from town like the Sawmill Reservoir Trail. All Trails or The Outbound is a great resource for finding a hike that fits your needs. Just remember that the afternoons often see thunderstorms so it is best to have your hike completed by noon!

Another favorite past time of many is mountain biking. Like the hiking trails, there are vary levels of difficulty for mountain biking around town. You can even bring your bike on the chairlift at Peak 8 to bike on the ski mountain’s trail network.

For families, Peak 8’s Epic Discovery is a perfect activity to let the kids let off some steam. The Goldrunner Coaster coasts you down the mountain with fun twists and turns, play mini golf with a whopping 18 holes, bounce around on bungee trampolines, pan for gems at the Mini Miner Gemstone Panning, tackle the Lil’ Climber Ropes Course or Alpineer Challenge Course, or climb 40 feet up on the Gold Summit climbing wall.

Sunny summer days are pretty much a perfect temperature in Breckenridge and Summit County, but take advantage of water activities to get that nice breeze. Head next-door to Frisco or Dillon, where you can kayak or paddle board on the Dillon Reservoir (Lake Dillon). Swimming is not allowed here, but it still feels amazing to be out on the water. You can also make the trip over Hoosier Pass to Buena Vista, where rafting on the Arkansas River plays a huge part in that town’s identity (and there is some great rock climbing too).

For those enjoying a leisurely bike ride, you can bicycle along the Blue River Recreation Path, which takes you from Breckenridge to Dillon. The choice is up to you if you want to do all the hard work yourself, or make it a bit easier with an e-bike. But be careful- e-bike accidents are becoming the most common summer hospital visit for tourists as of late. For those who are more ambitious, you can take your gravel bike or road bike and ride up Swan Mountain.

Fall

Fall is the time of year when the mountains are painted gold. Aspen trees dominate the landscape, and in the fall they turn one color: golden yellow. Where I’m from, New England, the leaves turn all sorts of colors in the fall. In Breckenridge you’ll likely only see golden yellow leaves popping against the white bark of the aspens. Lots of people come to Summit County to leaf peep, and Boreas Pass Road in Breckenridge is a popular location. You can drive along the road, with it ultimately ending in Como, or take a hike on the Bakers Tank Trail or Aspen Alley Trail. But be aware, Aspen Alley is also a mountain biking trail and mountain bikers have right of way!

Winter

The most popular time to visit Breckenridge, winter is for skiing! Breckenridge Ski Resort takes up peaks 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 of the 10 Mile Range. Peaks 7, 8, and 9 have bases, whereas Peak 6 is accessed coming down Peak 7, and Peak 10 is accessed coming down Peak 9. There is a wide variety of terrain but the ski mountain may be best known for its high alpine terrain, as well as the highest ski lift in North America at 12,840 feet above sea level.

If alpine skiing isn’t for you, you can also cross country ski at the Breckenridge Nordic Center, or go to Frisco and try out the Frisco Nordic Center (with a tubing hill right next to it). While not snow tubing, Carter Park in Breckenridge has a sledding hill that is frequented by families, both visiting and local. There is a shed by the Carter Park Pavillion that has sleds in it. If you happened to purchase a sled and don’t want to bring it home, you can leave it in the shed for other families to enjoy.

For more winter fun, you can try out dogsledding or snowmobiling with Good Times Adventures, or take a sleigh ride with Breckenridge Stables. Keystone Resort also has a sleigh ride dinner.