Breckenridge is a beautiful Colorado mountain town located at the base of the Rocky Mountains. Its long list of things to do makes it a perennially popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for heart-pumping activities such as skiing and hiking or prefer the slower pace of soaking in the scenery, Breckenridge has something for everyone.
Here are the top seasonal must-do’s to add to your Breckenridge vacation itinerary.
Spring
Spring is an ideal time to visit Breckenridge. As the snow melts, making way for warmer weather, visitors have plenty of ways to enjoy the season.
- Skiing and Snowboarding. Breckenridge Ski Resort is one of the most popular ski resorts in the country, offering over 2,900 skiable acres. The resort is open until late April, so you can enjoy shredding the slopes well into spring.
- Hiking. Lace up your boots and take advantage of the thawing hiking trails. Popular trails among hikers in the area include Mohawk Lakes Trail and McCullough Gulch Trail, but the options are plentiful.
- Mountain Biking. Prefer a set of wheels while you explore? You’re in luck. Breckenridge also boasts a variety of mountain biking trails. The trails range from easy to difficult, so mountain biking can be a fun way for all skill levels to enjoy the area.
Summer
Warm weather in the Rockies brings bustling activity to this quaint mountain town. If you’re planning a summer amid the great outdoors, here are things worth trying Breckenridge.
- Paddleboarding and Kayaking. Lake Dillion and Maggie Pond offer the ideal opportunity to get your paddle fix. Local marinas make renting gear and equipment easy, so all you have to do is decide where to “put in.”
- Golfing. Perfect your putt against an idyllic backdrop of stunning mountain views from the Breckenridge Golf Course in the Upper Blue River Valley. Teeing off here is a must, as Breckenridge is the only town in the world to maintain a Jack Nicklaus-designed 27-hole course. Plus, golf balls fly farther and straighter due to the 9,324-foot elevation and less air resistance.
- Fly Fishing. With countless rivers, streams and alpine lakes, Breckenridge is an angler’s paradise and one of Colorado's best places for fly fishing. Consider a guided fly fishing trip or chart your own adventure fishing for trout in the Blue River.
- Whitewater Rafting. Between early May and early September, the Blue and Arkansas Rivers offer exhilarating rafting excursions. Travelers can customize their rafting trips by age and skill level, so there’s something for every travel tribe.
Fall
Aim for an autumn adventure in Breckenridge to catch one of Mother Nature’s most sought-after spectacles as the leaves on the trees change color. Here are a few things to add to your “fall in Breckenridge” shortlist.
- Leaf Peeping: The fall foliage in Breckenridge is stunning. Some of the best places to see the leaves change color include Boreas Pass Road and Hoosier Pass. Insider tip: the area tends to change color earlier in the season than the rest of the country, so plan your trip accordingly.
- Explore History. Breckenridge is a storied destination and home to one of the largest historic districts in Colorado. Peruse the roster of cultural activities, museums and guided educational tours to ensure your crew gets their culture fix.
- Spot Wildlife. Whether you’re exploring the backcountry or visiting a wildlife preserve, Breckenridge doesn’t lack opportunities to appreciate the region’s native creatures. Moose, mountain goats, foxes and bears are regulars in this neck of the woods. Keep your camera handy and be mindful of wildlife dos and don’ts.
Winter
Unsurprisingly, winter is the most popular time to visit Breckenridge, as this historic mining town glistens with powdery snow. Winter enthusiasts rejoice as the fun extends far beyond the slopes.
"Once the official lighting of Breckenridge occurs and everything is covered in snow, it becomes a winter wonderland."
Here are just a few things to do in Breckenridge during winter that aren’t skiing.
- Gondola Ride. Get a bird’s eye view of Breckenridge year-round from an enclosed cabin above the mountain. Rides are free for all passengers, although you can even bring your bike for a fee. Here’s everything you need to know before you go.
- Snowshoeing. Snowshoeing is an excellent, low-impact way to explore the winter wonderland of Breckenridge. Check out some of the area’s most popular trails to find the one best for you, whether you’re a novice or a seasoned snowshoer.
- Ice Skating: Consider visiting Stephen C. West Ice Arena for a Disco Skate, complete with a disco ball, games and lots of fun below the neon lights. Daily offerings include private and group lessons, skate rentals and your choice of skating on the indoor or outdoor rink.
Where To Stay: Valdoro Mountain Lodge, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club, puts you in the heart of it all. Located at the base of Peak 9, this Rocky Mountains escape offers easy access to the ski slopes, trails and fishing spots. And when you’re not out discovering all this charming town offers, Valadoro Lodge is just the place to put your feet up.
"A great part of staying at Hilton Grand Vacations destinations is the full kitchen in our room. On our way into town we stop at one of the neighborhood markets and pick up groceries and supplies so that we are not dependent on always eating out. Relaxing in our room by the fire, we can eat comfortably in our pajamas watching a movie."
Read “3-Day Ski Getaway: Breckenridge, Colorado” to start planning your winter getaway today.