Welcome to Breckenridge! We’re excited to have you here and have put together a few of our favorite resources to make your trip a little easier.
Summer: What To Do Now That You’re Here
Summer: What To Do Now That You’re Here
Welcome to Breckenridge
Remember, kindness can move mountains
Many hotels, boutiques, activity providers and restaurants that make up our authentic mountain town are short-staffed and may limit their offerings. While you are here, we thank you for being kind and patient to all those who are working hard to provide the welcoming, laid-back atmosphere that Breckenridge is known for.
Summer Activities
Make reservations to maximize fun
Is the Breckenridge gondola open?
The gondola opens June 14th for summer operations. The gondola typically operates from 10am– 5pm daily during the summer.
Is the gondola in Breckenridge free?
Yes.
How much does it cost to ride the gondola in Breckenridge, Colorado?
The Breckenridge gondola is free to ride. There is a charge for parking at the gondola lots.
Where is the Breckenridge Gondola?
The BreckConnect is located at 170 Watson Avenue in Breckenridge, Colorado.
Many of our activity vendors are understaffed and may have to limit their offerings this summer. If you are looking for a last minute activity to fill your day, these are your best bets.
- Hiking – Be sure to check trail conditions before heading out.
- Guided Hikes
- Biking
- Art Classes and Workshops
- Browsing Main Street
- Escape Rooms
- Historic Tours
- Performance Art
- Ghost Tours
- Country Boy Mine
- Stand-Up Paddleboarding
- Horseback Rides
- Concerts & Live Music
- Yoga Classes
- Playgrounds & Parks
- Epic Discovery
- Breckenridge Dog Park
- Visiting Museums
- Browsing historic Main Street
- Self-guided foodie and dessert tours
- Self-guided public art tours
- Browse Art Galleries
- Ice Skating
- Daily Activities & Events
Best Family Activities To Try:
You won’t find a bad view in Breckenridge, and while some hikes feature alpine lakes and historic remnants, the trade-off is a more heavily trafficked trail. The best hikes in Breckenridge are completely up to the user’s preference, so use our video for tips on finding trails your group will love!
Local's Tip
BOOK IN ADVANCE. As a small, mountain town — we do our best to accommodate all guests, but things can fill up quickly. Whenever possible, make activity and dining reservations in advance, and check Google My Business to clarify hours and anticipate a possible wait.
Trails
Summer Trails To Hike and Bike
All of the top hiking trail apps (AllTrails, COTREX, Google Maps) have a GPS functionality that allows you to search for hiking trails near your location. This great feature lets you skip the car and find hidden gems that aren’t heavily trafficked.
Give your kids the ultimate Colorado hiking experience by taking them on a scenic adventure through the Rocky Mountains. Follow our tips for hiking with kids before you get going.
Best Hikes For Families
BRECKENRIDGE TROLL
This easy loop trail brings you to a magical, mystical 15-foot troll sculpture sculpted out of recycled wood by Danish artist Thomas Dambo. The Town of Breckenridge has relocated “Isak Heartstone” to his current location deep in the woods on the Trollstigen Trail, near the Stephen C. West Ice Rink. It’s perfect for kids of all ages and even grandparents.
IOWA HILL MINE TRAIL
This easy, one and a half mile loop trail is filled with history! The trail winds through an abandoned mining site with historical artifacts and signage. You’ll start with a gradual climb, but there are lots of spots for breaks as well as benches. The last portion of the hike is all downhill.
SAWMILL RESERVOIR TRAIL
This short, easy hike is rich in views and close to town. Well shaded by pine trees with gentle elevation gain, this hike is perfect for beginner hikers as well as children. Start by strolling along the river, then end with views of the Breckenridge Ski Area, 10-Mile Mountain Range and a reservoir perfect for a lunch break with awesome views.
SALLIE BARBER MINE TRAIL
Sallie Barber is a wonderful beginner-level hike that leads to the old mining site which sits above town and provides gorgeous views toward both Breckenridge and Keystone.
PRESTON GHOST TOWN TRAIL
The Preston Ghost Town Trail is a bit hidden and starts off Tiger Road between Breckenridge and Frisco. There are no markers along the route, so to really learn about the history of the area, take the guided hike through the Breckenridge Heritage Alliance. Along the way, you’ll find abandoned mines and, of course, the town of Preston Mill. Most of the buildings here have fallen down, but you can still see the remains and get a feel for the heyday.
BLUE RIVER TRAIL
This classic hike parallels the Blue River and provides stunning views of the Tenmile Range and Baldy Mountain as you stroll alongside the peaceful Blue River.
REILING DREDGE TRAIL
This short, aspen-lined trail is great for beginners and takes hikers to the historic Reiling Gold Dredge boat, last used in 1922. If you’re looking for a longer hike, this trail connects to the B&B Trail and into a network of intersecting trails in the historic mining district.
We want you to have the best experience possible. Here are a few things to know before heading out:
Weekdays Are Prime Hiking Time
Peak times (Saturdays, Sundays and holiday weekends) are when town, restaurants, parking lots, hiking trails and activities are going to be busiest. If you have the flexibility, we recommended planning to hit those more “popular” trails midweek. That way, you’ll enjoy more space to roam in-town and on the trails.
Timing is Everything
Become a morning person on your visit to beat the average Joe to the trailhead. An early morning start will give you more space and solitude on the trails.
Skip The Car
Around here, we say “No car, No Problem!” Breckenridge is easy to get around on foot, and thanks to our wide variety of community transportation options, it’s easy to get to planned activities and hiking trails via bus, trolley or shuttle. Learn more about going carless in Breckenridge.
Follow Leave No Trace
Protecting what we love is more important than ever when heading outdoors. Be sure to pack it in, pack it out and be respectful of others while on the trail.
Our state and federal agencies manage 42 percent of Colorado’s majestic landscape, and our cities and counties maintain even more. Learn about and respect the spaces we all share.
Local's Tip
Looking for more solitude and less people? Try visiting popular trails midweek or hiking a trail that's amazing but not on a top ten list. Colorado Trail Explorer (COTrex) and AllTrails are great places to find lesser known hikes.
Plan Ahead When Dining Out
Dining
While restaurants are open to full capacity, many are dealing with significant staffing shortages. This can result in longer than anticipated wait times to be seated at restaurants and slower meal service as kitchen staff attempts to keep up. Until our restaurants can get caught up, you can help us by planning ahead and showing kindness whenever possible.
3 Tips For Dining Out
- Make dining reservations whenever possible – if unavailable, put your name down early and expect a wait.
- Dine a little earlier or later than usual to avoid the busiest times.
- Expect a wait before being seated.
- Explore off the beaten path bars and restaurants in Breckenridge.
Local's Tip
No car? No problem! The best way to experience Breckenridge is on your own two feet. Keep your car parked for the day and explore our historic town by walking, biking or taking public transportation.
Festivals & Events During Your Trip
Events
We are excited to bring back events! Aka excuses to celebrate our rich history, dynamic community, endless creativity, local libations and so much more.
See What’s Going On This Week
During your trip you can explore art workshops, yoga classes and daily activities by browsing our community calendar.
Transportation
Getting Around During Your Trip
Walkable Breckenridge
Breckenridge is 7 miles long / 2 miles wide, but many of the shops, restaurants and activities are located right on or near historic Main Street. Once you’re in town it’s likely you’ll be able to walk to your next destination.
Free Buses
The Breck Free Ride bus offers free community buses daily throughout Breckenridge, and the Summit Stage offers transportation throughout the county.
Free Lodging Shuttles
Many larger hotels, resorts and lodging properties have complimentary shuttles to, from and around town. Be sure to ask your property if this is an option.
Guided Activities
Many guided activities offer a free shuttle for pick-up/drop-off. Ask when booking.
Book A Private Shuttle
Hire a shuttle to pick up your group and deliver you to your out-of-town destination.
Shuttles to/from DIA
If you do choose to bring your car, we encourage you to leave it parked whenever possible. While parking is available in town, it is limited, paid and tends to fill up quickly year-round.
FAQs
Answers To The Most Frequently Asked Questions
There’s a ton to do! Guests should expect adjustments to activity operations in order to adapt to staffing challenges. We recommend making reservations prior to your trip whenever possible.
Due to our high elevation, Breckenridge is one of the first places in the country where the leaves begin to change color. Early to mid-September is when you’ll start to see the fall colors turn, and 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. Not only is Breckenridge great for leaf-peeping, events and festivals fill the calendar and there are tons of outdoor activities to fill your itinerary.
With hundreds of miles of trails in the area, it’s easy to find wide-open spaces. Use our guide to find the perfect hiking trail for your group or explore local trails on COTREX, AllTrails or MTB Project. If you’re using these top apps to find a trail, we encourage you to scroll beyond the top 10 list to find less-trafficked options. Don’t forget, you can explore great hikes in proximity to your lodging by using the GPS Hikes Near Me feature for every app!
Many concerts, performances, tours, and workshops have been scheduled throughout the year, thanks to our community’s commitment to celebrating our rich cultural experience. Visit BreckCreate for updates on Breckenridge’s arts & culture scene. Sign-up for historic tours, guided hikes and enjoy free museums through Breckenridge Heritage Alliance.
Breckenridge’s most popular festivals and events are back with changes to comply with state and county public health orders. Here’s the list of upcoming events!
Here’s how to find the Breckenridge Troll. The page should answer all your questions.
Holiday Weekends
Guests can find free and convenient parking at the Airport Road Parking Lot. There will be express shuttles running to town. View bus schedule
Additional Parking
Paid street parking is available around town as well as parking lots. The Ice Rink Lot (free during the day) and F Lot are conveniently located near town but fill up holiday weekends.
View Parking Lot Availability
Free Park ‘n Ride is available all year at the Ice Rink and Airport Road lots. Visit www.breckfreeride.com for complete schedules.
Embrace the Spirit
B Like Breckenridge
For those who love the mountains, Breckenridge is the place to enjoy them to the fullest. We’re on a mission. To preserve and protect the spirit of our special mountain town and the natural wilderness we all love so much. And to inspire everyone here—whether for a weekend or a lifetime—to join us in a cause worth fighting for. Here’s how you can do your part to preserve and enhance #BreckLife.
See what others have shared during their trip
#BreckLife
Ways to be outside in nature
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