Breckenridge offers excellent hiking opportunities throughout the warmer months. Surrounded yearly by natural beauty, Breckenridge comes alive as the snow slowly seeps into the earth, making way for countless varieties of wildflowers and wildlife. There are numerous hiking trails in Breckenridge and plenty more throughout Summit County. Whether you are new to hiking or you have years of experience, you're sure to find the perfect trail.
We've compiled a list of some of the more popular hiking trails in Breckenridge and the surrounding area to help you get started on your journey. We also have helpful summer tips and information on wildlife for those new to Breckenridge. Below, you'll find information on hiking etiquette, too.
If this is your first trip to Breckenridge, why not take a guided hiking tour? These tours not only lead you through beautiful wilderness, but they also teach you about the area's history, ecology, and more.
BRECKENRIDGE HERITAGE ALLIANCE
Hike with a local expert from the Breckenridge Heritage Alliance and travel up to the Preston ghost town and gold mine. You'll learn about the history of the town as well as the mines that operated in the area. The hike is about three miles round trip and it lasts about three hours and includes a bag lunch. It's a manageable hike for visitors from lower elevations who have had time to acclimate to 10,000 feet above sea level. You can also work with the Heritage Alliance to customize your own guided, private hike.
BRECKTREKS
The BreckTreks program provides guided hiking tours that take hikers along Peak 8. The tour takes a little over two hours. It's an easy to moderate hike that is held daily during the summer months, weather permitting of course. Visitors take the SuperChair up Peak 8 and then set of along a hiking trail. During the hike, guides discuss Breckenridge history, the alpine environment, local wildlife, wildflower identification, leaving no trace while hiking, and other topics. Reservations are recommended; make yours by calling 970-453-5000.
Hiking Etiquette
If you're new to hiking, you may not know that there is such a thing as hiking or trail etiquette. Not only do these "rules" help to keep hikers safe, but they also serve to keep hiking and the outdoors enjoyable for everyone involved.
Stay on the Trail and Leave No Trace - You're bound to see signs or billboards reminding hikers to stay on the trail. And if you're descending a series of switchbacks after a long hike, you may be tempted to cut across them. But in doing so, you risk damaging plant life and eroding trails. In turn, this can cause rocks to become loose and injure others. Pack out whatever you bring in, from orange peels to plastic bottles. The goal whenever you go out hiking is to leave the trail in better shape than you found it.
Yield to Horses - If you're on a shared trail, you need to be prepared should you come across horses and their riders. Horses take priority, which means that if you're being passed by a horse, move off the trail on the downhill side wherever possible. Talk to the rider as they pass to help keep the horse calm.
Uphill Travelers Have the Right of Way - Going uphill takes a lot more work than going downhill and it can be difficult to regain your momentum if you have to stop. So, if you're coming down the trail and you come face to face with hikers climbing up, yield and let them pass you.
Pass on the Left - Just like with driving, stay to the right of the trail and pass other hikers on the left.
Be Social - Saying hello to other hikers goes a long way to creating a fun atmosphere for everyone. This also means that it's best to put your phone away and just soak in the beauty that surrounds you.