Engaging Leisure Pursuits in Breckenridge: Insights from a Resident
Breck's the spot for summer fun, mate! I've resided here for a few years now and can guarantee you the Colorado Rockies are unparalleled. I've tried nearly every hootenanny activity about town and have compiled a list of my favs for all you summer-loving enthusiasts. Here's the lowdown:
#1: Strap on Yer Backpack and Hit a Trail
Hiking is the ace of spades here, mate. With mountains chock-full of trails, it's like getting your hands on a golden ticket. You'll stumble upon wildflowers, pine forests, alpine lakes, and dreamy aspen groves, not to mention rivers and streams galore. Whether you fancy an easy stroll or a heart-pumping incline, there's something for everyone. Check out our roundup of the best hikes in Breck for some deets on our top picks, like Blue Lakes, Black Powder Pass, Mohawk Lakes, and wildflower-rific routes.
#2: Rev Your Engine and Tackle Boreas Pass Road
If scenic drives are your thang, you won't find a better one than Boreas Pass Road. This four-by-four track takes you up to the long-gone mining town of Boreas, which was a hustlin' and bustlin' gold rush hotspot back in the day. Keep your eyes peeled for all sorts of relics, like historic buildings and remnants of the old railway. The 9-mile jaunt ends at a pass that's part of the Great Continental Divide. We suggest making a pitstop at each overlook for those jaw-dropping mountain views. Once you've reached the summit, you can carry on into the town of Como or retrace your tracks back to Breck.
#3: Join the Action at Epic Discovery
When summer rolls around, Breck Ski Resort transforms into Epic Discovery, a one-stop-shop for adrenaline junkies. Grab a ticket (or book online) and head for the gondola up to Peak 8. Once you're there, you can swing by a ticket counter for mini golf, bungee trampolines, or a ride on the GoldRunner Alpine Coaster. Our fave activity is hopping on the scenic chairlift for an unrivaled peek at the nearby peaks. At the top, you'll find even more action like a climbing wall, gemstone panning, a ropes course, and multiple hiking trails. If mountain biking's your game, gear up and head over to the bike shop for some schralping.
#4: Time Your Trip to a Festival
Breck is a lively little town with a heap of summer festivals gracing its calendar. From monthly arts shindigs to wine and food events, there's always something going on to keep your spirits high. Crowd favorites include the Food & Wine Festival, Breckenridge Bourbon & Bacon Festival, Summer Beer Festival, and Blue Grass & Beer in Keystone. Even if you can't coordinate your visit for one of these events, check out the local events calendar to see what's on during your stay.
#5: Stroll Back in Time
If history's your jam, you'll love the walking tours and museums the Breckenridge Heritage Alliance offers. Our fave is their Walk Through History Tour which delves into downtown's fascinating past. Don't miss the High Line Railroad Park and Barney Ford Museum, either. If you're after a ghostly adventure, take a spooky twilight tour or check out the real Country Boy Mine.
#6: Get Wet (or Not) at Lake Dillon
Dillon Reservoir, just a short skip from town, is a stunning lake orbited by mountains. The Dillon Marina offers lakeside dining, boat rentals, and sailing tours. The water's icy cold and no swimming allowed, but shallow wading's welcome at the beach. For a view from above, make a beeline for Sapphire Point Overlook. Feeling adventurous? Book a whitewater rafting trip and brush up on your paddling skills on one of Colorado's top rivers.
#7: Ride a Bike
Several places in Breck and Frisco rent regular pedal bikes and e-bikes to help you explore the area's myriad paved bike trails. One of our favourite bike routes is a Vail Pass bike ride with Rebel Sports in Frisco, who'll ferry you and your bike to the pass' summit, then you can pedal downhill all the way back into town. If you prefer e-bikes, you can ride the 18-mile Lake Dillon trail at your leisure.
#8: Try Something New
With so many outdoor adventures on offer, it's easy to step out of your comfort zone and give something fresh a whirl. Unfamiliar with hiking? Strap on a pair of boots and conquer the mountains. Never fished before? Spend a day fly fishing in those gin-clear blue waters. Climbing new heights (literally) on horseback? Saddle up, pardner! You won't regret it. Our fave unusual adventure was renting four-wheelers with Adventure Time Rentals for a thrilling day on the trails.
#9: Shop Til You Drop
Main Street in Breck is a colourful, picture-perfect row of rustic buildings brimming with stylish shops. From boutiques and jewelry stores to rock shops, an olive oil spot, and plenty of outdoor gear, there's loads to discover. Even if shopping ain't your thang, it's worth meandering down Main Street for the charming vibes and great photo ops.
#10: Discover Summit County
Breck, situated in the mighty Rockies, is just one of several cool towns within a stone's throw. Use it as a base camp and embark on a mini tour of neighbouring towns like Keystone, Copper Mountain, Vail, Frisco, Dillon, and Silverthorne. You can navigate the area using the Free Ride or Summit Stage busses or even hoop over Hoosier Pass for more outdoor fun.
#11: Wet Your Whistle
Whatever suds, spirits, or vino you fancy, you'll find it here. This could make a great rainy day activity, but most spots have outdoor patios for sunny days too. For wine enthusiasts, pay a visit to Carboy Winery, Continental Divide Winery, and Ridge Street Wine. Spirits lovers should hit up the Breckenridge Distillery's tasting room or restaurant. Beer drinkers will revel in Breckenridge Brewery, Broken Compass, and Breckenridge Tap House. Foodies will swoon over Roostalk, Briar Rose, and the Breckenridge Distillery restaurant.
#12: Rain or Shine, There's Still Plenty to Do
Don't be sprung by a little summer shower – there's always stuff to do! Check out our article on indoorsy Breck activities for ace ideas, like axe-throwing, a kids' treasure hunt at the Country Boy Mine, and movie-watching at the historic Eclipse Theater.
When to Visit
Breck's known for its primo ski scene, but once the snow melts and the skis are tucked away, the mountains bloom with wildflowers, and the weather hovers around a balmy 80 degrees. The spring thaw takes longer in Breck than other parts of the country, so you can expect high-elevation trails to be snow-free from July. If you'd like to experience Breck during its peak summer season, we suggest visiting in July. Both June and August have their charms, but August can get a touch dry. For an autumnal experience, come in late September or early October for magnificent fall colours.
- For adventurous hikers, Breck's mountains offer a cornucopia of trails, ranging from easy strolls to heart-pumping inclines, allowing you to discover wildflowers, pine forests, alpine lakes, aspen groves, rivers, and streams.
- If scenic drives are your preference, Boreas Pass Road provides an exhilarating four-by-four track, leading to the ghost town of Boreas, historic buildings, old railway remnants, and breathtaking views of the Continental Divide.
- Epic Discovery, Breck Ski Resort's summer transformation, offers an array of adrenaline-pumping activities, including mini golf, bungee trampolines, a ride on the GoldRunner Alpine Coaster, scenic chairlifts, a climbing wall, gemstone panning, a ropes course, hiking trails, and mountain biking opportunities.
- Breck's calendar bursts with festivals all summer long, from arts events to wine and food gatherings, offering opportunities for revelry and community engagement.
- History enthusiasts can delve into Breck's past by partaking in walking tours, museum visits, and spooky twilight tours organized by the Breckenridge Heritage Alliance.
- Lake Dillon, just a short distance from town, presents a stunning mountainous backdrop and offers lakeside dining, boat rentals, sailing tours, and a beach for shallow wading.
- For those who prefer cycle adventures, regular and electric bikes can be rented to explore the many paved bike trails in Breck and Frisco.
- Summer in Breck presents an excellent chance to venture out of your comfort zone and try new activities, such as hiking, fishing, horseback riding, renting four-wheelers, or flying a drone.
- Main Street in Breck showcases a vibrant assortment of shops, ranging from boutiques and jewelry stores to outdoor gear stores, rock shops, and an olive oil spot.
- Breck's central location in Summit County allows visitors to explore other nearby towns, such as Keystone, Copper Mountain, Vail, Frisco, Dillon, and Silverthorne, easily using the Free Ride or Summit Stage busses or Hoosier Pass.
- Dining and drinking enthusiasts will be spoiled for choice in Breck, with countless options for beer, spirits, wine, cocktails, and various culinary experiences catering to a diverse range of tastes.
- Despite potential summer rain, there's always something to keep you entertained in Breck, such as axe-throwing, kids' treasure hunts, and movie-watching at the historic Eclipse Theater.
