With so many easy Breckenridge hikes from town, visitors don’t need to commit to full-day hikes to get a scenic trail walking fix.
Check out these three short hikes to experience backcountry peace without a ton of time. You also won’t need a car, since these hikes are accessible from downtown Breckenridge.
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3 Easy Hikes from Downtown Breckenridge:
Sawmill Trail
This roughly 1.5-mile hike begins at the bottom of the Snowflake Lift and follows a stream to a reservoir. Abundant shade and minor elevation gain make this a good option for families. The location near the ski resort puts this hike within easy walking distance of many surrounding lodging properties.
Getting there: The Sawmill Trail is located at the Snowflake Lift, near the intersection of Four O’Clock Road and Kings Crown Road. You can walk or bike from downtown, but the lift is also accessible via the Breckenridge Free Ride‘s yellow route.
Carter Park
This short-and-sweet hike follows stone steps uphill from Carter Park, which is home to a dog park, pavilion, tennis courts and more. Panoramic views of the Tenmile Range and Breckenridge Ski Resort await at the top of the steps. The distance to the top is easier measured in yards rather than miles, so this is a great short-on-time option. Carter Park is one of several popular town trailheads that provide access to a vast network of town and county trails, so if this short hike just isn’t enough, continue south on the Hermit Placer Trail and loop back via Jack’s Cruel Joke (careful, it’s steep!) and Sunbeam.
Getting there: Carter Park is located at 300 S. High St. You can walk or bike from downtown, but the park is also accessible by the Breckenridge Free Ride‘s purple route. Parking is available on site.
Burro Trail
Hike the Burro Trail as an out-and-back route for as long (or as short) as desired. Just five or 10 minutes out can make you feel like you’re miles away. Like the Carter Park Trailhead, the Burro trail provides access to a vast network of backcountry hiking options. It’s also a great option for those staying at the many properties along Village Road.
Getting there: The Burro trail can be accessed from the bottom of the Lehman ski trail, located at the base of Peak 9 off Village Road in Breckenridge. You can walk or bike from downtown, but the trail is also accessible via the Breckenridge Free Ride’s yellow route.
For more options, visit the Breckenridge Welcome Center at 203 S. Main St. for information, directions and detailed maps that include these and other hiking routes. Open Space and Trail Maps is a fabulous resource for in-town trails – the site includes trail conditions/closures, volunteer days and more.
