Breckenridge, Colorado Summer Guide

Travel
Written By Caroline and Joe Travel

Blue Lakes Trailhead Hike

A summer guide to one of my favorite places in the world: Breckenridge, Colorado.

Breckenridge was always a big part of home for me. A trip to the mountains resets my mind. When you’re at the mercy of nature around you, and yet the first to take in its beauty, the sense of adventure rejuvenates through your body at an unmatched speed.

Everytime I break into the Colorado foothills, a sense of wonderment surrounds me. I’ve never lived in Breck, yet it’s the place back home I miss the most. And because I’m homesick right now, I wanted to take the chance to share my favorite places in Breckenridge to make for a great trip!

Here is the definitive list for the best way to spend a few summer days in Breck. When you’re on mountain time, anything goes. So move at the pace that feels best for you. Don’t be afraid to kick back a few beers and relax. And bring layers!

To Eat:

Breckenridge has a nice range of dining establishments in close quarters, so you’ll be able to find common ground for the whole family. My favorites are:

The patio at Kenosha

  • Robbie’s Tavern - Located at the base of Peak 8 on the mountain, and you can take the gondola for up for free ($$)

  • Downstairs at Eric’s - Family friendly with an arcade and nachos to die for. Perfect spot if it’s raining ($$)

  • Kenosha - Casual steakhouse with BBQ, craft beer, and great patio views

  • Blue Moose - Classic diner and delicious breakfast ($$)

  • Blue River Bistro - Rustic american meals with live music ($$)

  • BoLD - Brunch spot serving Mediterranean in the evenings ($$)

  • Empire Burger - Best burgers in the county since 2007 ($$)

  • Giampetros - Pizza & Pasta ($$)

  • Mi Casa - Mexican food and cheap margaritas at happy hour ($$)

  • Canteen - Sister restaurant of Robbie’s in town with a great sundeck ($$)

  • Crepes A La Cart - Great snack, but if the line is long it’s not worth it ($$)

  • Cool River Coffee House - Chill coffee shop with pastries & snacks ($)

  • Fattys - Dirt cheap and huge portions of food ($$)

  • Hearthstone - New American food for the classier among us ($$$)

  • Ein Prosit - Legendary sausage spot in Frisco with German beer steins ($$)

To Drink:

Colorado is renowned for its craft breweries, and there are no shortage of them in the Summit County area. I would highly recommend:

Outer Range Brewing Company beer flights

Free Activities:

The Blue River Path in downtown Breckenridge

  • Walk through town and hang out by the water at Blue River Plaza

  • Walk around Lake Dillon

  • Walk along the blue river path

  • Go to Frisco for a few hours and grab some food or drinks there. The town is 20 minutes away and you’ll drive past it on the way into Breck

  • Duck Race - If you’re lucky with timing, it’s hosted on September 3rd this year. It’s the highlight event to end the summer, where 1000’s of ducks race down the river!

Hikes:

I highly recommend using the AllTrails app or website to look for hikes.

Lower Cataract Loop Trailhead

  • Sawmill Reservoir - Right on the mountain underneath a chairlift with an option to walk further up the mountain. Kid-friendly. (1.3 miles, 30-45min to complete)

  • Blue Lakes Trailhead - An easy walk up to a dam that you can take a lot further. Lots of wildlife and scenic views (1-8 miles, 45min to 5 hours to complete)

  • Hoosier Pass Loop - A moderate hike that’s part of the continental divide (2.8 miles, 1hr 30min to complete)

  • Sapphire Point - A fantastic loop with a great view and highly recommended (0.6 miles, 15min to complete)

  • Lower Cataract Loop Trail - A really scenic drive out to this hike and a relaxing walk around a lake with a waterfall (2.3 miles, 50min to complete)

  • Minnie Mine - A moderately easy loop passing along the ruins of an old gold mine (3 miles, 1hr 15min to complete)

Paid Activities:

Bungee Jumping at Peak 8

  • You can take the gondola up to the resort from town for free. You should do that no matter what. Up on the mountain if the snow if cleared enough, there’s a Fun Park. It’s a little pricey and better to go earlier in the day. My favorites are:

    • Alpine Slide (if you only choose one, choose this one)

    • Gold Runner Coaster

    • Scenic Chairlift

    • Bungee Trampoline for the kids

  • Whitewater Rafting - There are a number of options within two hours of Breck, and it will make an unforgettable day for friends or family at all ages

  • Rent bicycles and cycle the river path around Dillon reservoir

  • Day trip to Vail - See my day trip to Vail article HERE!

I hope you enjoy these suggestions and feel free to connect if you have any further questions or experiences you enjoyed on your trip! Stay tuned for more travel guides!

Happy travels!

Joe

See article on how to spend a day in Vail HERE!

Caroline and Joe Travel
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