In the summer time it offers wild flower studded trails to hike, alpine basket rides and some of Summit County’s most incredible mountain biking at Boreas Pass. ATV rides, horseback riding through White River National Forest and off-road jeeping are all part of the complete Colorado experience.
Only an hour and a half drive from Denver, Breckenridge makes the perfect home base for any summer getaway. Hit the hiking paths in and around town at dawn or dusk.
So when you think of summer and Breckenridge, we really only ever things about Melody & her family. They have hiked the trails of Summit County for years, creating memories from alpine adventures that will last a lifetime. This collection of favorite hikes serves as a trove of local knowledge for visitors eager to explore all that Breckenridge has to offer.
From the epic to the serene, these hikes in Breckenridge and Eagles Nest Wilderness are a drool-worthy trail bucketlist you’ll come back to year after year. Although the step up to 9,600 feet may seem daunting for some, with a little preparation—including plenty of water hydration, layer dressing and adequate rest—your Breckenridge experience will be one you are sure not to forget.
Looking for the best hikes in Breckenridge to check out? Let’s get started!
Best Times for Hiking in Breckenridge: A Seasonal Guide
Such beautiful hiking year around but for the best weather to hike we recommend mid June-mid September. Mid-summer through the middle of August in a myriad of wild flowers show off, making it quite an extra treat for hikers.
Frequently in bloom with purple ColumbinesSilver: Colorado state flower, and brilliant Red Indian Paintbrush. Enjoy the beauty, but leave it for someone else to enjoy also.
Breckenridge Hiking Pro Tip: As to take a breather through off the beaten path, best will be if you leave early morning around 5-5:30. Leave early so you’re doing this track in peaceful surrounds, have no worries about parking and are more likely to see some wildlife.
Get an early start on hiking to truly appreciate the tranquility of the local trails before they get swarmed and you will also be able to enjoy a more authentic experience in Breckenridge’s natural surroundings.
Easy Hikes in Breckenridge
Although the lofty Breckenridge elevation of 9,600 feet adds a level of difficulty to these treks just about all fall within an easy to moderate missions that are makeable in terms of mileage while at the same time featuring low levels gain but area accessible. Perfect for families and hikers with any level of experience, these trails provide an easy way to get acquainted with Colorado’s high-alpine splendor.
If you are coming from a lower elevation, it is advisable to partly acquaint your self with novice hiking strategies. A good sunscreen and hydration are the musts; better bring a hiking backpack with water for this one too as keeping your hands free while being able to pull out those extra needed glasses of h20 on an easy sip is practical.
1. Trollstigen Trail
- Distance: 1 mile
- Elevation Gain: 121’
- Route: Loop
A walk more than a hike, Trollstigen Trail ends at the Breckenridge Troll that is known as Isak Heartstone – an almost life size 15 foot tall troll made of recycled materials sculpted by Danish artist Thomas Dambo. Buried deep in the woods, visiting Isak for an early morning chat is perfect first thing; get there before anyone else so you can have a peaceful private word.
It is an easy, well-marked path and can be enjoyed by all ages.
How to Get There: Start in the southeast corner of Stephen C West parking lot and proceed north adjacent to Illinois Gulch Trailhead.
Pro Tip: Wander off into surrounding trails–you will always be able to find your way back!
Psst! Isak has company! Rita the Rock Planter is a new troll that opened in 2023, near Cripple Creek and also about 75 minutes away from Colorado Springs Isak’s Family.
Get directions to Rita: Head south on CO-67S out of Colorado Springs toward Cripple Creek. The trailhead is a sharp right on CO Rd 87. Most park at the bottom and hike a pretty moderate incline to where the troll lives.
2. Sallie Barber Mine Trail
- Length: 2.8 miles
- Elevation Gain: 393’
- Route: Out and Back
Nearly flat, this easy trail is perfect for those interested in history and looking to take an afternoon stroll. It starts along a smooth, general gravel road and works its way uphill through shaded sections before reaching the fascinating ruins of an historic mining operation. This part boats a range of ruins, including lots with signs and info on the site.
Insider Tip: Adding to your experience is the option of linking up on backcountry trails directly from the ruins.
Directions: Take Wellington Road east from Breckenridge to Hwy 2/French Gulch Road. About three miles in on the right side you will see a trail head. Trailhead: You will have to walk a bit down the road until you reach the real start of this trail.
People love to snowshoe and cross-country ski this trail in the winter too.
3. Baker’s Tank Trail
- Distance: 6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 880’
- Route: Out and Back
Especially in the autumn when aspens become gleaming golden this trail rocks! The route is rocky and steep, with a real incline at the start — go slowly to avoid overexerting yourself. The last mile is on a dirt road exposed to full sun, but the views back are tremendous and historic Baker’s Tank (from the days of steam-powered locomotives) provides another good stop along this stretch.
Expert Tip: This trail is very popular with mountain bikers. Walk during the week and as soon in day light hours.
How to Get There: Park in the pullout up Boreas Pass Road, outside of town.
4. Burro Trail
- Distance: 6.1 miles
- Elevation Gain: 918’
- Route: Out and Back
The Burro Trail is, by comparison, easy to get in and out of from lodging along Village Road in Breckenridge since it starts close at the base of Peak 9 near the Quicksilver chairlift. The trail follows a creek, so there is often a nice breeze and plenty of shaded areas. A family friendly hike with chances for the kiddos to get their feet wet.
Local Tip: Extend your adventure by hiking Lower Crystal Lake Trail from the terminus of Burro Trail.
How to Get There: Park at Beaver Run Resort The trailhead quickly becomes apparent and you ford a small stream before entering the forest within minutes of leaving the base of the lift.
5. Lily Pad Lake via Meadow Creek Trail
- Distance: 3.1 miles
- Elevation Gain: 757’
- Route: Out and Back
The hike and bike friendly trail wanders through woods decently shaded by pine trees plus a few aspen groves, which must be breathtaking in the autumn. Beaver Ponds Trail – the hike is famous for being one of best examples in Jasper National Park showcasing what these hard working animals are capable off. The view on the first pond is very calm, but there are bugs at the lily pad infested second.
Insider Tip: Cross to the other side of the beaver pond, from below the Dam for a full view.
Getting There: On Highway 6 towards Silverthorne, take the turnoff to Stephens Way and follow Wildernest then Ryan Gulch Roads up to where it crosses Straight Creek.
6. Lower Sawmill and Snowflake Trailhead
- Distance: 1.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 246’
- Route: Loop
A quick little family-friendly hike to an alpine lake is great for heading out in the evening. Shaded and up hill, this trail is also a nice way to ease your trip into Breckenridge’s altitude as you acclimate. Also, there might be a tiny swamp crossing especially season dependent.
How to get there: Turn right on Four O’clock Road off S Park Ave (Hwy 9). The trailhead starts at the Snowflake chair lift at Four O’Clock Road and Kings Crown Road.
Moderate Hikes in Breckenridge
On moderate Breckenridge hikes, you can expect diverse elevation gains with a few beginning already at 12,000 feet. These trails are usually stony so good shoes are required. Make sure to break in your shoes before you hit the trail and wear good socks, like Smartwools; it will really make a difference on how cold or happy my feet are each day.
7. Little French Gulch Trail
- Distance: 4.6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 482’
- Route: Out and Back
Located at the end of French Gulch Road this trail will take you on a winding journey around Mount Guyot. The initial two miles involve walking on a gravel road before turning into the narrow trail that takes you to the gulch. Wildflowers add their own vibrant splash of color to the trail in summertime. To make your way ( and hike ) more challenging take the left onto viewpoint trail #970A around mile 1 to see beautifully overlooks including Applegate Lake.
How to Get There and Parking: Park at Sallie Barber Trailhead, hike a mile up the road. Follow US 24W and CO0N to Boreas Pass Road then onto French Gulch Road.
8. Mount Royal
- Distance: 3.9 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,374 feet
- Route: Out and Back
This hidden gem hike brown living rocky With a big view found in summer 2020, Mount Royal is amazing with great views. Abundant parking is available at this trailhead for a challenging, rocky, uphill walk. Recommended: trekking poles, sturdy hiking shoes (esp. for the steep final ascent). When you reach the summit, trek a quarter-mile down for expansive vistas of Frisco and Dillon Reservoir with Greys and Torreys towering over them.
How To Get There: I-70 W to exit 201, make your way into Frisco and left on S Main St right onto Forest Dr then Left to trailhead.
9. Mohawk Lakes – Upper and Lower via Spruce Creek Trail
- Distance: 8.4 miles
- Elevation Gain: 2,106’
- Route: Out and Back
This overcrowded trail necessitates a prompt start time in order to find some parking. This is mostly a steady uphill, gorgeous waterfalls and alpine lakes type of hike. It is a difficult trail, especially after the Continental Falls where most of elevation gain happens. Hiking sticks and boots are advised, especially for getting through snow that is still present.
Directions There: Hwy 9 south of Grand Moose Lodge, right on Spruce Creek Road Drive all the way to the trailhead.
10. Mayflower Lake
- Distance: 7.9 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,922’
- Route: Out and Back
The trail to Mayflower Lake provides added beauty as it becomes lush from the melt and connects with Spruce Creek Trail at Continental Falls. This two-tiered waterfall is a lovely benchmark 2.6 miles from the trailhead, before going another half mile on to Mohawk Lakes. This popular trail draws many people no matter the season and is also enjoyed as a snowshoe hike. Camping and fishing is permited to be done in between the route.
11. Peak’s Trail
- Distance: 6.9 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,735 feet
- Route: Point to Point
Free Shuttle back to Breckenridge from Frisco via the trail This trail is dog-friendly and also used by mountain bikers so may have to make way for passing riders. The trail steeply clings to the banks of Miner’s Creek, past Rainbow Lake — a favourite spot for families hiking in fall. The open meadows are awash in wildflowers, yellow daisies that bloom into May and June along with balsam root sunflowers later on to July and August. It eventually crosses Cucumber Creek Road before coming to an end where you can hop a shuttle back into town.
Insider Tip: Hike over to Breckenridge for outing number two via the free Gondola, have lunch and hike back to Frisco- or do it in reverse (15 miles round trip).
How To Get There: The trailhead is located off Ski Hill Road in Breckenridge. A breakdown of this trip description is featured on the Spark People website and again, do a quick web search or use AllTrails to identify exactly where it might be.
12. Ptarmigan Trail
- Distance: 5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,141’
- Route: Out and Back
The family-friendly trail includes a bit of everything — wildflowers, high-elevation lakes and mountain views. The first part of the trail is really steep and predominant at an elevation over 9,000 feet so make sure not to forget your sunscreen & hat. The climb eases after a few minutes, as you walk along the trail through leafy groves of stands of mountain mahogany and quaking aspen before emerging in pine country just beyond two miles; this is an ideal area to rest from climbing.
Take a right on Ptarmigan Trail From CO-9N/Blue River Pkwy in Silverthorne.
Parking: Powerful Closes Fast, Get There Early.
13. Wheeler Lakes
- Distance: 6.6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,486’
- Route: Out and Back
Located in the Eagles Nest Wilderness, get ready for some great views and wildflowers in bloom during summer. The first mile runs parallel to I-70, isn’t the most desirable but eventually you enter some woods. The alpine lakes seen on the way to Cinnamon Pass; along a gradual climb, when you get close up to them it gets steeper but with many clearings and great views into mountains. Note: There are lots of trees down and some lakes have signs of beaver activity also.
Trailhead: A busy scenic area on I-70 between exits 195 and 198. How many people had to hike a mile and half more on top of all that just so you could have your luxury mattress?
14. Upper and Lower Crystal Lake
- Distance: 4.6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,601’
- Route: Out and Back
A Monberg family favorite, this relatively short hike packs a punch. Upper Crystal involves a tough hike with almost 2,000 feet of elevation gain. The trailhead begins on a 4×4 road, ascends wooded sections of pine forest before reaching stunning alpine lakes. Expect rapid, summer weather changes and immense views of Mount Helen laying to the east as well Crystal Peak.
Getting There: Drive south on Hwy 9, turn onto Spruce Creek Road and continue to the trailhead.
Parking : At ruins of old cabins; 4WD to Spruce Creek Wheeler junction, thereby shortening the hike.
15. Willow Lakes via Gore Range Trail
- Distance: 11.9 miles
- Elevation Gain: 2,716’
- Route: Out and Back
This trail is a staple for the avalanche it only connects to, with panoramic views, alpine lakes walking through fields of wildflowers. Great hiking and camping area. The expansive, well-marked trail is easy to follow and a suitable choice even for beginners. Getting there early means good parking and a quiet hike. The first few miles of the trail are flanked by aspens so it makes for a nice mid-fall trek. Be sure not to miss the side trail going this extra little mile up to Salmon Lake (look for mountain goats).
How to go: Drive north on CO-9N, Pass through Blue River Pkwy and turn left at Willowbrook Rd. They have a limited parking capacity so get there early.
16. Bald Mountain Trail
- Distance: 10.3 miles
- Elevation Gain: 3,123’
- Route: Out and Back
The trek up Mount Baldy, a 13,690-foot-high summit with expansive vistas of Breckenridge and surrounding peaks. Starting in the trees beside sights such as Iowa Mill, it winds up to a peak. A difficult if you have not a lot practice but very rewarding with some nice view shots, although few sections were hard to find their way due to private property implements.
How to Get There: Drive up Mt Baldy Road and further pass the Gold Point Resort to reach the trailhead located around where Baldy Road crosses Goldenview Drive.
Insider Tip: This is a great family tradition to visit this trail over the years for reminiscing and shared memories.
17. Quandary Peak
- Summit Elevation: 14,271 feet
- Distance: 6.6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 3,326 feet
- Route: Out and Back
Quandary Peak is the 13th highest of the Colorado 14ers, and it’s a challenging hike due to steep elevation gain over rocky terrain. From just north of Hoosier Pass, the highly-trafficked pathway through pines climbs a wide-open saddle to viewpoints in all directions: Mt. Democrat and Crystal Peak immediately to the east; Mountain goats frequent this popular trail.
Directions: Travel south on Hwy 9 for 8.5 miles, turn right onto McCullough Gulch Road, and the trailhead in on the left Arrive early as parking is full fast.
18. McCullough Gulch Trail
- Trail Length: 6.4 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,607’
- Route: Out and Back
A difficult trail running through White River National Forest near Quandary Peak, enjoy lakes and waterfalls with beautiful wildflowers while looking up at mountains. The hike begins on an old mining road gated by a new gate, and the path gets more difficult as it ascends, particularly between the lakes where you need to avoid picking your way over boulders. Pacific Tarn, at 13,868′ a high alpine lake is the U.S.’s highest named lake.
Access: From Hwy 9 south, comp for 8.5 miles through the McCullough Gulch Road and reach the trailhead via a shuttle bus.
Insider Tip: pack your fishing gear for Upper Blue Reservoir, or further pursue alpine lakes across the upper valley.
Getting Around
If you think your car might be wonky in the Carson Valley, renting is ideal for hiking commutes to all of that jaw-dropping Colorado public land: free parking wherever and lot’s at Breckenridge during summer. Free, year round Summit Stage buses with bike racks are another good option. Your journey begins at the Breckenridge Welcome Center where you can pick up maps and find out about what else is happening in town that day. Plan book tours ahead, and join in on the fun with local celebrations like 4th of July & Labor Day outdoor concerts/duck races. Listings from insiders like themselves will include concerts, activities and farmers’ markets.
Trailhead Insights
The number of outdoor activities has increased Twofold as of 2020, thus causing significant pressure on National Forest resources and staff. In the case of Summit County, where over three million hikers and outdoor enthusiasts currently visit, parking lots are overcrowded, and the number of backcountry emergencies is growing. Therefore, pre-requisites can help avert this situation.
Preparation and Safety Tips
Before heading out, make sure to inform someone of your plans. Download trail maps and keep a paper copy as a backup. Leave a note in your car with your intended route and return time.
Timing and Backup Plans
Trailhead parking fills up quickly, so start early and have alternative trails in mind. Many popular hikes require permits, so check in advance.
Essentials
Carry enough water (at least 1 liter per hiker for every 2 hours), layered clothing, snacks, and a basic first aid kit. Always follow trail rules and regulations.
Leave No Trace
when hiking in Breckenridge, you gotta travel responsibly and. That means planning ahead, staying on durable surfaces, picking up waste and respecting wildlife. Take care with campfires and be respectful of those on the trail. More directly, you can help by grabbing a glove and bag to take with for litter (call it anything else) pick-up along the way so that when we finish our ride not only are wheels dirty but your pretty feet too.
