Endless Holiday

Once a mountain mining town, Breckenridge has transitioned into one of Colorado’s top alpine getaways, with attractions and activities to suit essentially any vacationer. In addition, restoration of the river area has led to myriad choices for the summer traveler. Below are a few of the most popular summer activities in beautiful Breckenridge.

McCullough Trail

Those who enjoy hiking will find McCullough Trail ideal. This three mile round-trip trail is short enough for virtually any hiker, and most participants enjoy the view from the 1000 foot elevation at which the trail commences. Plenty of beautiful scenery is found along the path, and the meandering streams that run adjacent to the trail eventually turn into a glacial lake over which thundering falls can be seen and heard. Below the falls the trail splits, with one branch leading to eight individual mini-falls, while the other takes hikers to the lower falls that lead to Quandary Peak.

Image by Joshua Woroniecki from Pixabay

Breckenridge to Vail Bike Path

Summit County boasts and outstanding system of paved bike paths that connect Breckenridge to Frisco, the latter of which is approximately 11 miles when the path by Blue River is followed. From Frisco, bikers can view the spectacular Ten-Mile Canyon Trail. This trail is motor vehicle free, and eventually leads to the villages of Lionshead and Vail Village. The Summit Stage is available for those who do not want to bike all the way back to Breckenridge.

The Gold Runner Coaster

Thrill seekers will definitely not want to miss a 2500 foot ride down the Alpine Mountain on the Gold Runner Alpine Coaster Track. Visitors can ride alone or with a friend on the two-seat coaster cars and control their speed through twists, dips, and turns that wind through the forest and the local ski runs.

Ten Mile Flyer Zipline

If one is still in need of a surge of adrenaline, the Ten Mile Flyer Zip Line at Breckenridge Ski Resort is the perfect choice. This attraction features a two stage zip line with a dual span of approximately 400 feet, following a 1000 foot quad span. Participants can soar over ski runs 50 feet in the air at speeds of up to 45 miles per hour.

Image by David Mark from Pixabay

Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Visitors searching for enjoyable entertainment will not want to miss a trip to the Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Situated 15 miles southwest of Denver among 400 foot high red sandstone rocks, the theater has drawn tourists and professional musicians for decades. Interestingly, the acoustics are so good that numerous artists make live recordings at the 9000-seat theater. Visitors will enjoy stunning views that offer an ideal backdrop for the stage. Many concerts are scheduled at sunset, when the rich, orange glow for which Colorado sunsets are famous begins to expand behind the stage.

Confluence Park

Where South Platte River and Cherry Creek meet is regarded by locals as the hub of the region’s sunshine-loving culture. It is a perfect place for an afternoon picnic, and features a short, white water park for tubers and kayakers. South of Cherry Creek is a trail that leads to a shopping center of the same name, which is situated in proximity to the Chatfield Reservoir. Those who are looking for a casual, relaxing day should consider a walk through the reservoir or picnic at Cherry Creek.

D and S Narrow Gauge Railroad

Riding the D and S Narrow Gauge Railroad is a must for those who enjoy taking a step back in time. These vintage steam locomotives make a scenic 50 mile trip from the Breckenridge area to Silverton each day throughout the summer. The trip is over 3 hours each way, and the journey is one that visitors describe as unique and unforgettable.

Climate

Breckenridge weather is cool during summer when temperatures are typically in the 60’s, with the warmest month being July, when temperatures in the low 70s are common. July is also the rainiest month, although rainfall is fairly even throughout the year. It is important for vacationers to understand that temperature variations are broad between night and day, with as much as a 30 degree difference, depending on the month.

Vacationers can book reservations online or through their local travel agent, but it is important to book as far in advance as possible, as Breckenridge is a popular destination in summer as well as winter. Regardless of one’s vacation objectives, most travelers agree that a visit to Breckenridge, Colorado is a captivating and unforgettable experience.