Whether you're looking to challenge yourself with a vigorous hike or you just want to take a leisurely stroll through the forest, you'll have no problem finding the perfect hiking trail in Breckenridge. We've compiled a list of some of the best hikes in and near Breckenridge for your convenience. You can also check out our blog post, 8 Great Hiking Trails in Breckenridge. Enjoy!
BEFORE YOU GO
Check out the trail map provided by the Town of Breckenridge and take a look at trail conditions, too. You may also want to read up on our summer tips as well as our information on Breckenridge wildlife. In addition to packing food and water, don't forget the sunscreen and the bug spray. Lastly, check that weather forecast before you hit the trail!
Remember - if you're not used to the high altitude, let your body acclimate upon your arrival in Breckenridge. Bring plenty of food and water and know your body's limits. Moderate and more difficult trails are best suited for those who are in good physical shape. And even if you are in fantastic shape, keep in mind that the altitude can impact your body's abilities.
TOP HIKES IN AND NEAR BRECKENRIDGE
Easy Hikes
Cucumber Gulch - 2.2 miles roundtrip with an elevation gain of 150 feet.
Perfect For: Those who are still getting used to the elevation, families, wildlife lovers, birdwatchers, and hikers who want a quick, but scenic trip.
Getting There: The trailhead starts in the parking lot of the Breckenridge Nordic Center. Take Highway 9 to Ski Hill Road and go west on Ski Hill Road. The Nordic Center will be about 1 mile up on the right.
Why Go: The trail runs along the edges of Cucumber Gulch, a nature preserve. You'll enjoy wonderful views of the Tenmile Range, and you're likely to see moose, foxes, and more if you hike in the early morning or evening. This area is also home to a number of bird species. Just remember, no dogs are allowed on this trail.
Sawmill Creek Trail - 1.5 miles roundtrip with an elevation gain of 240 feet.
Perfect For: Those who are still getting used to the elevation, families, photographers, scenery seekers, and hikers who want a quick, but scenic trip.
Getting There: The trailhead starts just below and west of Snowflake Lift, which is close to Four O'Clock Road and Kings Crown Road.
Why Go: It's a great choice for families with plenty of shade. The trail leads to a beautiful reservoir where you can enjoy lunch while you take in the mountain views.
Easy to Moderate Hikes
Lily Pad Lake - 3.2 miles roundtrip with an elevation gain of 795 feet.
Perfect For: Those who are still getting used to the elevation, families, photographers, scenery seekers, and wildlife and wildflower lovers.
Getting There: Take Highway 9 north to I-70 E. Continue on I-70 E to exit 205, where you will travel north on Highway 9. At the first traffic light, Wildernest Road, take a left. Please note that this road turns into Ryan Gulch Road. Follow this for about 3.5 miles. At the end of the road, there will be a parking area on the left. Follow the Lily Pad Lake Trailhead.
Why Go: This trail boasts small bridges, babbling brooks, and usually, a fair amount of wildlife, including ducks, beavers, and chipmunks. There are two lakes along the trail; the second lake is much larger and it has wonderful views of Buffalo Mountain.
Peaks Trail - 8.5 miles one way with an elevation gain of 1,285 feet.
Perfect For: Those who are acclimated to the elevation, families, photographers, and wildlife and wildflower lovers.
Getting There: Take Highway 9 to Ski Hill Road and go to the top of Ski Hill Road. Just past the Peak 8 base area, turn right. You'll pass the Grand Timber Lodge and the trailhead will be on your left.
Why Go: This trail stretches from Breckenridge to Frisco, so you can stop in Frisco for a bite to eat before catching the free bus back to Breckenridge (or leaving a second car at the end of the trail in Frisco). It offers amazing views of the Tenmile Range and it travels by Rainbow Lake in Frisco.
Moderate Hikes
McCullough Gulch - 2.7 miles roundtrip with an elevation gain of 810 feet.
Perfect For: Those who are acclimated to the elevation and in reasonably good shape, photographers, scenery seekers, and wildflower lovers.
Getting There: Head south from Breckenridge on Highway 9 for about 9 miles. Turn right on Blue Lakes Road (Forest Road #850) and then take another right on McCullough Gulch Road (Forest Road #851). At the fork in the road, stay to the left. Follow the road to the gate, where you will see the parking area.
Why Go: Although this trail has its challenging spots, it takes you past waterfalls to a beautiful lake at the bottom of Quandary Peak. You won't be disappointed with the scenery, as you'll be treated to a wide variety of terrains.
Moderate to Difficult Hikes
Mohawk Lakes - 6.8 miles roundtrip with an elevation gain of 1,750 feet.
Perfect For: Those who are acclimated to the elevation and in reasonably good shape, photographers, scenery seekers, and history enthusiasts.
Getting There: Go south from Breckenridge on Highway 9 for about 2.5 miles to Spruce Creek Road (CR 800). Turn right. The Spruce Creek Trail trailhead will be about 1 mile up the road. If you have a high clearance vehicle, you can follow the road up for another 2 miles to the upper trailhead for a shorter hike.
Why Go: Full of waterfalls and lakes, this challenging trail offers amazing views, cabin ruins, and an abandoned mining operation.
Difficult Hikes
Quandary Peak - 6.75 miles roundtrip with an elevation gain of 3,450 feet.
Perfect For: Hikers in excellent shape, photographers, scenery seekers, and bucket list completers.
Getting There: Take Highway 9 south from Breckenridge for about 8 miles. Turn right on Blue Lakes Road (Forest Road #850) and then take another (almost immediate) right on McCullough Gulch Road (Forest Road #851). The trailhead will be about a third of a mile up the road.
Why Go: Quandary Peak is one of the easier 14ers to summit, but it's still a very strenuous hike. Upon reaching the summit, you'll be rewarded with 360-degree views and a grand sense of accomplishment. A few precautionary words: only attempt this hike if you've been in the area for over a day and you're acclimated to high elevations. If you decide to take this hike, start early to avoid crowds and afternoon thunderstorms and bring plenty of water. You may come across mountain goats as you hike, and if you do, keep your distance.