Breckenridge Colorado Things To Do In Summer

Barney Ford Victorian House

Learn about civil rights in Colorado

| Phone: 453-9767 | Website | Entrance: free but a $5 donation is suggested

Learn all about the life and work of Barney Ford at this fabulous museum. Barney Ford escaped slavery to become an entrepreneur and then built a gorgeous Victorian home in Breckenridge for his wife and family. He was one of the earliest advocates for civil rights in Colorado.

Explore Historic Downtown Breckenridge

Explore the historic district in Breckenridge town at leisure throughout your visit. The district was originally a mining district and has preserved the historic Breckenridge town.

Besides the historic district, you can explore the historic Main Street, shop at locally-owned shops and buy locally sourced souvenirs. Remember to pack your own shopping bag, or pick one up at the Breckenridge Welcome Center.

Snow And Wildflowers At Breckenridge In Summer

The snow melts off most of the trails by mid-June . Bring proper footwear and plan your hikes and high-alpine drives accordingly if you are heading out prior to late June.

Wildflowers typically bloom from July through mid-August. The display is gorgeous, but trails tend to be more crowded at this time so start your hike prior to 7 am to beat the crowds.

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Go For A Scenic Drive Near Breckenridge

With easy access to many of the best scenic drives in Colorado, why not hit the road and go for a mountain drive? There are a few options for paved scenic byways. If youve got a 4wd vehicle, you can branch out to some of the nearby rugged mountain roads too.

A few of the best scenic drives near Breck for any vehicle include:

• Highway 91 to Leadville
• Highway 40 to Berthoud Pass
• Highway 9 over Hoosier Pass

Take A Tour From The Breckenridge Heritage Alliance

I love history and the Breckenridge Heritage Alliance members know all about Brecks colorful past. In addition to managing several historic residences in town that are free to visit, they also offer guided hikes and historic tours. Here are three of our favorites.

Haunted Tour of Breckenridge. Life in 1800s Breckenridge was hard, and several folks met with untimely deaths, although according to locals, not everyone has departed.

The Haunted Tour of Breckenridge is more historical than scary, but there are a few stories that make the hair on the back of your neck stand up. The ghost stories also give a glimpse of real life in a western mining town and what it took to survive.

Stories of prostitution, cannibalism and gruesome mining accidents are part of this tour, although guides leave any detail to your imagination. We took my 8-year-old and it was fine, he focused more on the ghosts than the story of their mortal counterpart.

Preston Mill Ghost Town Tour. Visiting a ghost town was on my list when we came to Colorado, so I was super excited about this hike that includes a picnic lunch.

The hike itself has some steeper inclines that might take younger kids a bit longer, but its not difficult and the guide goes at a leisurely pace. Along the way to the former town of Preston Mill, you pass abandon gold mines and equipment, a nice diversion if your child is like my youngest and balks at the mention of hike.

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Spend The Afternoon In Frisco

Known more to locals than tourists, Frisco is a local hot spot thats located right at the waters edge. Theres a lot to do in Frisco, from enjoying the charming main street to climbing the famous Mount Royal.

The marina offers plenty of water sports. And if youre into road biking, Frisco is a great spot to try biking along the paved path to Vail. You can even bike from Breck to Frisco, or take the bus.

Free Museum At The Breckenridge Welcome Center

The Breckenridge Welcome Center is in the heart of downtown. You can get advice and guides, use restrooms but my favorite part is the interactive museum. And bonus its free!

During the construction of the welcome center, demolition crews discovered a 19th century log cabin, which is now part of the museum. The museum also includes info and history on the Gulch Wildlife Preserve, the Native American settlement, gold mining and much more.

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Shop For Souvenirs In Breck

If you love to shop, you have a collection from travels or you simply love to buy souvenirs while you travel, this is the perfect spot for you!

Downtown Breckenridge shops include everything from jewelry to shoes, rustic home decor and even specialty chocolates. Cute boutiques and high-end brands line the streets. Youll find exactly what youre looking for in this cute mountain town.

Hike Or Bike The Peaks Trail

Between Breckenridge and Frisco is the 15.3 mile Peaks Trail with stunning scenery, especially during summer and fall.

If you start in Breck the entire trail is all downhill and will take about 4.5 hours walking.

You can also bike this trail during the warmer months, or enjoy some snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter.

Theres a free shuttle between Frisco and Breck, so you dont have to hike the trail back unless you want to.

Just take the Breck Free Bus back to town.

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Attend The Fourth Of July Celebration

A fun summer event in Breckenridge is not complete without fully celebrating Independence day in a big way

This huge, multi-day, family-friendly Independence Day celebration is hosted annually in Breckenridge every 4th of July.

The whole family will enjoy competitions, live music, art festivals, and other small-town family traditions.

This is a great summer activity and is a very popular attraction when the summer heat kicks in.

For 2021s celebration the National Repertory Orchestra was present and offered a live music show like no other!

About This Guide To Best Things To Do In Breckenridge In Summer

Youre ready to get the best of Breck like a local, not a tourist. Get to know one of the most scenic mountain towns in Colorado with this exclusive local guide. Inside this guide to things to do in Breckenridge, Colorado youll find:

• The best times to visit Breckenridge during the sweet summer months
• A comprehensive list of awesome things to do in Breckenridge this summer
• How many days you should spend exploring Breck
• Hot quick tips to visit Breck like a local

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Take A Breckenridge Walking Tour

Get an overview of the towns history through a tour with the Breckenridge Heritage Alliance. Their tours showcase establishments that date back to the 19th century. More than 200 buildings in Breck are on the National Register of Historic Places. One example is the Gold Pan Saloon with the longest-standing liquor license west of the Mississippi River. The 90-minute tour goes rain or shine and covers the 6-block area of downtown Breck. While the tour makes occasional stops with places to sit, you will be standing most of the time. If you take the tour a second time, youll see new things and hear different stories because each guide may take a slightly different route.

Brian Koehn / Shutterstock

Country Boy Mine Tours

Country Boy Mine offers several fun family tours that the whole family will enjoy.

• Goldmine Tour This tour sets you on a journey 100ft underground to explore the gold mines in Breckenridge. You will witness the old and new gold and silver ores, learn about all the adventures down a goldmine including life and death experiences.
• Treasure Hunts Using a metal detector, the thrilling treasure and scavenger hunts are exciting for families. The metal detector helps you discover buried treasure along the trail.
• Monster Truck Hay Ride Have you ever taken a ride on a sleigh pulled by a truck? The ride goes through magnificent views letting you discover Breckenridges gold rush history.
• Pan For Gold This is a one hour activity where you get to pan the Eureka Creek carrying all types of minerals including gold.
• Meet The Burros Goldie and Dam are miniature donkeys found at Country Boy Mine. Their size makes them particularly attractive to kids as they get to meet and play with the burros for free.

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Start Planning Your Trip To Breckenridge

Breckenridge is the perfect destination.

You can visit in winter for skiing and sledding opportunities.

You can visit in the summer to raft down rivers and hike in the mountain trails.

And you can come any time of year to tour historic sites and learn about this towns Wild West years.

Regardless of when you decide to stop in, youre sure to enjoy an enriching and exciting holiday!

Happy travels.

Things To Do In Breckenridge

Summit County is well known for beautiful summer days. With world class fishing, hiking and biking in your backyard, it is hard to choose what to do. Take advantage of your vacation with the best activities the county has to offer. Whether you are looking for a nice hike, or a bold zip line, each is sure to be the highlight of your vacation while youre in colorful Colorado. Discover the great outdoors with these exciting activities.

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Indulge In Some Water Activities

• Catch Colorados native cutthroat trout with some Fly Fishing at Lower Mohawk Lake.
• Bring your family on a whitewater rafting tour through the rivers of Colorado.
• Rent a Stand Up Paddle Board and head to Maggie Pond in Breckenridge for wonderful views while paddling around.
• Have a picnic at Carter Park or cool off along the Blue River.
• Spend a day boating at Frisco Bay Marina.

Go Snowshoeing Or Cross

There are two amazing Nordic centers in Breck, the Breckenridge Nordic Center and the Gold Run Nordic Center.

Gold Run is about a short ten minute drive from the Breckenridge Ski Resort.

If youre a snowshoer, cross-country skier or skate skier, youll find wonderful managed trails at both Nordic centers.

While the Breckenridge Nordic Center has both flatter trails and routes that lead up into the mountains, the Gold Run Nordic Center offers more rolling terrain.

The Gold Run also offers Full Moon Snowshoe tours where you can head out in the snow under the light of a bright full moon.

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Sawmill Reservoir And Sawmill Creek Trail

Faina Gurevich / Shutterstock

Sawmill Reservoir and Sawmill Creek Trail are a pair of relaxing and delightful Breckenridge attractions.

Located within White River National Forest, they rise to a peak of 9,938 feet above the level of the sea.

Many people make the trek through the trail and reservoir, and its a popular activity for tourists and locals alike.

Sawmill Creek Trail spans 1.3 miles, leads through a beautiful river, and ends at the reservoir.

The trail loops back, too, and is flanked by wildflowers, maintained well, and fitted with numerous benches and picnic spots.

Bridges also allow you to get above the water.

So if youre looking for stuff to do, you can combine these outings!

Sawmill Reservoir itself is a gorgeous and tranquil lake that takes up 10 acres of land.

If you have a valid fishing license for Colorado, you can participate in catch-and-release fishing here.

Rainbow trout are often seen splashing here.

In the summer, you can go kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing, and boating, too!

Address: Breckenridge, CO, United States

Which Is Better Breckenridge Or Frisco

Breckenridge, Colorado, has a lot more to offer. Frisco, on the other hand, is a lovely town if you choose to stay in town rather than along the motorway. Especially if you are interested in kayaking, Frisco is a more convenient location. Both provide access to a large number of cycling paths.

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Where Is Breckenridge Peak 8 Fun Park

The Breckenridge Peak 8 Fun Park has been improved and expanded to become Epic Discovery. All the Breckenridge Peak 8 Fun Park activities you loved are still located at the base of Peak 8 which is now called Peak 8 Base Camp. You can access Peak 8 Base Camp by riding the BreckConnect gondola from town up to the base of Peak 8.

Enjoy The Fun At The Breckenridge Rec Center

The Breck Rec Center is outside of downtown, along the Blue River Trail bike route. It is a great places to spend the afternoon.

They have an indoor pool with a zero entry for little ones and a lap pool for swimmers. In addition there is a water slide, lazy river, rope swing, basketball nets and a climbing wall, all in the pool. To ease the aches from being active, there are two hot tubs.

The Rec Center also has tennis courts complete workout facilities and a free outdoor skate park. Kids love the indoor climbing wall. Older children can get belay certified and go on the climbing wall without supervision.

The Breckenridge Rec Center offers daily passes and multi-visit punch cards.

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Summer Activities At Breckenridge Ski Resort

Exploring the mountain at Breckenridge Ski Resort isnt just a winter activity! Embark on a summer adventure with Epic Discovery, offering a combination of scenic, family-friendly and thrill-seeking outdoor activities designed to immerse guests in Brecks High Alpine environment. Epic Discovery offers a variety of zones and activities designed to immerse guests in nature while highlighting Brecks rich landscapes, local history and possibilities for adventure.

Explore Breckenridge Ski Resorts Epic Discovery Alpineer Challenge Course in Breckenridge, Colorado.

How Many Days In Breckenridge In Summer

While itineraries may be tailored to meet the needs of any type of traveler, we normally recommend a minimum of 4-5 days in Breckenridge for a full experience. Your first day should be dedicated for leisurely activities such as meandering down Main Street or taking a history tour to allow your body to become adjusted to our high elevation before continuing your vacation.

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Whats Better Vail Or Breckenridge

Breckenridge isnt squeezed right against I-70 and has more budget-friendly lodging options so many people prefer it to Vail. Vail is noisier, pricier, parking is more difficult, and the mountains are a bit more rugged, making it a less accessible place overall.

Personally, I prefer Breck to Vail, unless Im backpacking or doing extremely challenging hikes, then Ill head to Vail.

Shred On A Mountain Bike

Keep it mellow or go for an adrenaline rush on the miles of mountain biking trails around Breckenridge. The Slalom and Flume trails offer a great choose-your-own-adventure loop along with awesome views. Aspen Alley lives up to its name, winding a smooth trail through the aspen groves. Or catch some air on the downhill B-Line, with wooden bridges and berms.

• Duration: Half to full day
• Cost: Free

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Overall Thoughts On Breckenridge In The Summer With Kids

Breckenridges rich history and landscape make it a top destination for families, especially during summer. There are several epic activities to indulge in and a rich history to learn and explore.

It is easily accessible and offers the perfect adventure destination. Consider visiting Breckenridge with kids this summer and share your experience on some of the activities and places highlighted above.

Bike Around The Dillion Reservoir

For a big day out biking, consider riding from Breckenridge around the Dillion Reservoir. This 18.4-mile loop takes you around the lake. You can stop in both Dillion and Frisco along the way, making for one fun-filled day trip from Breckenridge.

Best done in the summer months, dont forget to pack sunscreen and plenty of water for your trip.

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Embrace Breckenridges Gold Rush Roots And Visit The Country Boy Mine

Breckenridge started as a gold mining town. Everywhere you see remnants of the mining era.

The Country Boy Mine allows guests down into the mine to learn what it was like working underground each day. Bring a sweater, even in summer, as the mine is a constant 45 degrees. Tours are every hour on the hour and the underground portion lasts about 45 minutes.

After the tour, you can stay as long as you like and pan for gold in the pools and nearby area on the property. And of course, anything that you find is yours to keep! There is also a chute slide that is popular with the little ones and adults alike.

Breckenridge Ski Resort offers a mountain bike school that is a must for anyone looking to hit the trails in Breckenridge, especially if you arent used to Colorado mountain biking.

Similar to ski school, these classes are taught by ability level and include a guided run down the mountain. Learn how to ride over terrain you will encounter on Breckenridge trails like rocks, bridges, and loose dirt. It is also helpful to learn how to do switchbacks going up and down that can have sharp drop offs.

The practice area is located on top of Peak 8 open to anyone and includes a pump track as well. The town of Breckenridge also maintains a pump track at the ice arena.

Seasoned bikers can hire the instructors as a trail guide. Not a bad idea, especially if you want to send your adventurous teens without having to brave the more advanced trails yourself.