Stay
Do
Hiking
The opportunities for hiking near Breckenridge are nearly endless with trails for every ability. Novices or families with young children will love the Sapphire Point Trail with views of Lake Dillon while hikers looking for more of a challenge are rewarded with mountain views, alpine lakes and waterfalls at the Mohawk Lakes Trail. For the best view near Breckenridge advanced hikers tackled Quandary Peak, one of Colorado’s legendary “fourteeners” (elevations higher than 14,000 feet).
Mountain Biking
With over 500 miles of mountain bike trails it’s no surprise Breckenridge is a town that loves it’s bikes. A recreational path meanders through town offering a relatively easy ride while countless trails around town take advantage of sweeping mountain views. Find your Breck biking route here.
Whitewater Rafting
The rivers surrounding Breckenridge offer up some of the best whitewater rafting in the US. Whether you’re looking for a gentle float trip for smaller kids or fierce class V rapids the mountains near Breckenridge have a whitewater adventure to suit you.
Horseback Riding
Colorado is horse country and the ranches near Breckenridge provide plenty of opportunity to cowboy up. The Rusty Spurr Ranch near the town of Kremmling offers small group, high altitude rides with views of Rocky Mountain National Park and the Gore mountain range.
Arts District
For a bit of culture check out the new Breckenridge Arts District. Home to a variety of studios, galleries and restaurants the Breckenridge Arts District is a hub of mountain inspired creativity.
Eat/Drink
Lolo Juice
Get your mountain adventures off to a healthy start at Lolo Juice. Using local, organic ingredients Lolo Juice crafts tasty acai bowls topped with housemade granola and fresh fruit as well as smoothies like the Mountaintop, a delicious blend of blueberries, pineapple, banana and almond milk.
La Francaise Bakery
A rugged Colorado ski town is the last place I expected to find a french bakery but trust me La Francaise Bakery is a must in Breckenridge. Buttery croissants, crisp baguettes and artful pastries served with LaVazza coffee make La Francaise a Breckenridge favorite.
Park and Main
A local favorite, Park and Main offers updated takes on classic comfort food. Bahn mi and Moroccan lamb meatballs offer a global flair while huevos rancheros, fluffy pancakes and breakfast burritos satisfy Breckenridge’s breakfast cravings.
Breckenridge Brewery &Pub
Colorado is one of the best states in the country for craft beer thanks in part to Breckenridge Brewery. Sip a nitro Vanilla Porter or a refreshing Avalanche Ale with mountain views out on the rooftop patio. A menu of casual yet creative pub far compliments the draft list.
Breckenridge Taphouse
This laid back eatery on Main Street offers some of the best tacos in Breckenridge, including a mouthwatering bourbon-braised buffalo taco and impossibly tender Colorado lamb tacos.True to their name, the Breckenridge Taphouse has some of Colorado’s best brews on tap along with a respectable list of bourbons, tequila and mezcal.
Breckenridge Distillery
Long known for their craft bourbons and vodkas the Breckenridge Distillery has recently opened a Top Chef led farm-to-table restaurant. Follow a tour of the distillery with a taste of hasselback poutine (an addictive combo of hasselback potatoes, local duck, cheese curds and gravy) paired with an inventive cocktail.
Check out these other great places to eat in Breckenridge.
Tips
- The mountain air in Breckenridge is surprisingly dry, be sure to drink plenty of water on your mountain adventures.
- The town of Breckenridge is at 9,600 feet and if you’re not used to the altitude be sure to take a day or two to acclimate before any strenuous hikes. Also the sun at this elevation is a lot stronger, layer on the sunscreen folks.
- Back country mosquitoes are no joke, even with bug spray and jeans they made a meal out of my right leg.
- Leave your heels at home- fashion in Breckenridge is decidedly casual. T-shirts, flannels and hiking boots are the uniform here, think Patagonia instead of Prada.
- This one is for my fellow East Coasters- it’s not unusual for driving distances for activities to be up to an hour or more away. Luckily these drives offer up some of the most breath taking scenery in the country.
Are there any tips you’d add for Breckenridge in the summer? Please share them in the comments!
Natasha says
Breckenridge sure looks like a beautiful place to go. The pictures with the river remind me of my hometown here in Scotland, So pretty
Brianna says
The mountains around Breckenridge are stunning, I already want to go back.
Kristin @ Camels & Chocolate says
I’ve still never been to Breck in the summer, just winter—and my family is going back for eight days this Christmas, too! Definitely going to store some of these recs away for winter 😉
Diana says
I’ve been to breck for snowboardng! But wow this looks like a great summer destination too. You had me at horseback riding and all those pubs!!!
Cheers
Diana
http://www.seaofblush.com
Taylor Johnson says
Breckenridge is stunning. Was able to visit last winter. One of the best ski towns in colorado!
Mindi Hirsch says
When I lived in Colorado for four years, I always enjoyed the ski resorts more in the summer than in the winter. I guess I’m just not a cold weather person. Whatever the season, I want to try the hasselback poutine Breckenridge Distillery the next time I’m there. Sounds delish!
sherianne says
I have drove through this area but didn’t spend any time here. Looks beautiful and I love the kicked back atmosphere — think Patagonia instead of Prada — still giggling
Amanda Utah says
Great Tips, particularly the BAKERY which I didn’t find last time I was there ! I’ll save the info for next time . 🙂
Amana
Megan Jerrard says
Staying in a vacation home in Breckenridge during summer sounds perfect for me – I’ve never really gotten into winter in terms of being excited about the snow scene, but I do love the outdoors and really enjoy hitting up popular ski towns / resort areas in the summer months because the scenery it leaves behind when the snow melts is always spectacular. Hiking, mountain biking, rafting and horse riding sounds AWESOME to me!
Carol Colborn says
You left out shopping! That’s where I got my cool black and white biking windbreaker!
Chrysoula says
Breckenridge seems like a great summer getaway as well with so many activities available. I would love to do some hiking as nature looks so beautiful or horseback riding. I love the food options too.
Holly says
First of all everywhere you look seems to be gorgeous. Love that picture on the horse, beautiful scenery. I would love to visit.
Peter Korchnak says
I had a coworker once whose last name was Breckenridge. It’s great to know such a beautiful spot shares the name with her.
Vicky and Buddy says
I’ve been to Colorado a bunch of times and have yet to visit Breckenridge! It looks like a beautiful place to visit, more so in the summer months than in the winter. And thanks for the tip about the mosquitoes! I’ll remember to bring extra strong bug spray.
Penny Sadler says
A great guide. I’ve saved it on my Pinterest board for later reference.
Jessica Carpenter says
I still have never been, but really want to! I love ski towns…especially in the summer 😂. Horseback riding looks fabulous.
Ben says
Colorado looks beautiful. I have been wanting to visit for such a long time but so far I have never gotten around to.
Elaine J Masters says
I never knew there was this much to do in Breckenridge in the summer. Love that they have so many bike trails and the Arts District sounds promising too. I need to explore more of Colorado.
Chris says
Great post. I would like to visit there one day. Your photos are awesome.
Anthony says
Thanks Brianna a lot for sharing this awesome article 😀 Your tips are very helpful for me and my family!
nirmala says
Wow, Colorado looking great.If I visit Colorado, I definitely visit Breckenridge Taphouse.Thanks for sharing this wonderful article.
Dana says
I used to live in Breck for a couple years and summers were the reason I was there! Definitely hike the 10 mile peak trail from Breck to Frisco and catch the free bus on the way back. And I highly recommend Modis for their drinks! Food is fantastic too.
George says
Breckenridge is amazing!! Horseback riding over those alpine trails must be so exciting.