Acclaimed for its superb skiing and snowboarding in the winter, Breckenridge in the US state of Colorado is also a fantastic summer destination for outdoors fans with a wide range of fun, exciting and relaxing activities on offer.
A little history about Breck
Breckenridge was founded in 1859 by a group of gold prospectors and the subsequent Gold Rush brought many people to the town in search of their fortunes.
Today, the historic mining town still celebrates its heritage. You can find out more at the Breckenridge Welcome Center and Museum at 203 S. Main St. Group and self-guided historical walking tours are available.
Breckenridge is also renowned for having one of the largest historic districts in Colorado, with more than 200 structures on the National Register of Historic Places.
To most people worldwide, these days Breckenridge is famous as a ski resort in winter and, increasingly so, as a popular outdoors activity and festival destination in spring and summer. There are plenty of options from SUPs and rafting to walking and cycling. Here is a pick of six of the best for this summer.
Six of the best summer activities in Breckenridge
1 Magical mountain biking
There are plenty of Breckenridge mountain biking options including family focused trails such as Shock Hill, as well as Blair Witch for both beginners and intermediate riders.
There are trails to ride for all levels at Breckenridge Ski Resort.
The 20-mile trail of the Kenosha Pass to Breckenridge Range is a great outing for more advanced riders of trials while the route from Breck to Como via Boreas Pass is generally flowing with a few steeper sections.
2 Wonderful walking
You can enjoy easy going strolls, hikes of a few hours or epic multi-day walks and all set in an impressive landscape close to Breck.
For example the Hoosier Pass Loop is a short hike with some 700ft of elevation and the rewards for your efforts are discovered in the lovely views.
The stunning Black Powder Pass, between the two alpine peaks of Boreas Mountain and Bald Mountain, is not a tough walk in itself but it can be a bit of a challenge because is at a height of more than 11,000ft. Again, the views of are wonderful.
The nine-mile Wheeler Trail is another recommendation and can be walked as an A to B hike or as a longer return trip. It’s located in the beautiful White River National Forest and boasts breathtaking views of Breckenridge and Copper Mountain.
There are plenty of other Breckenridge hiking options too.
3 Climb a 14er
Colorado has 54 14,000ft peaks (14ers) and offer the chance to hike on high with all the amazing rewards this brings. Colorado Adventure Guides takes hikers to the summits of Quandary Peak, Grays Peak and Torrey’s Peak or for a lower altitude challenge how about climbing a 13,00ft or 12,000ft mountain?
4 Photography and walking
Combine two activities, taking photos and walking, in one great Photo workshop and walling tour. Provided by outdoors company, At Your Pace Freestyle Cycling Adventures, the workshops are led by internationally published photographer Louie Traub.
Participants explore Breckenridge’s historic district – also the largest in Colorado – and learn how to use the camera to capture photos of the urban landscape.
5 Join a festival or event
From June 21 to 25 this year, Breck Bike Week(end) highlights top trails and bike rides.
There will be plenty of great things to do and see, such as women’s mountain bike skills clinics, a campfire ride and a bike-in movie night in the Breckenridge Arts District.
Another event takes place on July 4, when the sidewalk chalk rules Breckenridge as the town celebrates Independence Day with a special weekend of activities and entertainment.
The Fourth of July party kicks off with a 10k trail run, followed by the Firecracker 50 mountain bike race and then a Main Street parade.
Breckenridge Creative Arts’ Street Arts Festival will also organise street, pavement and graffiti arts with outdoor murals, installations, workshops and pop-up art. On top of all this are family activities, live music, a performance by the National Repertory Orchestra and a fireworks display to close out the night.
6 Be wowed by the Colorado Classic
A must-see for road and mountain bike fans, the inaugural Colorado Classic takes place in Breck on August 11, followed by the Breck Epic from August 13 to 17.
The Colorado Classic is also a UCI 2.HC race – the highest category for a UCI America Tour race – and will attract men and women from the top World Tour squads.
Find out more about summer activities in Breckenridge at Go Breck and visit their blog Breck Connection for local insight.
How to get to Breckenridge from the UK
Denver International Airport is just 1.5 hours from Breckenridge. You can either opt for an airport transfer to Breckenridge or travel there on your own by hiring a car. Travelling by road yourself allows you to take in the beautiful scenery and wildlife en route.
Remember, you will need to apply for travel authorisation under ESTA before your holiday. UK citizens must also have an electronic passport to be eligible for visa-free travel to the US.