Breckenridge, Colorado is a Rocky Mountain town that’s known for its year-round mountain activities and Gold Rush history. Start your visit along Main Street Breckenridge, which is home to colorful historic buildings from the late 19th century. Today they house independent shops, art galleries, and award-winning restaurants. If you’re wondering what to do in Breckenridge if you don’t ski, there’s plenty of other activities to enjoy, including snowshoeing and bar hopping.
Plus, Breckenridge is a beautiful place to visit in summer as well, when you can go hiking, biking, and ziplining at Epic Discovery. So for the best things to do in Breckenridge this week and beyond, keep reading.
1. Breckenridge Ski Resort
One of the most popular things to do in Breckenridge over winter is heading to the mountains to ski and snowboard. Breckenridge Ski Resort is one of the best ski resorts in Colorado. Receiving one of the state’s highest snowfall totals, it’s located among some of the highest mountains in the Rockies. Breckenridge Ski Resort is home to a whopping five peaks; four terrain parks and 187 trails across nearly 3000 acres of skiable terrain; and North America’s tallest chairlift. It’s truly got something to suit all ability levels.
Nordic Center
2. Breckenridge Nordic Center
Breckenridge Nordic Center is located just a minute’s drive from downtown Breckenridge. It has over 2000 acres (or 25 miles) of well-groomed and scenic cross country skiing and snowshoeing trails. The center also offers lessons and Snowcat Adventure Tours. Warm up inside their handcrafted log lodge, which hosts a seasonal happy hour with live music on Saturdays. A visit to Breckenridge Nordic Center is one of the most family friendly things to do in Breckenridge.
3. BreckConnect Gondola
The BreckConnect Gondola connects the town of Breckenridge to Breckenridge Ski Resort. It’s used by both skiers and visitors alike, who want to catch the incredible scenic views from the gondola over Tenmile Range and the Cucumber Gulch Wildlife Reserve. It’s free to ride the BreckConnect Gondola, which takes less than 15 minutes and is operational throughout the year. Head up to the ski resort for skiing and snowboarding in winter, and hiking and ziplining in summer!
4. Epic Discovery at Breckenridge
Once the snow melts at Breckenridge Ski Resort, Epic Discovery takes over the mountain. From June to early September, the mountain is transformed into Epic Discovery, an adventure park with activities for the whole family. These activities include tubing and sliding, zipline, rope and obstacle courses, two climbing walls, a bungee trampoline, the Gold Runner Coaster, and even gemstone panning. It’s one of the most family friendly things to do in Breckenridge this summer.
5. Carter Park and Pavilion
Located within walking distance from downtown Breckenridge, Carter Park and Pavilion is a popular year-round destination for locals and visitors alike. In summer, there’s a recreational field, the Carter Park trail, sport grounds, four tennis courts, a playground, picnic tables, and sand volleyball courts. Once the snow settles in winter, Carter Park and Pavilion opens up its indoor heated area and there’s a sledding hill. Don’t miss Carter Park and Pavilion on your visit to Breckenridge.
6. Breckenridge Recreation Center
Breckenridge Recreation Center is a world-class facility that’s used by both locals and visitors. It has something for everyone, including a gym with a free weight room, cardio equipment, and two fitness studios. Then there’s the steam room, hot tub, lap pool and leisure pool, with a children’s water slide and fountain. If that wasn’t enough, it’s also home to an indoor running track, two tennis courts, and two rock climbing walls. Breckenridge Recreation Center is truly a one-stop activity center.
7. Main Street
Main Street Breckenridge is the town’s central hub. Its historic buildings from the Gold Rush era now house the town’s best shops and restaurants. Main Street also hosts many of the town’s annual festivals and events. On Main Street you can go fly fishing or stand up paddleboarding on the Blue River and Maggie Pond. You can also stop for a drink at either Breckenridge Distillery or Breckenridge Brewery; get crafty at BreckCreate; or take a historic walking tour.
8. Boreas Pass Road
One of the most popular things to do in Breckenridge in summer is going hiking or mountain biking along the Boreas Pass. A former railroad pass, Boreas Pass is a 22-mile scenic road located just south of downtown. It’s one of the best places to visit in Colorado in fall, when the leaves change color. However, as it’s located 11,481 feet above sea level, make sure you acclimatize prior to your visit. Attractions along the way include Sawmill Museum, Washington Mine, and the ghost town of Dyersville.
9. Peak 9
Peak 9 is a part of Breckenridge Ski Resort. It has multiple restaurants, chair lifts and ski runs suitable for all levels. Beginners should start on the Silverthorne ski run, while Gold King is a great run for intermediate skiers. Peak 9 is also home to black diamonds like Peerless and Volunteer. Once you’re done for the day, one of the most popular places for apres-ski snacks and refreshments on Peak 9 is Coppertop Bar.
10. Breckenridge Distillery
The world’s highest distillery, Breckenridge Distillery is known for its award-winning range of spirits. This includes bourbon, spiced rum, gin, and several different flavors of vodka. Its most renowned spirit is Breckenridge Bourbon, a multi-award-winning blended bourbon whiskey. Tours are available daily at the distillery, or you can stop by to enjoy modern American cuisine at its onsite restaurant. There’s also a tasting room filled with gifts and spirits, which is open daily on Main Street in downtown.
11. Vail Pass Path
For an epic bike journey, the Vail Pass Path is the only mountain pass in all of Colorado that has a dedicated bike path that travels both ways over the pass. This ride to the actual summit is 26 miles, so a complete loop is for serious riders only. We’d recommend the Vail Pass Path to anyone that wants to experience the Colorado mountains from a different perspective.
12. McCullough Gulch Trail
Located on the outskirts of town, McCullough Gulch Trail is one of the area’s most popular hiking routes. It’s a 2.6-mile round trip trail that’s best to visit between April and October. Along the McCullough Gough Trail you will see wildflowers, White Falls, and Upper Blue Reservoir. Surrounded by mountains, the scenery makes this trail one of the best in Breckenridge. But it does get busy, so locals recommend starting early to avoid the crowds.
13. Blue Lakes
Follow the one-mile Blue Lakes Trail to reach the two beautiful Blue Lakes near Breck. Monte Cristo Creek flows into the Upper and Lower Blue Lakes, which are nestled under Quandary Peak. The best time to visit them is between May and October. Another trail that will take you to the Blue Lakes is the 2.5-mile Blue Lake-Monte Cristo Gulch Trail. Expect to see waterfalls, wildflowers, and mountain goats as you head towards the Blue Lakes.
14. Sawmill Reservoir
Hiking is obviously one of the best things to do in Breckenridge in summer. One of the easiest (and most family friendly) hikes to do from downtown is the 1.5-mile Sawmill Trail. Beginning at the bottom of the Snowflake Lift, the shaded trail follows a stream until you reach Sawmill Reservoir. The crystal clear waters of the reservoir perfectly reflect the surrounding forest and mountains. Sawmill Reservoir is definitely a must-visit attraction.
