Breckenridge, CO, is a year-round outdoor playground in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. The charming historic downtown adds to the reasons so many come here.
Skiing, Hiking, Snowboarding, Ice-skating, XC skiing, and Mountain biking are just some ideas at your fingertips.
Hiking in Breckenridge is consistently fantastic; from easy to hard there is something for every skill level.
Black Powder Pass Trail
Black Powder Pass Trail at the Summit of Boreas Pass near Breckenridge, CO. is a 3.2-mile, slightly challenging trail. A hike to a panorama of gorgeous high-peak views! Pack a lunch, check out the railroad relics of yesteryear, and wander up Black Powder Pass.
This hike is half and half, the first half a gentle easy trail, the second half a steady, persistent incline. The views on the entire trail are beautiful in all directions! It is worth the last half mile to the summit.
Bring a lunch, the kids, and your pups, and explore the beautiful areas and history surrounding Boreas Pass.
3.4 miles out & back
Rated: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 1,000′
Located: Summit Boreas Pass – 11,481′
Nearest Town: Breckenridge, CO
Boreas Pass Rd
19.8-mile point-to-point dirt road. Easily accessible by car.
Closed in winter, (approx: Oct-May) popular for snowshoeing and XC skiing when closed to traffic.
> Breck Heritage has excellent information about the history surrounding the Breckenridge area.
Mohawk and Mayflower Lakes Trail
Mohawk & Mayflower Lakes is one of my favorite day hikes. This hike has it all. You begin at 10,390′ elevation and reach 12,000′, with alpine lakes, old cabins, creek crossings, summer wildflowers, a dazzling waterfall, and incredible views. It is Colorado at its best.
Hike to Upper Mohawk Lake for even more tantalizing alpine splendor and ridiculous views!
The trail begins at Spruce Creek Trailhead
6 miles out and back – to the lower lake
6.7 miles out and back – to the upper lake
Rated: moderate/strenuous
No restrooms
Crazy crowded in the summer months – come early!
Nearest Town: Breckenridge, CO
Open to: hiking, snowshoeing, dogs on leashes, horses, and mountain bikes
Being prepared makes all the difference in making a hike an enjoyable and safe experience. > Day Hiker Checklist
Iowa Hill Trail
Iowa Hill Trail, in the heart of Breckenridge, CO
While wandering around Breckenridge, CO, we stumbled upon a fantasitic history hike close to the town of Breck. Perfect for families and visitors. A hiking trail with historical mining exhibits and interpretive signage.
The hike takes you back to the days of gold panning while hiking through the beauty of the Breckenridge area.
Approx: 2-mile loop
Rated: easy, moderate
Starting elevation: 9,600 ft.
Family-friendly
Dog friendly
Beginner hiker friendly
No mountain bikes
Know the signs and symptoms of high altitude sickness > Colorado High Altitude Hiking Effects and Advice
Breckenridge Trails Loop
Breckenridge Trails Loop hike is a mixture of 3 trails we found under the name Colorado Trail, Campion Trail, and Hippo Trail Loop on the AllTrails App.
It was a great trail, a great workout, and miles of high peaks views within a pine forest and meadows.
Colorado Trail, Campion Trail, and Hippo Trail Loop
6.5 Mile Loop
Rated: moderate
Elevation gain: 1,338′
Dogs ok
Open to hiking, mountain bikes
Horseshoe Gulch Trail System
LOCATED: Take Revette Dr off of Hwy 9 for a 1/8 mile. You will see a dirt parking area on your right. Trailhead across the road. Be mindful and don’t park in residential areas.
Minnie Mine Trail
Short but sweet hike with exceptional views of the mountain peaks while hiking through some of Colorado’s most historical remnants of mines. Just minutes into the hike, you come upon mine remnants surrounded by Colorado’s distinctive golden aspen trees.
Breckenridge is full of golden aspen trees in the fall, but the French Gulch area has reds and oranges not found in other parts of Breckenridge due to the minerals left in the soil — Exceptional fall hike. A short walk just across the road is the historic Reiling Gold Dredge.
1.8-mile loop
Rated: Moderate
Dog friendly
Family-friendly
Hike, Bike, Snowshoe
Crystal Lake Trail
Crystal Lakes Trail is a haven of alpine scenery. Views of the Ten Mile Range alongside Lower Crystal Lake, nestled below the mountain ridges, are gorgeous. One beautiful hike through deep forests, wildflower-lined meadows, and Crystal Creek running through it all.
NOTE: Francie’s Cabin, a famous backcountry hut, is located just minutes off this trail before you reach the lakes >Click Here for photos & information.
Approx: 4.6 miles out & back/Lower Lake
Approx: 8.4 miles out & back/Upper Lake
Rated: Moderate/Hard
Elevation Gain: 1,604′ 1st Lake
Elevaton Gain: 2,568′ 2nd Lake
No restrooms
Sawmill Gulch Trail
Sawmill Gulch Trail is a family-friendly Breckenridge summer surprise under the Snowflake chairlift. The trail has a slight incline through fairytale-like forests and a creek flowing down the slope. With muddy areas, water to run through and leaves squishy beneath your feet, bridges to cross, and sticks and rocks to collect, your kids will feel like they are on a great adventure.
Surprise, in the end, is a beautiful Reservoir. Stunning … sparkling blue water, surrounded by tall pines.People fishing, benches about, and a trail to wander around the lake. It brings out the child in you… Not a cardio workout but in just a little over a mile, up and back, you come down smiling…
Located: at Snowflake Chair Lift, near the intersection of Four O’Clock Road and Kings Crown Road.
Approx: 1.5 miles out and back
Rated: Easy
Dog friendly
No fishing along the trail
Fishing allowed at Sawmill Reservoir
Add the Fairy Forest to your Sawmill Gulch Hike!
Fairy Forest
After a hike up Sawmill Gulch Trail, look for the Fairy Forest sign among the trees around Sawmill Lake. It is to your left as you climb the stairs from the trail and reach Sawmill Lake.
For about a mile, little handmade fairy cottages lined the trail. They are built by local families and visitors to Breckenridge each summer.
Whimsical and magical! Too much fun discovering all the hidden treasures in the woods.
Camelbak Mini Mule Kids Hydration Backpacks, Lots of designs and colors
McCullough Gulch Trail
McCullough Gulch Hike, a popular sought-after trail in Breckenridge, CO. A favorite of ours! A bit on the strenuous side of moderate but so worth the effort.
Nothing is lacking on this trek; it’s an alpine playground sitting alongside Quandary Peak. In addition, find old miners’ cabins, a stunning waterfall, a gorgeous alpine lake, and log water crossings.
> Read More on our Summer Hike.
NOTE: IMPORTANT UPDATE ON PARKING AS OF JULY 24, 2021 – MUST RESERVE OR SHUTTLE
For information and to make a reservation > ParkQuandary.com
2.7 miles out and back from the Trailhead + a half-mile trek to the Trailhead, making it 3.7 miles.
Rated: moderate, consider it’s an uphill trek with lots of rocks and steep areas at high altitudes.
Start Elevation: 11,100 ft. Elevation gain: 1,578 ft.
Two portable restrooms at the parking lot for Quandary Peak
Dog friendly
Popular for snowshoeing: Contact Dillon Park Ranger District for Trail conditions.
Baker’s Tank Trail
Bakers Tank Trail is famous for year-round outdoor enthusiasts just 3.5 miles up Boreas Pass from Breckenridge – A welcoming forest with towering pines. Pop-out of the trees and find the Historic late 1800s Bakers Tank. I’ve hiked this in winter and enjoyed fewer crowds and no vehicles on Boreas Pass.
Hike back the way you came or trek back on Boreas Pass Road for a loop hike.
Rated: easy to moderate
Approx: 5.5 miles out and back
Start Elevation: 10,385 ft
Open to dogs, horses, and mountain bikes
In winter available to snowshoeing, XC skiing
The trail is well marked
Information: Dillon Ranger District 970-468-5400
Winter Essentials for a safe hike!
YakTrak Diamond Grip – traction device
Kahtoola EXOspikes – traction device
Trekking Poles – stability
Gaiters – keep the snow out of your boots
NOTE: The Trailhead is located 3.5 miles up Boreas Pass Road from Breckenridge on your left. The map shows only where the historic Bakers Tank is located.
Peaks Trailhead – Elk Dance Loop
Elk Dance Loop via Peaks Trailhead, located at the end of Ski Hill Rd., is a year-round playground. Popular for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, there is something for everyone. Elk Dance Loop is part of the Nordic ski tracks. It’s beautiful here. Until the winter season starts, this area is open to hikers. Lots of trail options, and it can be confusing.
NOTE: Peaks Trail will take you to Frisco, CO (6.9 miles from the start), then take the shuttle back to Breckenridge. Rated: Easy/slightly moderate
For our hike
5.9 miles total
Rated: Moderate
Leashed dogs ok
No restrooms
Spruce Creek Trail
Spruce Creek Trail loop is beautiful in each season. Starting off meandering through a forest of pines with the added option of hiking to Mohawk Lakes above treeline, it’s Colorado at its best. You can’t go wrong in stunning Blue River, CO, near Breckenridge, CO,
4.3-mile loop
Rated: moderate
Open to leashed dogs
No restrooms
Nearest town: Breckenridge, CO
Little Gems “Not to Miss!”
Sapphire Point Overlook & Trail
Sapphire Point Overlook and Trail – Head out for a short drive from Breckenridge or Dillon, in the heart of Colorado’s Ski Country, and find a “not-to-be-missed” easy peasy trail — The perfect spot for bringing kiddos, the elderly, visitors, and newbie hikers.
The overlook and trail show off Colorado in spades, with sweeping views of surrounding mountain towns and snow-capped peaks.
The trail is a gentle 0.6-mile loop through tall pines & wildflowers. It doesn’t sound like much for a seasoned hiker, but its beauty is captivating and never a disappointment. We make the loop year-round every time we are in the area.
Breck Troll
A 1/4 mile trail and find a troll living in the forests of Breckenridge.
The Breckenridge Arts District is the region’s newest epicenter of creativity. The Troll’s name is Isak Heartstone. Made from recycled and reclaimed wood by renowned Danish artist Thomas Dambo
Easy walk, bike, or free public transportation ride to visit him.
No bikes on the trail
Dogs allowed on a leash (please don’t pee on Isak)
Please don’t climb on Isak
The trail is not maintained in winter, be careful!
Blue Lakes Trail
This short, easy-access trail is above the tree line where Mother Nature is obviously in charge. Wind-blown, twisted, dwarfed pines, tundra, and steep rocky slopes surround an amazingly blue lake. Marmots are everywhere, and you’ll hear the chatter of little pika mice letting you know you are wandering into their territory.
Bring the kids on a fantastic family-friendly hike. Where else can mountain goats greet you… really! We love it.
Various trails to explore
Rated: easy, moderate
Can drive right to the lake
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