Best Fall Hikes in Breckenridge

Best Fall Hikes in Breckenridge

Fall in Breckenridge is a symphony of golden hues, crisp mountain air, and trails that beg you to step into a postcard of nature’s breathtaking transformation. It is the essence of pumpkin spice trees and flannels. Can you say cozy and dreamy? Fall allows for a variety of outdoor adventures with cooler temperatures and gorgeous colors. While there’s no guarantee on dates, the colors tend to change and peak between mid-to-late September. It’s the perfect time to take in the fall foliage by hiking or biking. Whether you’re seeing solitude in the wilderness or looking for family-friendly hiking trails in Breckenridge, we have plenty of options for you.

Best Fall Hikes for Big Views: Boreas Pass Road

As you stand at 11,481ft above sea level, the world feels both expansive and intimate. This is the panoramic feeling you’ll get from atop Boreas Pass. This hike offers the full stretch-view of the Tenmile range, deep-rooted mining history, high alpine views and waving golden aspens galore.

Getting there: At the very south end of Breckenridge, take Boreas Pass Road all the way to the top via the Free Ride Boreas Pass bus loop. About 4 miles from town, the pavement ends at the Boreas Pass Trailhead. Walk or bike along the road or continue up to the top of the continental divide and Black Powder Pass trailhead.

Nearby:

• Walk from town or take the free trolly to Illinois Creek Trailhead where you can first visit Isak Heartstone, then continue hiking to connect to Aspen Alley. The entire trail is roughly 4.5 miles up and down with minimal elevation gain and is an easier hike with unbelievable colors.
• Black Powder Pass off Boreas Road is a slightly more challenging hike. 3.5 miles with roughly 1,000ft elevation gain. You’ll get panoramic views of the Tenmile & surrounding mountain ranges. This hike is excellent, but has fewer changing aspens.
• High Line Railroad park and playground features the historical Engine No. 9, which sits on the original High Line track that came into Breckenridge from Boreas Pass. It includes a restored rotary snowplow, one of only five known narrow-gauge rotaries still in existence; back in the day, it cleared snow on the track. The new, colorful playground just behind the train will provide plenty of giggles, while the engine and cars are a great places for candid family photos.
• The historic Section House at the top of the pass is a ski hut in the winter, available for overnight reservations. If you have extra time, check out Baker’s Tank trail or Aspen Alley for prime leaf peeping and great mountain biking.

 

Best Fall Hikes for Families in Breckenridge: Aspen Alley

This popular 2.6 mile mountain biking and hiking trail is one of the best fall hikes in Colorado. Aspen Alley envelops you in a shimmer of golden glowing aspens. Each (very mild) twist and turn reveals a new perspective and you can’t help but feel like you’re exploring an enchanted fall wonderland. True to its name, Aspen Alley features numerous switchbacks through beautiful aspen groves.

Getting there: At the very south end of Breckenridge, take Boreas Pass Road all the way to the top via the Free Ride Boreas Pass bus loop. About 4 miles from town, the pavement ends at the Boreas Pass Trailhead. Go south past the gate and look for a singletrack on the west side of the road.

Nearby: 

• The trail finishes at the free historic Sawmill Museum, perfect for self guided tours for the whole family, year round. Once you’re recharged, continue onto the Blue River Trail, a mild 3.0-mile out-and-back trail to take in mountain views and the last wildflowers of the season. This is a very popular area for hiking, running and biking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring.

Best Fall Hike for Families in Breckenridge: Sawmill Creek

The Sawmill Creek trail invites families to slow down and savor the simple joys of nature. The calming ripples of the creek inspire curiosity of little ones, the sight of vibrant fall foliage keeps everyone enthused, and the easy pace of the trail combines to create the perfect hike for lasting memories. This trail can be accessed from right in town, at the base of the Snowflake Chairlift on Four O’Clock road and rises very slowly uphill to top out at Sawmill Reservoir with wonderful views of Breckenridge Ski Resort over the water. The hike is short and well shaded.

Getting there: One of the best parts about this trail is it’s proximity to downtown Breckenridge. You don’t need a car to get here! Walk up Four O’Clock Road to the Snowflake lift, or hop on the Breckenridge Free Ride Yellow Route to the trailhead. From there, follow signs leading to the trail.

 

Best Fall Hikes for History Buffs: French Gulch Area

Step into the old-mining era as you wander through French Gulch. The remnants of Breckenridge’s gold rush weave stories of determination and adventure, while the golden aspens create a vibrant contracts against remaining historic cabins and dredges. Make this hike a loop by adding the X10U8 trail (pronounced “extenuate”), and B&B Trails which circle back to the historic (and ADA accessible) Reiling Dredge site. This well-preserved dredge is one of many mining remnants that can be seen in Breckenridge’s backcountry. The B&B Trailhead near the dredge makes it easy for beginners to access this historic site.

Getting there: Go east up Wellington Road past the Country Boy Mine and onto French Gulch Road. Head up as far as you’d like to various marked trailheads to begin your adventure, or opt to take the free purple route bus to the end of Wellington neighborhood and start walking or biking along French Gulch Road from there.

Nearby:

• Founded in 1877, the Country Boy Mine is one of the oldest and most famous mines in Summit County. Head underground into a real Breckenridge gold mine and experience the deep roots of Breckenridge’s history. Pan for actual gold and keep what you find, or opt for an interactive show. Stick around to pet the burros and slide down the ore chute!

Discover more historic hiking trails in Breckenridge.

Best Fall Hikes with ADA accessible access

Exploring during fall is for everyone of all abilities in Breckenridge! Breckenridge Open Space and Trails has been working hard to identify and alter hiking trails that can accommodate people who use wheelchairs. There are three in town accessible to everyone!

• Isak Heartstone: there are several ADA parking spaces available at the trailhead to meet our enchanting forest troll, Isak. The trail is firm, stable, and 48″ wide. The trail is made of a smooth compacted surface of crushed stone that is free of roots, rocks and obstacles. There is a maximum grade of 3% and two rest areas along the short trail.
• Visit the historic Reiling Dredge trail to explore a former gold mining location, which has two designated ADA accessible parking spots and smooth compacted trail surfaces with rest areas. There are also Interpretive signs of the mining history.
• Open Space and Trails is working to add ADA parking spaces to Sawmill Reservoir by Fall of 2024. The trail will be firm gravel, accessible for wheelchair users.

Best Fall Hikes for Walking From Main Street: Pence Miller

Get your nature fix right in town. Pence Miller is a historic flume trail connecting town to the Peaks Trail. Head uphill through pines and aspen groves taking in wonderful views of the town of Breckenridge and Baldy Mountain. Continue to Cucumber Gulch Nature Preserve for unobstructed views of Breckenridge Ski Resort. Keep an eye out for Moose in the wetlands underneath the gondola and soak in the mountain views.

Getting Here: Head past Mountain Thunder Lodge from Main Street and continue to the end of Mountain Thunder Dr. to find the Morning Thunder Trailhead. Follow for a short time to connect to the Pence Miller trail and find your way into the woods as the trail weaves through wildflowers and groves of both aspens and pine up towards with sweeping views of Main Street and Baldy Mountain.

Nearby:

• Cucumber Gulch Wildlife Preserve in Breckenridge has been one of the main areas of focus for  the Town of Breckenridge since the inception of the Open Space program. The area, which contains 77 acres of wetlands, is one of the Town’s most treasured, yet threatened resources. It provides vital habitat for the state-endangered boreal toad, moose, elk, deer, mountain lion, beaver, and over 47 species of birds. It’s hard to believe that such a wildlife sanctuary exists within a mile of Breckenridge’s Main Street! Please take the time to enjoy Cucumber Gulch Preserve while respecting the area’s vulnerability.

 

Best Fall Hikes for Dogs in Breckenridge: River Trail

The River Trail offers mountain views of the Tenmile range as well as a close-up of Breckenridge’s mighty Blue River. Stroll the easy 1.3 miles along the Blue River soaking in the sounds of rushing water and birds calling, and watch for wildflowers and fishermen. This is a great trail for those new to hiking or looking to stay close to town, plus furry friends will love cooling off in the water.

Getting there:

From downtown, walk east toward the Breckenridge Recreation Center, following the green signs “To Rec Path.” After the skate park, turn left/north along the paved shared-use path a short distance. Cross Valley Brook Road and immediately turn right to follow the dirt River Trail path.

Nearby:

• Broken Compass is a brew lover’s staple and local favorite for afternoon brews on the patio or game night with a BYO food option. Create your own flight of award winning beers, or settle on a pint of Ginger Pale Ale, Irish Red, Coconut Porter, Double IPAs and more. Well-behaved pups on leashes are welcome in the taproom and on the patio, too!
• Head to the world’s highest distillery, Breckenridge Distillery for yummy food and expertly paired cocktails. Opt for a tour or sample their widely known blended bourbon whiskey, award-winning creations, spiced rum, bitters, seasonal fruit brandy, Chili Chile Vodka and more.

Best Fall Trails Right off the Bus Route: Blue River Trail

The Blue River Trail is incredible easy to access – you can get here by hopping on a quick bus ride from anywhere in Breckenridge. This trail rolls gently along a ridge bordering Illinois Creek, crossing a variety of ecosystems, from thick spruce forest to aspen groves and open meadows. Mining relics, groves of aspens and views of Boreas Pass and the Ten Mile Range beg for your attention.

Getting there: Take the Main Street Trolley (more direct) or the Gray Route free bus to the Ice Rink stop. The Main Street Trolley loops up and down Main Street, making it easy to head back to town for lunch after your hike. From the Ice Rink stop, walk across the parking lot to the forest on the south side, keeping the Ski Area on your west (right). The trail starts at the Illinois Creek Trailhead sign. Cross the creek on the wooden footbridge. At the fork, go left to Illinois Creek High.

Nearby:

• The Trollstigen Trail will bring you to the famous 15-foot tall Breckenridge Troll! This short and easy trail is perfect to explore before or after your hike. During your visit, please keep Isak’s home in pristine condition and leave no trace on his surroundings.
• Illinois Creek Trail will take you on a short loop behind the ice arena or all the way to the Sawmill Museum and Aspen Alley.  If you take the upper path there’s some great scenic views of the mountain while other locations put your streamside among the trees.  This is a good option for hiking with kids due to proximity to the troll, ice rink and bus stop.

 

More Trails to Consider:

• Iowa Hill Trail meanders past historic sites and mining artifacts so you might not even notice how much elevation you are gaining. This trail offers plenty of opportunities to break and has a few benches as well. Easily marked trails lead to interpretive sites such as a blacksmith shop and hydraulic piping. At the top is an 1868 log Boarding House. The Breckenridge Heritage Alliance offers a guided tour that includes entry into the historic building.
• Burro Trail begins at the base of Peak 9 and the start of the trail offers views of the Breckenridge Ski Resort and town.  Once you head into the forest, you will quickly be surrounded by nature.  The trail takes you along a creek and a forest of pine trees. Burro Trail is one of the easy hikes from downtown Breckenridge. You can walk or bike from downtown, but the trail is also accessible via the Breckenridge Free Ride’s yellow route.
• Black Powder Pass is a 3.4-mile out-and-back trail, perfect for more experienced hikers or those looking for killer views. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of two hours to complete. Enjoy 360 degree views from the summit; you’ll get the benefits of a 14er without the hassle.

 

Local’s Tips

• Download the B Like Breckenridge app right on your phone to find new trails and how to access them!
• These are some of our highest use trails during the peak leaf peeping season. Plan to get there early, go on weekdays or try one of our many trails accessible without a car to avoid crowds and lessen your impact.
• Always be prepared with extra layers, water and snacks, sun protection and downloaded or printed maps. Purchase trail maps at the Breckenridge Welcome Center in the Blue River Plaza.
• Help us keep wildlife wild by staying at a safe distance and never feeding our furry friends.
• Leave no trace by packing out what you pack in, and always leave the area better than you found it.

 

https://youtu.be/JcY73nUhaQs

 

KEEP EXPLORING

From relaxed to rugged, Breckenridge’s trail system caters to all abilities, in all seasons. Find the perfect hiking trail and tips for your next adventure:

• Breckenridge Hiking Guide
• COTrex Trail Maps
• Ultimate Leaf-Peeping Guide to Breckenridge
• Summer/Fall Packing Guide