Breckenridge in September: Fall Vacation Guide

Breckenridge in September is the start of fall. Due to our high elevation, Breckenridge is one of the first places in the country where the leaves begin to change color. Visitors and locals alike flock to the trails and embark on scenic drives to see the vibrant colors of green, orange and yellow come together on hillsides, valleys and around town. But Breckenridge in September is more than just golden aspens- events and festivals fill the calendar and there are tons of outdoor activity options too. Join us for yourself and see what all the hype is about.

Weather

Breckenridge is one of the first places in the country where the leaves start to change.

Breckenridge in September is when the temperatures begin to drop, yet it’s still perfect weather for almost any activity on your list. Temperatures range from the mid-60s and high 50s most days, with abundant sunshine perfect for strolling at fall outdoor events or hitting the trails. Typically the leaves begin to change around mid-September and last through the first couple weeks of fall.

What should I wear in Breckenridge in September?

Days are typically warm enough for shorts and a t-shirt, while nights will require extra layers. When the sun goes behind the clouds or mountains, the temperature can drop dramatically, so having a sweater or light jacket to throw on at any moment is important.

For just walking around town, jeans, sandals, t-shirts and a light jacket are perfect. Breckenridge is a laid back town, which means you can leave your fancy clothes at home. You can even go straight from your morning hike or zipline to lunch on Main Street in the same clothes. They’ll be perfect for soaking up some sun on the patio!

Breckenridge Summer Packing Guide

Does it snow in Breckenridge in September?

September is usually one of the drier months and the afternoon showers of summer have started to diminish. Come late September to October, there may be an occasional snowfall as the temperatures start to drop heading into winter.

September Events

Join us for sunshine, brews and tasty foods this fall at Oktoberfest!

Breckenridge Oktoberfest – Sept. 13-15, 2024

Join us on historic Main Street where Munich meets the mountains for views, brews, yummy food, live music and more!

Breckenridge Film Festival – Sept. 19-22, 2024

Breck Film celebrates its 44th Anniversary Festival this September 19-11, 2024! This year’s festival features several specialized film screenings at the local “speak easy” movie theater, intimate speaker forums, after-parties, and so much more.

Breckenridge Bluegrass and Beer – Sept. 27-29, 2024

Bluegrass and beer are a beloved combination in the west. Add in some delicious food, your best dance moves, gorgeous Breckenridge mountain views and great friends, and you have an irresistible recipe for a memorable weekend!  These indulgences all come together for the Breckenridge Bluegrass and Beers festival.

What is there to do in Breckenridge in September?

Hiking and biking is one of the best ways to see the fall leaves change color.

Hiking and Biking 

Walk, hike or bike in the golden glow of the aspen groves with seemingly endless miles of trails to explore around Breckenridge. Here are a few of our favorite trails to get you started.

Aspen Alley can be reached via Boreas Pass Road. Look for the large wagon wheels on the right at the first switchback and turn onto Monroe Road toward Illinois Gulch. A handful of parking spots are available at the Breckenridge Sawmill Museum, or you can park at Stephen C. West Ice Arena and hike up and back down. Mountain Bikers can ride to the upper trailhead and descend.

Minnie Mine, B&B and Reiling Dredge trails are all connected through the French Gulch trail system. Take Wellington Road past the Country Boy Mine, and you’ll see various trailheads that allow for out and back or loop hikes. For a great aspen loop hike, park at the B&B trailhead and continue east before crossing the road and climbing the Minnie Mine trail. Choose the X10U8 trail for less climbing, and for longer loops do a search for Side Door or V3 trails.

With hundreds of miles of trails in and around Breckenridge, there’s a trail perfect for you. Search historic trails, family-friendly trails or learn how to choose the right trail for your trip.

As always, Breckenridge stands behind the Colorado Tourism Office’s Leave No Trace – Care for Colorado Principles to help maintain the natural beauty of our trails and forests.  Looking for more? Learn more about hiking and biking in Breckenridge.

Fly Fishing

Fly-fishing can be done year-round in Breckenridge.

Fall weather and water conditions can often be more stable, making September a favorite month for local anglers. Take a guided tour with one of the many fly-fishing shops around town, or simply head down to the Blue River that runs right through Breckenridge and cast a line. The River Trail follows the Blue northbound, and there are plenty of spots to set up for a few hours. Park at the Breckenridge Recreation Center or along Airport Road in one of the free summer parking lots.

Golf

Extend your season with a round of golf this fall.

Golfing in Breckenridge extends throughout the summer into September. The Breckenridge Golf Course is situated in the breathtaking, glacier-sculpted Upper Blue River Valley and Breckenridge is the only town in the world to maintain a Jack Nicklaus-designed 27-hole golf course. The clubhouse sits at an elevation of 9,324 feet and features a restaurant, bar, golf shop and full practice facilities.

More Fall Activities

This fall, you can also try solving clues and escaping from an Escape Room, a Country Boy Mine tour complete with gold panning, BreckCreate classes, and workshops, as well as ghost, history and museum tours in Breckenridge. For more activities to do in Breckenridge in September, check out more of our top 100 activities to do in fall!

No car? No Problem. Breckenridge’s easily walkable town and a trail network accessible just blocks from Main Street, most activities–including skiing, hiking, biking, shopping, eating, live music and more–are just a short stroll away once you reach downtown Breckenridge. Take advantage of our free bus system, free hotel shuttles, bike rentals and ride-share apps.