Breckenridge, Colorado in the summer. Photo by Breckenridge Tourism Office

Colorado is known for its majestic Rocky Mountain range and winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding, and there are many top mountain towns in Colorado.

Breckenridge, Colorado is one of our favorites. (We’re based in Colorado!) Yes, Breckenridge is a top ski town in Colorado, but in the summer, it really shines. 

Downtown Breckenridge, Colorado
Downtown Breckenridge, Colorado. Photo by Breckenridge Tourism Office

The weather is perfect during a Colorado mountain summer, and you can spend most of your time enjoying the outdoors, from hiking to biking to fishing. Downtown Breckenridge takes on new energy; outdoor patios are filled and the shops and restaurants in Breckenridge bustle with activity.

Top Things to Do in Breckenridge in the Summer

Wondering what to do on your trip to Breckenridge? Here’s our list of top things to do in  Breckenridge, Colorado this summer. 

Summer in Breckenridge: Top Things to Do in Breckenridge, Colorado in the Summer #colorado #summer #breckenridge #coloradosummer #thingstodo

Hiking, Riding and Exploring Colorado’s Trails

Colorado’s trails are the perfect place to explore and find adventure while practicing social distancing. Breckenridge boasts hundreds of miles of trails to breathe in the fresh mountain air and reconnect with nature and the outdoors.

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  • A perfect view of the reservoir on a sunny day in Breckenridge, CO.
  • Passing a waterfall on the hiking trail.
  • Towering trees line the hiking trails throughout the Breckenridge mountain area.

Hiking in Breckenridge

The abundance of hiking trails means that there is a trail for every level of hiker, from easy trails the whole family can enjoy to those that push the experienced hiker. One easy hike is the Sawmill Trail, which starts in downtown Breckenridge. It winds approximately 1.5 miles and follows a stream leading to a nearby reservoir. 

Do you have a vehicle to get around while visiting Colorado? If so,  B&B and Turks is a great option. It’s a fairly short drive to this easy loop trail suitable for beginners or novice hikers. The trail passes by the historic Reiling Dredge, surrounded by serene waters and forest.

If you prefer a paved path, a trip to nearby Dillon is in order. The Blue River Rec Path was formerly a highway that was converted into a serene trail. It is perfect, whether you want to bike or hike this trail. 

One fun adventure that you might want to try is renting an e-bike or electric bike and riding the trail from Breckenridge to downtown Frisco. There are several options where you can rent an e-bike. Reservations are recommended ahead of time. 

Crystal Lakes

Travel along the same pathway that the wagons and early settlers of Colorado made along the breathtaking Crystal Lakes. A treeline leads you through a verdant spruce forest, rolling meadows and rocky peaks.

Most visitors have heard of Pikes Peak, one of 58 fourteeners in Colorado, or mountain peaks exceeding 14,000 feet.  But there are other nearby mountains ranging from 12,000 to 13,000 feet.

  • Starting the Sallie Barber Mine Trail in Breckenridge, CO.
  • When the lifts aren't taking skiiers up the mountain they float above mountain creeks and summer peaks.
  • Following the ski lifts on the hike up the mountain.

Need a bit more challenge? The Upper Crystal lake hike takes you to a well-deserved view at 12,900 feet. Some less-crowded options to hike include Crystal Peak, Wheeler Mountain, Peak 10 and Pacific Peak. 

One famous sight in Breckenridge is Isak Heartstone by Danish artist Thomas Dambo — a giant troll statue made of recycled materials along the one-way Trollstigen Trail.

  • The historic Sallie Barber Mine
  • Capturing Crystal Peak in the distance.
  •  Reiling Gold Dredge was built in 1908 by the French Gulch Dredging Company to mine gold out of Summit Countyountain lake.

Strolling Breckenridge’s Main Street

This summer (and for the first time in its history), downtown Breckenridge’s famous Main Street area is closed to traffic so that pedestrians have plenty of space to stroll its many shops. Restaurants have expanded outside areas for dining alfresco style. Additionally, visitors can grab food to go and enjoy a meal on the Riverwalk Lawn. 

In addition to the 25-plus shops and participating restaurants between Jefferson and Watson avenues with expanded outdoor dining and shopping, the Breckenridge art community invites visitors to enjoy pop-up performances from local musicians, art workshops and morning yoga classes.

You’ll find demonstrations in the Riverwalk Center to the Arts District Campus in partnership with Breckenridge Creative ArtsBreckenridge MusicNational Repertory Orchestra and Breckenridge Film Festival

Breckenridge Heritage Alliance offers historical and haunted walking tours that begin at the Breckenridge Welcome Center. 

  • Shopping in the Breckenridge Arts District.  from all over the rocky mountain range.
  • On Main Street, there are plenty of stores and restaurants that are open for business.
  • The town is spacious and remains connected to the nature surrounding it.

Parking in Breckenridge

While parking is not allowed on Main Street this summer, there is plenty of parking in the North Gondola Lot. (The South Gondola Lot is currently under construction.) The Free Park ‘n Ride is available all summer at the Ice Rink and Airport Road lots. Visit www.breckfreeride.com for complete schedules. 

For more information on what Breckenridge is doing to ensure health and safety this summer for residents and guests,  visit GoBreck.com 

For more information on Colorado, see our Colorado Travel Guide.

Author Bio: Angie Cavallari is a Lifestyle & Pop Culture Expert and author of Trailer Trash: an ‘80s Memoir. She has authored thousands of blogs and articles with some of her work featured in Huffington Post, The Reset, Go World Travel, among others. When she is not traveling, she is spending time with her kids and her precocious pug, JJ.

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