Breckenridge sits in central Colorado at 9,600 feet. It is a historic mountain town with a well known ski resort. It also has a lively Main Street with shops and places to eat. Families can find things to do here in summer and in winter. It is one of the mountain towns near Denver that works well for a short break.
Most people know Breckenridge as a ski town. It is much more than that. It has outdoor fun in every season. It also has history and art. This guide covers the best things to do in Breckenridge CO.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Breckenridge Ski Resort is well known for skiing and snowboarding. It suits serious snow lovers and families and first time visitors. It has runs for different levels. For more ski ideas, see our guide to the closest ski resorts to Denver.
The resort has green and blue runs for beginners and intermediate riders. It also has black runs for expert riders. Expert riders can enjoy alpine bowls, tree skiing, and moguls.
The terrain parks suit different levels. Riders can build skills step by step. The parks are fun to ride.
Breckenridge Historic District:
Breckenridge was once a mining town that provided services to the surrounding mining areas. The Breckenridge Historic District was set up in the late 1970s and has been working to secure this town’s most vital historical features since then.
Many downtown buildings date from the gold rush era. They include shops on Main, Ridge, and Lincoln streets. They also include homes on Ridge, French, Harris, and High streets. Three churches from the 1800s are part of the district too.
There are 249 restored buildings in the “Old Town,” which lies east of the Blue River, that date from 1859 to 1942. To find out more about the amazing history of Breckenridge, make sure to take a visit.
Breckenridge Arts District:
The Arts District was created in 2001. The town approved a master plan in 2005 to guide its growth. The district includes the Breckenridge Theater, the Robert Whyte House, the Quandary Antiques Cabin and Ceramic Studio, the Fuqua Livery Stable, the Tin Shop, and the Riverwalk Center.
Visit the galleries and studios in the Breckenridge Arts District. You can see work by local artists. Cultural life here includes the Breckenridge Film Festival, Breckenridge Backstage Theatre, and the Breckenridge Music and National Repertory Orchestra.
Many historic buildings have been restored. They now hold studios for seminars, classes, and local artists.
Breckenridge Brewery:
Taste excellent meals and handcrafted beers at the Breckenridge Brewery. The brewery features a patio with views of the mountains and a warm atmosphere.
- Breckenridge Brewery sits on South Main Street. It has an open dining area and an outdoor porch. It offers a broad menu of beer and food. It makes sours, saisons, and classic lagers and brews.
- Broken Compass Brewery offers over a dozen specialty beers on tap. They include Irish reds, sours, and porters. They also include Kolsch, pilsners, and pale ales. It serves its award winning beers in both of its taprooms in Breckenridge. You can bring in meals from nearby restaurants.
Hiking in Breckenridge:
Breckenridge is a great place to enjoy nature. Many hiking trails surround the mountain resort. Hiking is a popular summer activity here. Trails pass waterfalls, wildflower areas, and rivers. You can pick a path that fits your age, ability, and energy.
Easy Hiking Trails in Breckenridge
- Blue River Trail: The Blue River Trail is an easy-to-follow, 3-mile out-and-back path with little elevation rise. There is plenty of parking near the trailhead at Breckenridge Nordic Center.
- Burro Trail: An easy to difficult 6-mile out-and-back path with an elevation gain of 915 feet. There is lots of parking near the trailhead, which is situated at Peak 9’s base.
- Sawmill Reservoir: A 1.3-mile out-and-back trail with little elevation increase leads to Sawmill Reservoir. a well-liked track that is around a reservoir and is excellent for snowshoeing in the winter. There is little parking at the trailhead, which is near the end of Sawmill Road.
- Iowa Hill Trail: The 1.5-mile Iowa Hill Trail is an out-and-back path with little elevation rise. Old huts, sluice boxes, and obvious evidence of the use of hydraulics to extract the precious gold found on this hill are among the remnants of Breckenridge’s mining past that can be discovered along the walk. With its informative signage and benches all along it, this trail is ideal for a family walk. Across from Breckenridge Terrace on Airport Road is where you’ll find the trailhead.
- Black Powder Pass: A 3.4-mile trail with a 1,000-foot elevation increase is Black Powder Pass. Hike through forested areas to start, then emerge above the tree line for stunning vistas. This trip culminates at a height of about 12,000 feet above sea level, so be sure to pack lots of drinks and sunscreen.
Breckenridge Mountain Biking:
Biking is one of the most popular activities in Breckenridge. The area has many trails for rides on two wheels. Riders can choose routes in town and in the hills nearby.
- Boreas Pass Road: This is an excellent road that climbs to Boreas Pass on the Continental Divide. You will be able to see Breckenridge’s entire town from the pass. It’s a 12.5-mile ride both ways. It’s extremely simple to turn around on the pass if you’d prefer to shorten the route.
- Classic Breckenridge Route: This 12.1-mile circle, which is accessible from here in town, offers some of the best single tracks that Breck has to offer.
- Swinger: Swinger is a fun 4-mile downhill single track that’s ranked as the greatest of the Peak 8 routes. The trail descends to Breckenridge Ski Resort from the chair lift at Peak 8’s base.
Golfing in Breckenridge:
Golfing is one of the best things to do in Breckenridge CO. Breckenridge has a 27 hole golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus. The course sits at 9,324 feet.
Due to decreased air resistance, the golf ball flies farther and straighter than at lower elevations, giving visiting players an instant confidence boost.
Breckenridge Horseback Riding:
Breckenridge Horseback Riding is a unique way to explore the beauty of rocky mountains. Beginning riders decide on a simple trail ride that provides breathtaking vistas and an opportunity to discover Colorado’s forests or open ranges.
Lessons, open-range excursions, and cattle drives are available to riders with more expertise. Families can also enjoy horseback riding because it’s an activity that everybody can take part in, regardless of fitness level.
Age guidance varies from ranch to ranch. Check with the ranch before you book. Ask which ride suits your child’s age.
Breckenridge Dog Sledding:
Dog sledding is an incredible way to explore the backcountry of Breckenridge and take in the calm of winter woodland. Breckenridge has a few of the finest dog sledding in all of Colorado.
Dog sledding mixes history and adventure. Good Times Adventures offers a six mile sled ride across Swan River Valley. A team of Siberian Huskies leads the way. For more ideas, see our guide to winter vacations in Colorado.
Fly Fishing in Breckenridge:
Breckenridge has some of Colorado’s top fly fishing spots. Rivers, streams, lakes, and reservoirs are nearby. They suit different interests and skill levels.
Fly Fishing locations in Breckenridge
- Upper Blue River
- Tenmile Creek
- Lake Dillon
- Swan River
- Eagle River
- Colorado River
- South Platte River
- Spinney and Eleven-mile reservoirs
- Montgomery Reservoir
- Arkansas River
BreckConnect Gondola and Isak Heartstone
The BreckConnect Gondola is free for all passengers. It runs from town to the Peak 8 base area. You do not need to ski to ride it. It is a simple way to enjoy a mountain trip.
Isak Heartstone is a wooden troll sculpture that stands 15 feet tall. It stands on the Trollstigen Trail in Breckenridge. It is a fun stop for families.
Breckenridge is more than a ski town. It has outdoor fun in every season. It also has history, art, and food to enjoy. Plan your trip around the activities that suit you best. You can also explore nearby towns such as Buena Vista.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the elevation of Breckenridge?
Breckenridge sits at 9,600 feet in central Colorado.
Is Breckenridge good for visitors who do not ski?
Yes. It has hiking and biking trails and historic streets and galleries to enjoy. You can also ride the free BreckConnect Gondola and visit Isak Heartstone.
Is the BreckConnect Gondola free?
Yes. The BreckConnect Gondola is free for all passengers. It runs from town to the Peak 8 base area.
Where can I see the Breckenridge troll?
You can see Isak Heartstone on the Trollstigen Trail in Breckenridge. It is a wooden troll sculpture that stands 15 feet tall.
What is the best time to visit Breckenridge?
It depends on what you want to do. Summer suits hiking and biking. Winter suits skiing and snowboarding and dog sledding.
Is Breckenridge good for families?
Yes. Families can find things to do in summer and in winter. The town also has trails and historic streets to explore together.
