Breck gets a ton of attention during the snowy season, when hordes come to ride the lifts to new acreage like Peak 6 hit the resort’s famed terrain parks and, of course, party. But summer is when the town really comes alive, with a hardcore band of locals getting out and playing on the trails, on the peaks and in the water. So follow our lead on where to go in Summit County when the snow is gone.
RIDE
Diverse terrain and loads of trails which are largely accessible from town make Breckenridge an ideal spot for mountain bikers of all abilities. Warm up your legs and ease into the altitude with a ride on the Boreas Pass Road, which follows an abandoned railroad grade through aspen groves to reach the Continental Divide. This eight-mile ride tops out at 11,432 feet, so it’s a physical challenge, but it’s great for beginners and intermediates since it isn’t super technical. Looking for a burlier, all day adventure? Experienced pedalers can crank out a 33-mile singletrack crusher on the Colorado Trail by riding from Kenosha Pass to Breckenridge. Since it’s mostly above tree line, you’ll be rewarded with incredible views, but you’ll earn them by powering through several stout climbs and maneuvering through technical problems. You’ll want to arrange a shuttle from Breckenridge to the start; try Jake’s Mountain Shuttle (jakesmountainshuttle.com). For some downhill action, buy a $30 pass at the resort. Relax on the lift ride up and tear down the trails, which range from intermediate to highly technical, as many times as you can in a day. Breck offers a ton of spectacular riding for roadies, as well. Feel like a pro as you climb up Hoosier Pass or Swan Mountain Road, grueling ascents that have been included in the USA Pro Cycling Challenge.
HIKE/RUN
Breck’s peaks offer countless lung-busting trails teeming with picturesque alpine lakes, budding flowers, wild critters and big views. If you only have half a day, head up the direct (and steep) trail that climbs 1,000 feet in two miles to reach Crystal Lakes, two stunning bodies of water perched high above tree line. McCullough Gulch, an easier, but equally stunning hike that meanders through a magical pine forest dappled with waterfalls, is also a great half-day option. For a longer adventure start before dawn and scramble up nearby Quandary Peak (14,265 feet). Or scale all 4 of the ski resort’s peaks. Even though you can get a jump on the climb with a ride up the Colorado Chair to Peak 8 (12,998 feet), this traverse isn’t for the faint of heart, since you still have to summit Peak 10 (13,643 feet), Peak 9 (13,198 feet) and Peak 7 (12,677 feet).
PADDLE
Learn new skills or hone some old ones on the Blue River, which cruises directly through town and comes complete with an 1,800-foot-long kayak park boasting a host of features to put your skills to the test. Rent a kayak or take a lesson in nearby Frisco (tenmilecreekkayaks.com). Maggie Pond, a breathtaking landmark that is part of the Village at Breckenridge, provides the ideal setting to try stand-up paddleboarding. Alpine Sports (alpinesportsrental.com) provides demos and mini-lessons every Sunday, SUP yoga every Tuesday and rentals all season long.
FISH
With the Blue River, Montgomery Reservoir and a plethora of alpine lakes, it’s no wonder the fly-fishing in Breckenridge draws crowds. The “Steps” a series of ponds north of town on the Upper Blue are a great spot for beginners while experts will love the challenge of smaller and rarely-fished waters that require some effort to reach like lower and upper Mohawk Lake, McCulloch Gulch and Blue Lakes. Montgomery Reservoir, a picturesque lake at the base of Hoosier Pass is a wonderful spot for a family picnic coupled with some angling. To book a guided adventure, find out what flies are working and where, get insider info on the best fishing spots or buy/rent equipment, visit the knowledgeable and helpful folks at Breckenridge Outfitters (breckenridgeoutfitters.com) or Mountain Angler (mountainangler.com)
EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY
There’s no shortage of places to indulge in this hopping mountain village. You can’t miss with the Breckenridge Brewery (breckbrew.com), which serves up pub grub and local brews. Or try Giampetro’s Pizza & Pasta (giampietropizza.com), a tasty Italian joint in the heart of town. For a fancier affair, book at the upscale Blue River Bistro (blueriverbistro.com), where you’ll enjoy delectable cuisine. And don’t miss a delicious fireside snack from Crepes a La Cart, a Main Street stand serving delicious savory and sweet concoctions. Bonus: they’re often open even after the bars close. •
