The Breckenridge area is home to many Coloradans and has long been frequented by avid skiers, snowboarders, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The town is known as a ski area located just off Hoosier Pass with Dillon, CO, the Dillon Reservoir, and Frisco neighboring spaces. While Breck is known as a tourist town, it has long been where people can adventure and settle down.
From Main Street to Country Boy Mine – there is much to do and more to experience. It comes as no surprise that it is one of the hottest spots to vacation in Colorado – if you live there, every day feels like a holiday, and if you are just stopping in, there are quite a few things you may want to know before you go.
The Mountain Town of the Rockies
Breckenridge, CO, was once a part of Utah and a mining town, and before the gold rush in 1859, where miners went to work along the Blue River – AKA the Country Boy Mine.
It was officially annexed into Colorado as an official town in 1936, according to the Breckenridge Heritage Alliance, and back then, it was commonly referred to as “Colorado’s Kingdom.”
It wasn’t until decades later that skiing was first introduced to the town at Peak 8, right off Ski Hill Road. The ski area progressed rapidly to its current state, coming to completion in 2013.
A Breckenridge location is a prime place for tourists to flock as it sits only 80 miles outside of Denver and DIA airport – making it a quick 1.5 hours to get there, so long as you don’t hit rush hour coming up the mountain on a Friday afternoon.
It is certainly not a sleepy mountain town because although the street lights may go out early, there is still so much to do on Breckenridge’s Main Street.
You can spend a weekend cozied by the fire and eating all the fine cuisine that historic downtown offers or spend every minute outdoors with world-class skiing, ice sports, hiking, biking, and exploring.
Historic Downtown Breckenridge
The Breckenridge historic district is one of the largest in all of Colorado. What was once a mining town is now a world-class destination and first-class seat to the Rocky Mountains. Many areas downtown are preserved as pieces of history from its mining days.
Everything that happened back in the day was a direct result of gold fever, and over the years, the architecture has remained intact.
All buildings in the old town of Breck were mapped out, and strict development rules and standards were in place to continue preserving history.
This is one of the wonders of downtown Breckenridge – there are options to walk through history with walking tours and historical museums.
Historic Main Street
It is now a place full of life, food, and fun. Downtown Breck is the hub of Breck, with the mountains sitting over you – no matter where you may be off Main Street.
Take a walk down Main Street!
You will see sites everywhere, now marked with plaques and information about what the buildings once were, like the Barney Ford Victorian House paying homage to Mr. Barney Ford himself and the Edwin Carter Discovery Center.
Breckenridge Main Street is known for its shopping, dining, music, art, and frequent festivities. You can spend the evening in a beautiful boutique hotel off South Main Street and walk down to the Welcome Center to learn about all the happenings in downtown Breckenridge.
Downtown Breck is full of historic buildings, and the preservation efforts have been fierce – for the mountain and the architecture.
Breckenridge, Colorado is not just a place to vacation – it is a mountain town you can continuously explore and find something new every time you visit – even if you are a neighborhood resident!
Breckenridge Ski Resort
Cross-country skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing are the most considerable past time for the residents and regulars of Breckenridge, Colorado. Once the snow starts falling in and the season begins – the infamous Breckenridge Ski Resort is packed with plankers and boarders.
The mountain brings people from all over the country – into Summit County.
It is what unites people from all walks of life and different backgrounds. Whether you are a group of advanced skiers or just getting started with ski lessons – learning the “pizza” and “french fries” combo – Five peaks has created a fantastic community of people that all gather around epic skiing and love the great outdoors.
Cross Country Skiing, Snow Tubing & Snowboarding
There is so much winter fun and fresh powder on the western slope. From dog sledding tours and ice skating to sleigh rides, snow sculptures, and ice skating – and we can’t forget about the international snow sculpture championships held every winter!
Breckenridge Ski Resort is one of the gathering places across the mountain – making it convenient to ski in and ski out, with the slopes right outside your door, an on-site restaurant, and dining options. You have everything you could ever need right off the five peaks.
There are approximately 2,908 acres of open hills to ski and snowboard. (Passes can be purchased annually or a daily lift ticket.) The ski resort is a significant source of the town’s economy, and the majority of the locals and employed by the resort and nearby facilities.
The mountain is a source of escape and pleasure for everyone with the privilege of doing a run down. Its beauty can be seen for miles and offers a tremendous amount of adventure for cross-country skiing, extreme sports snowboarding, snowcat tours, mountain biking, and so much more.
Tenmile Mountain Range
Breckenridge, Colorado, sits on the foot of the Tenmile Mountain range. The range is two ranges – the Mosquito & the Rockies. It is most known for its cross-country skiing opportunities – which can be done utilizing Breck’s ski resort or the backcountry.
Many who come through like to stop in the Breckenridge Nordic Center – which can take you through the forests and open mountain range.
The Breckenridge Nordic Center offers a fine variety of skiing and snowshoe options for anyone and everyone. They can provide guides, ski lessons, snowshoe adventures, and snowcat tours.
The Nordic center is staffed with ski, snowcat, and snowshoe professionals available to take you on the adventure of a lifetime. If you are visiting Breckenridge, Colorado – the Nordic center is the go-to for all your mountain activities.
They provide an opportunity to see the mountain a little differently, supplying an immersive experience into the hills and through the range.
Alpine Slide & Fun Park
The snow season is not the only season in Breckenridge. The spring and summer months come with different explorations and experiences. Breck is known for its groomed trails and endless forests. The Breckenridge, Colorado, the fun park offers amusement and entertainment for the whole family!
Breck’s Fun Park is an activity pass to mini golf, bungee trampolines, gemstone panning, ropes course, and bouncy houses. You can take the gondola to Peak 8 and stick to the bottom of the slopes for food and fun with the little ones, or you can venture further to satisfy your adrenaline needs.
The Epic Discovery park is an opportunity to explore the mountains with some thrills, but you may face some fears. The alpine coaster takes you 2,500 feet down the mountain – with twists and turns through the forest.
There are options for 4×4 tours, mountain climbing, and an alpineer challenge course! Summer brings great fun and even more opportunities for adventure in Breckenridge, Colorado.
Well-Groomed Trails for Mountain Biking
Biking trails can be accessed all over the ski resort during the off-season, and mountain biking is another past-time for the locals and visitors. You are in for a treat if you have never been mountain biking.
The Fun Park can be accessed for guides and assistance in your journey, but if you are just looking for a space to take a ride – the Rockies have everything you could ever need.
If you aren’t so sure about putting in the work it takes to bike the mountains in Breck – horseback riding the Rocky Mountains is like nothing you have ever experienced.
A mega trail network throughout the range offers guided horseback riding, dog sledding, and sleigh rides for an ethereal encounter with nature and the elements of Breckenridge, CO!
Hiking Trails
The hiking in Breckenridge is just as epic as the skiing. There are exceptional trails providing options for all different skill levels. Spruce Creek Trail in the White River Forest is one of the most frequently visited trails in Breckenridge, Colorado.
It is an 8.5-mile trail but relatively challenging to complete. Spruce Creek Trail offers backpacking, camping, cross-country skiing, and horseback riding opportunities.
There are so many popular trails in Breck
- Mayflower & Mohawk Lakes
- McCullough Gulch Trail
- Sawmill Reservoir
- Spruce Creek Loop
- Minnie Mine Loop
You can visit the west ice arena for indoor ice skating and hockey games or Carter Park & Pavillion – with picnic tables, a patio, a playground, a recreation, and a dog park.
You also have so many places to visit nearby lake Dillon, and Colorado Springs is just a hop, skip, and jump away. While Breck offers many exploration opportunities, there are also towns nearby with amazing adventures!
White River National Forest
Most hiking and outdoor exploration are done in White River National Forest – Breckenridge, Colorado, which found its home on the forest’s edge, supplying visitors and outdoor enthusiasts with immense opportunities for continued adventure all year round.
The Forest is home to the Maroon Bells and Hanging Lake and travels through five range districts in the Rockies.
You can quickly enter the park from Breckenridge and travel from Main Street through the flattops. The trails are sprawling and beckoning you to walk through the hills and discover something new – something you may not have otherwise. White River is known for its expansive views of the Rockies and various recreation opportunities.
The national forest land has options for camping and cabin rentals – so staying overnight, toasting some smores, and looking at the stars makes for a beautiful summer evening. Go dog sledding with the kids in the winter – it makes precious memories and lets you wholly experience nature.
Isak Heartstone – Breckenridge troll on patrol of the rocky mountains
One of the great wonders of Breckenridge, Colorado, is Isak Heartstone. Who is Isak? You may be asking. Isak is the troll of Breckenridge. Many people venture out to find their homes, take photos and play in the forest.
Isak was created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo and produced nothing from recycled materials. He is a wood sculpture initially made for the Breckenridge Creative Arts Festival.
He was named because a few little girls gave him a stone for a heart, and it was officially installed in the sculpture. Some say he is the most famous resident of Breckenridge!
Isak has been moved a few times, and his current home is right off nothing better than – the Trollstigen trail.
If you plan to visit the Breckenridge Troll, it is crucial that you leave no trace of your travels and remain respectful to the forest and other visitors nearby.
The Continental Divide
If you are hoping to do more than just troll in Breckenridge, Colorado – the great Continental Divide divides the water flows of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
There are four different ways to travel there, but you must consider your skill level and understanding of the terrain before you attempt to make the trek:
Hoosier Pass – You can drive up the pass, making it accessible to many skill levels, as it is open year-round but not always maintained in the winter months. It is approximately 10 miles from Main Street to the summit, but once you arrive, you can access hiking trails and a stunning scenic view.
Loveland Pass – This is also a bit of a drive but not far from downtown Breckenridge. To access the summit, you must hop on Highway 9, 24 miles out. This is a beginner-friendly route to the divide.
Boreas Pass – If you are looking for something a little more challenging, Boreas Pass provides an intermediate course. You can take Main Street straight up to Boreas Pass Road – once you hit the summit, you will access Bankers Tank Trailhead to get to the scenic views.
Georgia Pass Trail – To trudge the most challenging trail, head to Georgia Pass Trail. Take Tiger Road up to Good Times until the road ends – you will get to the summit of Georgia pass, but once you make it, it is undoubtedly worth the work.
Breckenridge Arts District
The Breckenridge Arts district was manifested for local artists and art consumers in Colorado. It was meant to be the epicenter of creation and creativity in Breckenridge, and it provides a second home to artists making a name for themselves or growing their craft and skills.
BreckCreate is a place that supplies workshops, exhibits, and even tours for the locals and those just passing through. The campus sprawls across one acre, hosting children’s workshops, metalsmithing, glasswork, printmaking, textiles, painting, drawing, and other special events.
The arts district was created to be a place of solace and safety for the arts community of Breckenridge.
It allows local and international artists to gather in one place to grow and hone their craft – while connecting with like-minded individuals – giving them more access to the public eye and possible viewers, lovers of art, and even buyers!
Breckenridge Theater
The arts are placed on a pedestal in Breckenridge – something to be cherished and enjoyed. The Breck Theater is a community theater that has been through a few remodels before standing in its permanent home on the Arts District campus.
The theater is known as “The Backstage,” where it puts on plays for the community and provides a gallery space for art shows. If you are visiting Breck and you have a chance to catch a show at the theater, you will never be disappointed!
Summit County Arts Festival
Every July, Breckenridge puts on its annual arts festival, one of many in Summit County. It is a nationally ranked festivity off Main Street providing artists to complete submissions for the event.
It is an interactive experience – with local, national, and even international artists participating in the festival. Food, entertainment, music, and visual arts all across downtown make for an exciting event for the entire family!
Riverwalk Center
The center in downtown Breckenridge is another one of the admirations of the city. The center is a venue sitting on the edge of the Blue River and home to concerts and performances and the annual Breckenridge Music Festival.
With 750 seats, it is a more intimate venue – making for a personalized experience no matter what you are there to see. The facilities have been upgraded throughout the years to enhance its offerings, and it has become a local treasure.
Breckenridge, CO – Good Food & Fun for the Whole Family
Visiting Breckenridge, Colorado, means – taking part in something otherworldly. With the whispers of mountain air, a vibrant community, and a downtown environment – you have the best of both worlds and an opportunity to make memories that will be held as timeless souvenirs for the rest of your life.
It is not just a mountain town but a mountain town built around its community – welcoming visitors from near and far.
While it is a hot spot for skiing and snowboarding and will forever be known for its glorious mountain peaks, Breckenridge is a place you can come to take the edge off.
Relax in the cute little boutique hotels or a rental property off Main Street and enjoy the weekend hiking and exploring the trails. Breckenridge is known for its colorful community and stunning scenic surroundings.
Breck is a special place where magical moments occur and lifetime memories unfold. It is a town you must uncover; there is so much to do and so many things to see and places to visit – you can’t do it all in one place.
If you want to visit Breckenridge, Colorado – consider stopping by some of the good eats and treats off Main Street. Spent the evening dining out and in need of dessert?
I Scream Gelato Breckenridge have you covered! You may have never considered locating authentic Italian gelato in Breck, but what better place to get a taste of something sweet and savory – leaving your taste buds screaming for more!
I Scream Gelato has been an integral part of the Breckenridge community and a fixture on Main Street for contemporary frozen desserts with a unique twist. If you are planning your visit to Breck – don’t forget to give I Scream a visit for the best gelato ice cream in Breckenridge, Colorado – to top off an unforgettable trip!
