Are you an avid hiker looking for the greatest high-elevation hiking trails in Breckenridge for your mountain vacation? Does the huge number of hiking trails in the area feel overwhelming? Do you need a local’s guide to the superior trails for each season? We’ve got you covered! Whether you’re headed to Summit County Colorado for the picturesque snow-white winter season, the quiet and serene spring season, the superb weather in the summer season, or the leaf peeping in the fall, we list the ideal hiking spots for each season below!
Summer | Waterfalls and Lakes Abound
· Blue Lakes Trail: For your first summer stop, take a leisurely hike on the Blue Lakes Trail. This 1.0-mile route is excellent for families with younger kids looking for breathtaking views of the peaks set against a sparkling bright blue lake.
· McCullough Gulch Waterfall Trail: If you’re looking for a more challenging trail with equally amazing views, try out the 3.6-mile McCullough Gulch Trail. Along the hike, you’ll see stunning waterfalls jetting from the peaks as well as sweeping mountain top views.
· Sawmill Reservoir: One of the most popular trails in the area is the Sawmill Reservoir. It is easily accessible and offers beautiful scenery of the reservoir lake as well as fishing (with the proper permit). Enjoy the ideal temperate Breckenridge summer weather while you take in the sights.
Fall | Colorful Leaf Peeping Prime
· Boreas Pass: Fall in the Summit County mountains is best known for the colorful changing of the leaves, and one of the best places to see this is the Boreas Pass trail. This is a 2.5-mile moderate loop with stretching views of the trees and the peaks, perfect for leaf peeping.
· Aspen Alley: As the name implies, Aspen Alley is a 2.6-mile trail covered in aspen canopies. While most of the hike is tree-covered, at a few points you will emerge to view breathtaking fields of aspens under snowcapped peaks.
· Minnie Mine Loop: Find the best of both historic mining remains and golden aspens as you hike the Minnie Mine Loop. This is an easier trail ideal for families and children with sweeping views of the changing leaves, as well as remains of historic mining cabins and mills.
Winter | Snowshoe the Snowcapped Peaks
· Elk Dance Loop: If you’re looking for a lesser-known snowshoeing or cross-country skiing spot, check out Elk Dance Loop. It is a 5.9-mile loop trail with a steady incline and exquisite mountain views. As the trail is also used for skiing, some areas are prohibited from hiking in the winter.
· Gold Run Nordic Trail: The Gold Run Nordic Center offers over 10k miles of groomed snowshoeing trails of varying difficulty that are ideal for easy access to snowshoeing. You’ll find phenomenal views of the Ten Mile Range, mountain wildlife, and rolling snowy hills as you traverse the nearly endless trail options. This is a great option for those looking to avoid the busyness of the ski resorts but still don their skis!
· Rainbow Lake Trail: If you want to see some beautiful views of a frozen mountain lake, visit the Rainbow Lake Trail. This is a 1.5-mile easy out-and-back trail that is great for cross-country Breckenridge skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, or biking. This is a terrific trail for the kids to try out their first snow legs on so make sure to include it on your family vacation!
Spring | Melting Snow and Wildflowers Bloom
· South Illinois Creek Trail: Take an easy hike on the South Illinois Creek Trail and meet the 15-foot-tall troll, Isak Heartstone! This wooden art installation is a must-see for any first-time visitors. The rest of the 1.9-mile trail features tree-covered paths, beautiful peak views, and wildflowers aplenty.
· Little French Gulch Trail: For a gorgeously scenic trail of the snowy peaks, make sure to visit Little French Gulch Trail. Whether you visit in early spring and snowshoe the trail, or late spring and stop to smell the abundant wildflowers, this spot is perfect no matter the time of the season.
· Officers Gulch: Another excellent family-friendly hiking spot is the 1.1-mile Officers Gulch. Enjoy tree-covered peaks, crystal clear lake views, and picture-perfect scenery that is dazzling in the springtime and any other time as well.
The best way to enjoy the end of a long day of hiking is by relaxing in a private hot tub in your luxury mountain cabin rental! If you haven’t found your perfect vacation home yet, make sure to check out the large selection of Breckenridge vacation homes available through River Ridge Rentals, all professionally managed with the comforts of home.