Breckenridge offers it all when it comes to summer hiking. All of its beauty is tucked in the middle of the spectacular Rocky Mountains, with tumbling waterfalls, apparently endless meadows of wildflowers, and tranquil alpine lakes. In layman’s words, a summer visit to Breckenridge isn’t complete without a hike on one of the world-class routes. We’ve put together a list of our favorite summer hiking trails in Breckenridge that will take you to locations beyond your wildest dreams and deep into nature.
Best Hiking Trails in Breckenridge
Hoosier Pass Loop
One of the many sites along the Continental Divide is only a short drive up from Breckenridge. This trailhead serves as the starting point for a number of notable Breckenridge hikes. The Hoosier Pass Loop is an excellent trail for acclimating to Breckenridge’s elevation.
The town is nearly 10,000 feet above sea level, but the trailhead is at 11,542 feet. You’ll be above the tree line not long into the climb, so brace yourself for spectacular mountain views. The 2.8-mile loop has a total elevation rise of less than 700 feet, and you’ll see beautiful wildflowers along the way. Remember that the trail is in its greatest shape throughout the summer.
Blue Lakes Trail
One of the easy hikes in Breckenridge rewards you with some of the nicest vistas. The Blue Lakes Walk is a one-mile out-and-back trail with spectacular views of lakes, towering peaks, and perhaps even a mountain goat. The trailhead for Blue Lakes is only a 20-minute drive from Breckenridge, down a sandy mountain road.
With an elevation rise of 108 feet and a totally gravel trail, this is a trail that is truly suitable for everyone. It will be more of a walk for experienced hikers. The views, on the other hand, are nothing short of magnificent. Because the parking lot fills up rapidly, this path is best done on a weekday or later in the afternoon. It’s one of Breckenridge’s most popular walks because it makes alpine panoramas accessible to anyone.
Sawmill Trail
Sawmill Trail is a short hike that is ideal for novices and people who are reluctant go on higher elevations. This is an excellent summer hike because it is shaded for most of the way and ends with a refreshing reservoir. Take in the surrounding mountain views from the reservoir, which are complemented by deep woodland. Before heading back, stop by the reservoir for a picnic lunch and to take in the gorgeous mountain landscape.
If you are looking for more fun things other than Hiking in Breckenridge then check out this blog on other exciting activities in Breckenridge.
McCullough Gulch
The McCullough Gulch trek might be difficult at times, but the rewards are well worth the effort: lakes, waterfalls, wildflowers, mountain goats, and views of classic 13,000- and 14,000-foot peaks. The walk begins by following an ancient mine road, which leads to a footbridge and an old mining hut. You can either end your journey at the first lake or continue on to Upper Blue Reservoir.
Mohawk Lakes
It’s impossible to overlook Mohawk Lakes when it comes to terrific hiking in Breckenridge. You’ll walk past some of Breckenridge’s most beautiful alpine lakes, as well as Continental Falls, the town’s largest and most impressive cascade.
Along the walk between the lower and upper falls, there is also an old mining cottage with traces of a former cable car. The Mohawk Lakes Trail is unique because of the variety of terrain and views it offers. During summer you will find a lot of tourists on this hiking trail. If you arrive early, parking may be scarce.
Burro Trail
Burro Trail is one of the most popular moderate walks in Breckenridge. It starts near the Quicksilver chairlift at the base of Peak 9. As you climb the trail, you’ll follow a creek as it winds its way through dense pine forests and past magnificent meadows, eventually connecting with the Spruce Creek Trail.
The Burro Trail is an eight-mile out-and-back trail with a 1,653-foot elevation gain. Keep a watch out for Francie’s Cabin, a popular hiking shelter with a wood-burning sauna, as you make your way from Burro Trail to Spruce Creek Trail.
Quandary Peak
Quandary Peak is a popular trek for visitors to the area because it is the only 14er in the Ten mile mountain range. Hikers are met with vistas of the Ten mile Range, the Continental Divide, and limitless alpine tundra once they reach the summit. Quandary Peak, one of Colorado’s 54 14ers (peaks that rise above 14,000 feet), is a pleasant but challenging walk.
The track is only six miles long, but it climbs 3,305 vertical feet and takes three to nine hours to complete, depending on your ability level. Keep an eye out for the mountain goats that frequent the peak. The east ridge path is the most popular because it is the “easiest.”
Wheeler Trail
This stunning alpine climb commences about south of Breckenridge and leads to a spectacular mountain pass between Peaks 8 and 9 of the Breckenridge Ski Resort. Hikers will see incredible panorama views of the Ten mile Range, pass many alpine lakes, and stroll through fields of wildflowers as they make their way past tree line towards the pass’s summit (June and July are the best months for wildflower viewing).
The hike’s length is entirely dependent on the hiker, as is the case with many Breckenridge hiking paths. The hikers consider it difficult due to the elevation increase, rock scrambling, stream crossings, and other rough terrain.
If you really want to savor Breckenridge’s beauty, get out on the trails. In and around Breckenridge, there are hundreds of hiking paths, making it simple to participate in one of the most popular summer activities. So, if you’ve been thinking of going on a road trip, now is the time. Make a reservation with Fresh Tracks Transportation.
Fresh Tracks Shuttles are regarded as Summit County’s premier shuttle service. Our DIA to Breckenridge Shuttles will be there on time for you. Either you want us to pick you up from the airport in Denver airport shuttles or stroll around town before the trek!
So let us know before hitting the road so we can gear up our Breckenridge airport shuttles for the trip!