Ever since the gold rush erupted along the Blue River in 1859 and put Breckenridge, Colorado, on the map, this mountain town has been a magnet for hearty, pioneering folks. A lot has changed from those rustic days, but the spirit of adventure still remains alive and thriving in Breck. While it’s popular for prime skiing, Colorado’s Kingdom is a mecca of diverse thrills and exciting activities for people of all ages, and it caters to a myriad of different interests. From bird-watching to gold panning, superior shopping to five-star dining - there’s no end to the things to do in Breckenridge. Whether you’re looking for contemplative alone time or craving an unforgettable outdoor odyssey with the whole family - check out these ideas for inspiration in the heart of the Rocky Mountains.
Mountain Biking
Are you a seasoned biker eager to shred some wicked switchbacks? Or maybe you’re a first-timer lured by the wild call of mountain biking. Beginners and veteran mountain bikers alike flock to Breck for the most riveting two-wheeling trails on the planet.
For seriously advanced bikers craving a punishing ride, look no further than Wheeler Pass. The views on this 22.1-mile-long trail are unparalleled, but dude, it’s a strenuous task-master. The terrain is rugged, steep, and craggy - perfect for a pro looking to meet their match. Pack your bug-out bag with serious reinforcements (first aid kit, plenty of water, etc) because you never know what biking on this trail is going to kick up at you.
The equally breathtaking but significantly less arduous River Trail is on the opposite spectrum of difficulty. It starts downtown and winds a little over a mile north toward Frisco. This run is perfect for greenhorn beginners with its relatively level terrain and short distance. This is a great biking trail for kids too. Because this is an easy-breezy course, you can get your trailblazing in while also enjoying all the eye-popping views available on the route.
But wait, there’s more! There are a total of about 192 mountain biking trails in Breckenridge, so if this is an outdoor activity you can really get behind, head over to Avalanche Sports for all the inside tips, top-tier gear, and the best bike rentals in Breckenridge, CO.
Scenic Hikes to Crystal Lakes
Among the things to do in Breckenridge, hiking to the Crystal Lakes is a favorite pastime for locals and tourists alike. The Upper and Lower Crystal Lakes boast jaw-dropping views and a serene escape into nature. You’ll be captivated by the effervescent, clear waters reflecting the surrounding majesty of mountain peaks.
Hiking to these idyllic lakes is a must for any outdoor enthusiast with a hankering for communion with nature amidst the glory of Colorado's wilderness. The trails leading to the lakes are well-maintained, making them accessible for hikers of all skill levels.
Love the wildlife? No prob. These trails unfurl exceptional glimpses of native critters such as elk, deer, and even the occasional moose along the way. You might even spy bears, mountain lions, or a rando coyote on your trek. Oh, and don’t get us started on all the feathered friends you’ll find. Hummingbirds, jays, flickers, chickadees, woodpeckers, and an occasional golden eagle - whoa! Talk about a bird-watcher's paradise!
The best times to visit are early mornings or late afternoons when you can witness stunning sunrises or sunsets over the shimmering waters. Be sure to pack plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, and layers, as mountain weather can change quickly. Don't forget your camera to capture unforgettable moments amidst nature's splendor at Lower and Upper Crystal Lakes.
Snowboarding & Skiing
Don your goggles and strap on your skis because Breckenridge is the epicenter for snowboarding and skiing nirvana. It’s no wonder. Over 2,900 acres, prime peaks, 187 snow trails, and the highest chairlift in all of North America make Breck the bomb for snow bunnies of all skill levels wanting to slash the slopes.
If you’re new to the snow sports scene, Peak 9 offers gentle slopes and ski schools to get you started. But be warned - this peak gets crowded because it’s such an attractive trek for kids and beginners. If you’re an intermediate level, explore the wide-open runs on Peak 7 or challenge yourself on the bowls of Peak 6. Advanced thrill-seekers will love the steep chutes and moguls on Peaks 8 and 10.
Make sure to check seasonal conditions before heading out; snow quality can fluctuate throughout the winter months. And don't forget your gear! Get the best, top-of-the-line equipment and ski rentals in Breckenridge, CO, at either of our two Avalanche Sports locations, so you can start your exhilarating snow-crested quest in safety and style.
Epic Discovery Park
We’re not ones to cast disparaging words, but we’re biased when we say Disneyland ain’t got nothing on Epic Discovery Park in Breckenridge. Fresh-air thrills and raucous high vibes await you at every corner of this must-see attraction. Open during the summer months, this park is a playground for kids of all ages, featuring head-spinning mountaintop views and loads of things to do.
Satisfy your need for speed while zooming down the 2,600-foot-long Alpine Slide. Experience the marvels of nature from a 2,500 mountain forest roller coaster. Yeehaw! Or, get amped on one of several ziplines; we love the Expedition zipline tour, featuring 8 zips and a gravity-defying walk across a 200-foot aerial bridge. Epic Discover Park even has “Lil” ziplines especially designed for the kiddos.
Speaking of kids, the Park has oodles of merry-making activities for the munchkins. From a bodacious bouncy house, water tubing, lil’ rope climbing, mini golf, bungee trampoline, mine shaft maze, and more - this truly is a no-brainer destination for the whole family.
The Park has several different pass options to meet most budgets and tastes. The most popular is the Adventure Pass which gives you all-day access to the whole park (except for the zipline tours - those are add-ons). For a more modest experience, get the Pioneer Pack, which gives you access to three Epic Discovery activities (excludes ziplines). There are also budget-friendly Family Packs.
Scenic Gondola Rides
While paid events and activities are worth every penny, there are tons of immersive, magical things to do in Breckenridge, Colorado, without having to spend a cent. Yup, you guessed it - the bedazzling scenic gondola rides in Breck are free!
Within walking distance from Main Street on the north side of town (near the Breckenridge Transportation Center), the BreckConnect gondolas are easily accessible. There are 121 gondola units, each carrying eight passengers, and the unforgettable ride lasts about 26 minutes round-trip.
Drink in the arresting views while climbing 7,600 feet into some of the most gobsmacking terrain, wildlife, and natural beauty you’ll ever see. Oh, did we mention this uncompromising mountain sightseeing experience is free? We know we did - but it’s worth mentioning again.
You’ve simply got to go. The BreckConnect gondolas are open usually around the end of June through Labor Day. We highly recommend going during the fall to experience the fiery autumnal foliage. Then again, summer is equally enticing with technicolor blue skies and tree-stuffed forest views.
Gold Panning and Mine Tours
Looking to capture a bit of pioneer nostalgia? Step back in time and uncover the colorful history of Breckenridge through a unique experience - gold panning and gem mining tours. Venture to places where pioneers once sought their fortune and feel the twitchy anticipation as you (hopefully) see tiny glimmers of gold or a glint of gems in your pan.
This is a keen treat for the kids, but even adults confess appreciation for the remnants of old mines that tell stories of the perseverance and determination of dauntless frontiersmen of the mid-1800s.
Check out Country Boy Gold Mine Co (off French Gulch Road) for a 1,000-foot descent into an award-winning, historic gold mine tour. They also offer a gold panning tour at Eureka Creek. You can also experience gem minding at the aforementioned Epic Discovery Park (located at Peak 8 base camp). Breckenridge History also provides historical tours and gold panning experiences at Lomax Placer Mine on Ski Hill Rd, just 2 minutes away from downtown Breck.
Dog Sledding Year-Round
Mush! Mush! Revisit the olden gold rush days of the 1800s, when dog sledding was the best way to get around the rugged terrain and snow-packed tundra of Colorado. Sled tours generally run around mid-June through September (times can change according to outfitter companies or weather conditions).
Check out Good Times Adventures, which provides shuttle bus transportation from downtown Breck, and they have several different tour packages available. This outfitter will give you the ride of your life through a 6-mile trail twisting through the Swan River Valley.
Tour attendees have a chance to learn all the ropes of dog sledding. From mushing to coasting in the sleigh - this is certain to be an event worth writing home about. Oh, and get there early (30 minutes), so you have a chance to smooch the pooches (they love people!) before you set off.
Sailboat Cruises at Dillon Reservoir
When you think about things to do in Breckenridge, you might be tempted to pigeonhole opportunities to snowy exploits. In reality, this area has just about everything for anyone to enjoy 365 days a year - including sailboating.
Just a short 30-minute drive from Breckenridge, the exceptional beauty and tranquility of Dillon Reservoir is the perfect sailboating destination, providing epic mountain views. Hop on the Town of Dillon’s website, and choose from several sail boating tours.
We had a blast on the popular Lake Dillon Historical Boat Tour, which lasts around 1.5 hours sailing through panoramic wilderness dreamlands on utterly sedate waters. The town also hosts a Women and Wine on the Water sailboat tour if you’re looking for gal pal time. FYI: Reservations are required.
Fishing in Mountain Streams
If you didn’t already know, Breck is a fisherman’s (or woman’s) utopia. Unspoiled lakes, pristine streams, and superior conditions attract anglers of all experience levels from near and far. In the springtime, we tap the Upper Blue River for smashing good brown trout fishing.
If you’re keen on catching Colorado’s state fish, the cutthroat trout, you’ll want to hit Mohawk Lake in the summertime. Both Upper Blue River and Mohawk Lake are easy to get to and a quick jaunt from downtown.
In the fall, the best spot for fly fishing is where the Colorado River meets the Williams Fork River (near Parshall). You’ll bag plenty of rainbow trout at this watering hole. Pickin’s might be slimmer in the winter, nevertheless, we like the South Platte River for stable water conditions and prime trout fishing (rainbow, brown, and cutthroat).
Are you still here? Grab your gear, pack a lunch, and immerse yourself in nature while mastering your casting skills and catching some sweet mountain trout!
Stand-Up Paddleboarding on Maggie Pond
Standup paddle boarding (SUP) has become a huge craze across the nation. Whether you’re an enthusiast or never tried it, hands down, the best spot to go ‘boarding is on Maggie Pond. Why? Because this beloved water spot has ultra-calm waters, so deftly maintaining your balance on a board is a cinch.
Not to mention, the views of the Tenmile Mountain Range are simply stunning. Maggie Pond is a quick junket from Main Street Station, and it’s the quintessential example of tranquility. Check out Breckenridge Recreational Center if you want to try yoga SUP, which is a super way to bond with nature while getting a full-body workout.
Art and Culture
Imagine snow blustering and a chill in the air, but you’re not quite sure what to do in Breckenridge. We have answers. Explore the various art galleries showcasing works by local and international artists, each piece telling its own unique story.
If you’re wondering about things to do in Breckenridge, winter is the best time to immerse yourself in the creative energy that permeates through every brushstroke and sculpture featured in the ample museums, art galleries, and cultural centers.
Start at The Breckenridge Creative Arts District on South Main Street, where you’ll find quaint and historical buildings all dedicated to expanding your mind and broadening your artistic horizons. Each building holds artful and needful treasures. Most artists work or sell out of each studio.
Classes are also offered, so if you’ve got a wild hair to sling some paint or sling some clay - this is the place to go. From ceramics to metalwork, you’ll find just about any type of artistic medium available for lesson-taking or for purchase. You can go to BreckCreate.org for shop times, workshop offerings, and more.
Breck also hosts a robust array of music venues. From jazz to classical, the area boasts a bundle of venues that will have your toes tapping. Check out Breckenridge Backstage Theater for sensational plays, productions, and music venues - a perfect treat on a snowy afternoon.
Are you a film buff? You’ve got to check out film festivals that dot the calendar throughout the year. For instance, in September, you can’t miss the Breck Film Festival, which celebrates the world of film-making. This event is a magnet for filmmakers around the world and features a dizzying collection of film premiers, forums, and parties. The festival utilizes the Eclipse Theatre for film enthusiasts and showings.
If local history and culture are your scene, Breck will not disappoint. There are plenty of museums and cultural centers where you can learn about the rich history of the area. We’re big fans of the Historic Walking Tour of Breckenridge where you mosey around the hot spots of the town with a local historian. Learn about gold mining history, and ogle stately mansions and discover how the founders of this town built the scaffolding for what is one of the most visited spots in the US today.
Shopping
Shopping doesn’t get any better than right in the heart of Breck. Why? Well, for starters, Main Street is a happy host to 200+ boutiques and shops. From eclectic antique stores to charming studios - you’re guaranteed to find that perfect somethin-somethin.
If you're into fashion, check out the trendy clothing stores along Main Street, where you can update your wardrobe with stylish mountain-inspired pieces. Don't forget to browse through the jewelry stores for a special keepsake from your trip to Breckenridge.
Looking for outdoor equipment? The outdoor gear shops in Breckenridge will supply you with everything you need for your mountain adventures. And if we dare toot our own horn (we do!), mountain bike, ski, and snowboard enthusiasts will love our fully stocked selections of top-quality gear at any of our two Avalanche Sports locations.
Nightlife
If you don’t know what après-ski is, you’ll quickly figure out that it’s about enjoying the company of fellow companions and friends after a satisfying day of skiing. Après-ski and the Breck nightlife tends to be high energy, tasteful, classy, and 100% enjoyable. Want to go boot-scootin' to live music at a local bar? Or maybe sipping some exceptional wine at any of our five-star restaurants is more your speed. Whatever the case, the nightlife here is a smashing way to make friends, create memories, and savor top-notch entertainment and lively libations.
We love the family-owned Motherloaded Tavern on Main St for its cleverly crafted cocktails and fabulous scratch-made dishes. Their meatloaf is out-of-this-world, and you’ve got to try their Mason Jar cocktails (we’re particularly fond of the Donkey Punch).
If craft beer is your gig, Breck will not let you down. There are 10 local breweries in the area, and our top three choices are Breckenridge Brewery & Pub, Broken Compass Brewing, and Highside Brewing.
Relaxation and Wellness
What’s better than getting a deep-muscle massage after a heady day of skiing or snowboarding? Maybe a sauna is better - but thankfully you don’t have to choose. Chill out with a buffet of self-indulgences at the various wellness meccas in Breck. To start, try an oxygen therapy treatment or an infrared sauna at Harmony Health Massage on Main St.
Or, go for total indulgence at the Spa at Beaver Run, where all your stress, aches, and pains will melt away after a recovery massage, refreshing facial, and a set-down in their jetted hot tubs with a glass of sparkling wine in your hand.
Did someone say Swedish massage and detox body wrap? Yes! Those are just some of the transcendent treatments awaiting you at the Spa at Breckenridge on Snowflake Drive.
The wealth of wellness doesn’t stop there because there are several yoga studios in the area that promise ultimate vitality. We like Meta Yoga on S. Ridge Street, which has been providing the community with asanas and namastes for over ten years. Spirit Alchemy Studio is another tried-and-true spot for not just yoga but also offers acupuncture, meditation sessions, and more.
How Do I Spend a Day at Breckenridge?
Everybody’s different, but we’d recommend a brisk start to the day with a refreshing morning hike and soaking in the nature-stuffed trails. Maybe take a nap and then head out to Dillon Reservoir for a breezy, relaxing sail on the lake. Next, pop into Avalanche Sports and rent a mountain bike for an invigorating ride on any of the 100+ trails in Breck. Lastly, stop by Motherloaders for a locally crafted brew, a mouthwatering Angus burger, and a side of disco fries to round out your day.
How Many Days Do You Need in Breckenridge?
Again, totally up to you. We’re partial to our neck of the woods, so we’d say the longer you stay, the better. But busy schedules often only afford a weekend trip. Whether a couple of days or a week-long stay, Breck can accommodate all of your bucket list wishes.
Is Breckenridge Worth Visiting?
Absolutely, indubitably, and yes, yes, yes! Breck has it all. Outdoor adventures like skiing, hiking, and biking. Sportsman action like fishing and boating. Precious self-care like yoga, spa treatments, and wellness retreats. Shall we go on?
Okay, let’s talk about the epic historical value of the area dating back to the gold rush days. Don’t forget the switched-on arts scene, which offers unparalleled, imaginative art, music, films, etc. Then there’s the electric nightlife and sublime foodie scene. You’ll never find yourself twiddling your thumbs asking, “What to do in Breckenridge?” because this is a treasure trove of exploration, excitement, and entertainment.
Your Breckenridge Adventure Awaits
While this isn’t nearly an exhaustive list of things to do in Breckenridge, we hope it gives you a proper introduction. At the very least, this inside look at Breck should inspire you to visit because there’s no place like it, and we know you’re going to love it here. When you do come, be sure to stop by Avalanche Sports and say “Howdy!” - we’d love to see you!