Last Updated on September 4, 2023 by foxintheforest

Visitors and locals alike love to head up to the mountains and soak up the summer. With so many things to do in Breckenridge in summer, you could spend a lifetime exploring what lies over every mountain ridge.

From a fun-filled mountain town packed with outdoor events to the rugged peaks of the Tenmile Range, there are Breckenridge summer activities for every type of adventurer.

Called Breck by locals, you’ll find this mighty mountain town just 1.5 hours from downtown Denver. As one of the best day trips from Denver, you’ll relish in the fresh mountain air and scenic mountain views.

I’ve lived in Colorado for over 13 years and like any solid local, I’ve been to Breck countless times – literally – it’s 20 minutes from my house. Thanks to its central location, amazing amenities, and easy access to some stunning Colorado scenery it’s a popular place.

Don’t fret, you’re in good hands. It’s my mission to get you outdoors like a Colorado local, not a tourist. Unlike other guides to things to do in Breckenridge in the summer, this guide comes from over a decade of experience. 

You’ll get insider tips for beating the crowds and discovering some of the off-the-beaten-path spots in Breck. 

About This Guide to Best Things to Do in Breckenridge in Summer

You’re ready to get the best of Breck like a local, not a tourist. Get to know one of the most scenic mountain towns in Colorado with this exclusive local guide. Inside this guide to things to do in Breckenridge, Colorado you’ll find:

• The best times to visit Breckenridge during the sweet summer months
• A comprehensive list of awesome things to do in Breckenridge this summer
• How many days you should spend exploring Breck
• Hot quick tips to visit Breck like a local

The Best Time to Visit Breckenridge in Summer

Breck is an awesome mountain hot spot that’s got something different on the menu throughout the year. But when it comes to the best time to visit Breckenridge in summer, there are a few hot local tips you should know.

First, the traffic here gets REAL. Traffic into Breckenridge can back up miles down I-70 and the main drag through town frequently sees 10 to 30-minute delays. Skip the lines and park at one of the ski parking lots (the free Breck Connect Gondola is a solid choice) and stay on foot if your activities are focused in town. There is a free shuttle to help you reach various hot destinations.

Local Tip: Arrive EARLY. If you’re coming from Denver, be on the road before 7 am when visiting on the weekends. Traffic along I-70 commonly causes 30 minutes to 1.5-hour delays every weekend between 8 am and 4 pm. Oftentimes both east and westbound. 

Because Breckenridge is one of the top weekend getaways from Denver, you’ll see that traffic builds pretty badly starting at 11 am on Sundays heading eastbound. There is a tunnel on the freeway with a stoplight that starts running at around 11 and won’t stop until 5 pm. Plan your entry and exit accordingly to miss the traffic.

Local tip: Always check the weather. Thunderstorms roll in quickly virtually every afternoon. Always pack rain gear and be below treeline (at a lower elevation where the forests grow) by 11 am to avoid storms.

Snow and Wildflowers at Breckenridge in Summer

The snow melts off most of the trails by mid-June (especially those that are at higher elevations). Bring proper footwear and plan your hikes and high-alpine drives accordingly if you are heading out prior to late June.

Wildflowers typically bloom from July through mid-August. The display is gorgeous, but trails tend to be more crowded at this time so start your hike prior to 7 am to beat the crowds.

Weather During Summer in Breckenridge

Even though the snow may be long-gone, there are still a few important things to know about dangerous weather in Breckenridge in summer.

First, dangerous afternoon thunderstorms pose a violent threat to you if you’re outside, especially at higher elevations. These storms swoop in quickly and leave hikers, bikers, and campers open to lightning strikes every year.

This is known as the monsoon season and it typically lasts from late June through August. The monsoon shows up virtually every day, typically rearing its head around noon.

Storms usually come out of the west, so keep an eye on the weather and plan to be below treeline (around 11,000 feet) before noon.

Local Tip: Use a tool like weather.gov to pinpoint exact weather conditions for the trail or outdoor region you’re visiting. You can search by a specific lake, peak, or other landmarks.

Average temperatures for summers in Breckenridge

• June: high of 66 F low of 50 F
• July: High 72 F low 56 F
• August: High 68 F low of 53 F

Is Breckenridge Worth Visiting in Summer?

Absolutely! In fact, Breckenridge in summer is much more accessible than in winter. There are more things to do in Breckenridge during the warmer months. Camping is available, hiking trails don’t have avalanche hazards, and 4×4 roads are open.

This means there’s more space for people. Not to mention seeing the mountains bursting with wildflowers is a real treat.

Is Breckenridge Busy in Summer? A Local Look at Crowds

Breckenridge is one of the most popular mountain towns in Colorado. Summers are busy times in Colorado for the simple fact that activities are more accessible. Locals and visitors alike love to get out and soak up the sun.

Thanks to being one of the top weekend trips from Denver, Breck gets busy during the weekends. The best way to avoid crowds is to not travel on the weekends when many locals flock to the hills to get out of town.

Traffic in town can get quite claustrophobic on weekends, camping is packed, and the vibe pretty much everywhere is busy.

Local Tip: Another way to get ahead of the horde is to start early. Summer in Breckenridge means afternoon monsoon rains, so an early start not only puts you ahead of the crowds, but also helps you stay dry.

Is there Anything to Do in Breckenridge in the Summer?

There is more to do in Breckenridge in the summer than in the winter. From hiking to water sports and camping to enjoying al fresco dining, you won’t be bored. Not to mention, you don’t have to spend over $200 a day at ski resorts during the summer months.

Map of Things to Do in Breckenridge this Summer

Here’s a look at where you can find amazing Breckenridge summer activities. Be sure to check out the interactive version.

27 Fun-Filled Things to Do in Breckenridge in Summer

The awesome variety of Breckenridge summer activities definitely gives the winter skiing season some competition for being the best time to visit. Here are the things to do in Breckenridge in the summer that you don’t want to miss!

1. Hit the Hiking Trails

Hiking is definitely one of the top things to do in Colorado in the summer, and Breckenridge is home to some of the very best hikes in Colorado. You’ll find tons of scenic hiking trails in Breckenridge, from easy strolls to strenuous summits. A couple of the top trails to explore in the area include:

Mayflower Gulch

Mayflower Gulch is always a lovely trail, with meadows, mining ruins, and mountain views, but it is an especially gorgeous Colorado wildflower hike when the colors are in full bloom in early summer.

• Duration: 2-3 hours
• Cost: Free

Local Tip: This trail gets MEGA crowded during the summer months. Arrive at the trailhead by 7 am to avoid the worst of the crowds. Or do it like a local and show up about an hour before sunrise for an amazing high-alpine show you won’t forget.

Crystal Lakes

For one of the best lake hikes in Colorado, check out Crystal Lakes. The steep uphill climb is totally worth it once you lay eyes on both these truly stunning alpine lakes.

• Duration: 4-5 hours
• Cost: Free

Mohawk Lakes

If you’re looking for a challenge, look no further than Mohawk Lakes. This iconic Breck hike features several amazing lakes. With 8.4 miles of butt-busting elevation (2,106 feet), you’ll be feeling the thin air. Parking will fill up early (arrive before 7 am) and parking along the road is prohibited.

• Duration: 4 hours
• Cost: Free

2. Climb a Mountain

Take your hiking to the next level and challenge yourself to make it to the summit of a 14er. Although there are no “easy” 14ers, Mount Quandary is considered one of the easiest 14ers in Colorado, so it’s a good one to check off your bucket list. Breckenridge also features a lot of the best 13ers near Denver, which tend to offer a little more solitude if you want to get up high without the huge crowds.

Mount Quandary

The easiest trail to hike to the peak of Quandary is about a 7 mile round trip with a little over 3,000 feet of elevation gain. While it is non-technical and a very doable 14er if you’re in good shape, it is a strenuous hike to the 14,265-foot summit, especially if you’re not used to the altitude.

You’ll need to book an advanced parking permit to hike this trail.

• Duration: 4-6 hours
• Cost: Free

Local Tip: Start before 4 am to beat the crowds and the dangerous afternoon thunderstorms. Keep in mind the weather will be moving from east to west, so you won’t see the storm until it’s on top of you on this route. Be vigilant and turn around if the weather looks icky. 

Check out more tips on how to hike your first 14er.

3. Say Hello to the Troll

One of the classic things to do in Breckenridge in the summer is to pay homage to the mighty troll. Go on a troll hunt in the woods near Breckenridge to find Isak Heartstone, a massive sculpture constructed from wood. A quick and easy hike along the Trollstigen Trail will take you to his hiding spot where he’s waiting to delight kids and adults alike.

Local Tip: This is an excellent outing for kids, but I’m not going to lie, I kinda like it too!

• Duration: 1 hour
• Cost: Free

4. Backpack the Colorado Trail

For a taste of the trail without the commitment of a thru-hike, backpack Segment 6 of the Colorado Trail. Running 33 miles from Kenosha Pass to Gold Hill, this is the longest segment of the Colorado Trail and features beautiful mountain passes and great campsites to stop along the way. Not to mention, this segment is one of the most scenic backpacking routes in Colorado.

Local Tip: You’ll need to shuttle cars from Kenosha Pass to Breckenridge. If you’re on a thru-hike, the shuttle bus stops right near the trailhead for quick access into Breck.

• Duration: 3 days
• Cost: Free

5. Shred on a Mountain Bike

Keep it mellow or go for an adrenaline rush on the miles of mountain biking trails around Breckenridge. The Slalom and Flume (Upper, Middle, & Lower) trails offer a great choose-your-own-adventure loop along with awesome views. Aspen Alley lives up to its name, winding a smooth trail through the aspen groves. Or catch some air on the downhill B-Line, with wooden bridges and berms. 

• Duration: Half to full day
• Cost: Free

6. Get Offroad in a 4×4

Looking for a motorized adventure? Breckenridge has lots of offroading trails to experience a thrill on an ATV or Jeep. You can find many companies to rent vehicles or offer guided tours. A few of the best offroading excursions include Borea Pass Road (a personal fave), Middle Fork Swan Road, the Wheeler Trail, and Santa Fe Peak Trail.

• Duration: Half a day
• Cost: Varies

7. Hop on a Horse

For a different kind of ride, jump in the saddle and go horseback riding. Breckenridge Stables offers rides right in town with excellent views of the Continental Divide. The stables can accommodate all ability levels and make a great choice for riding with children. If you’re feeling more adventurous, head to Rusty Spurr Ranch for a cattle drive or trail ride.

• Duration: 1 hour to half day
• Cost: Varies

8. Play with Sled Dogs

Even though summer is the off-season for sled dogs, you can still take a tour and hit the trails with the Siberian Huskies at Good Times Adventures kennel. If you just want to pet the dogs, you can stay in the dog yard and learn about what goes into raising and training the dogs. You can also add on a cart tour, where the dogs will run in front of you as you ride in a golf cart.

• Duration: 1-2 hours
• Cost: $40-$75 per person

9. Go for the Gold

Breckenridge was a hot spot for prospectors during the Gold Rush, and although the mines have long been shut down, you can still try your own hand at panning for gold. As one of the long-time favorite Breckenridge summer activities, no trip to Breck is complete before you give this historical pastime a whirl. County Boy Mine, Washington Mine, and Lomax Mine all offer tours of historical mines.

• Duration: 1-2 hours
• Cost: About $20-25 per person

10. Bait Your Hook & Try Fly Fishing

With so many bodies of water, from rivers to alpine lakes, fly fishing opportunities abound in Breckenridge. Tenmile Creek, Upper Blue River, and Lake Dillon are good places to cast, and Lower Mohawk Lake is especially great in the summer for cutthroat trout (and an amazing Colorado lake hike). Check out Mountain Angler or Breckenridge Outfitter to get guidance and gear.

• Duration: 2 hours to half day
• Cost: Fees range from $15-100 for a fishing license (Fishing is free on the first full weekend in June)

11. Cheer on a Rubber Ducky

If you’ve never seen thousands of bright yellow rubber ducks floating down a river, mark your calendar for Labor Day weekend and head to Breckenridge. A tradition for over 30 years, the Great Rubber Duck Race features more than 10,000 rubber ducks floating down the Blue River competing for prizes as the fastest duck in the water. It really is a sight you have to see to believe!

• Duration: 1 hour
• Cost: $5 per duck or free to watch

12. Paddle Your Way Around a Lake

Hit the water yourself on a stand-up paddleboard or in a kayak. Maggie Pond, at the base of Peak 9, is the perfect place to try SUPing if you’re a beginner. Charter Sports and Alpine Sports offer rentals, ranging from an hour to a full day. You can also get out of town and head to Lake Dillon for amazing views of the Rockies (and stick around for a stunning sunset). The marinas there offer both paddleboard and kayak rentals. 

• Duration: 1 hour to full day
• Cost: Varies

13. Experience the Rapids While Whitewater Rafting

For a more intense adventure on the water, go on a guided whitewater rafting tour down one of the many rivers near Breckenridge. Rafting companies, including Breckenridge Whitewater Rafting and AVA offer a variety of adventures on Browns Canyon, the Arkansas River, the Colorado River, Blue River, and Clear Creek. You can choose whether you want a chill float or a ride on some real rapids.

• Duration: Half day to full day
• Cost: Varies

14. Grab a Pint at a Local Brewery

When you’re ready to wind down from a day of adventure, visit a local brewery for some après beer.  Breckenridge Brewery has a full pub menu to go along with a variety of beers, hard seltzers, and nitro cocktails. Broken Compass has two taprooms in Breckenridge, one on the main street and the original on the north end of town, pouring a range of pints from a pilsner to a coconut porter.

• Duration: 1-2 hours
• Cost: Varies

15. Enjoy a Meal Al Fresco

Soak in the sunshine and savor a delicious meal at one of the many outdoor dining options in Breckenridge. Satisfy that post-hike hunger with one of the most relaxing things to do in Breckenridge in the summer, outdoor dining!

Rocky Mountain Underground is a local ski manufacturer with a unique retail shop that also has a front deck and backyard patio serving cocktails and great grilled cheeses. The Motherloaded Tavern is a local haunt thanks to its lively porch atmosphere and yummy comfort food like chicken and waffles and fried cheese curds.

Local Tip: The pandemic has made dining a busy experience due to limited seating. If you can, make a reservation in advance to avoid a pesky wait.

• Duration: 1-2 hours
• Cost: Varies

Places to Eat in Breckenridge in Summer

When it comes to satisfying that mountain hunger, there are plenty of eateries in Breckenridge. During the warm summer months, many places offer outdoor dining, live music, and events throughout the summer. Here are a few top places to get your nosh on:

• The Canteen Taphouse and Tavern: Bugers, American $$
• Rootstalk: Desserts and wine $$$
• BreckFast: breckfast and brunch fast food $$

16. Listen to Live Music

No matter your musical tastes, you will find live music to love in Breckenridge. Enjoy the sounds of the National Repertory Orchestra through a series of free community concerts on the Riverwalk every summer. Or check out one of the Breck Music AirStage Block Parties, where a fully equipped Airstream trailer brings the music to different neighborhoods around town. Lots of local restaurants and bars also offer live music, including The Historic Brown, Blue River Bistro, Motherloaded Tavern, and Rocky Mountain Underground.

Local Tip: Masks are required, even outdoors, along the main drag in Breckenridge. Do your part and wear your mask, especially if you’re gathered with lots of people enjoying the music.

• Duration: 2-3 hours
• Cost: Varies

17. Float the Blue River

The Blue River Plaza is an excellent spot to enjoy the chilly waters of the Blue River in a gorgeous mountain setting. Pack a picnic, enjoy the water, and make a splash.

If you want to tube the Blue River, a great family-friendly activity in Breckenridge, then head to the Rec Center where you can plop your tube in the water and go for an easy float.

Local Tip: The Blue River has a slippery, rocky bottom so wear appropriate shoes. Also, keep in mind that the water is just snowmelt, so it’s usually a bit cold!

• Duration: 2 – 4 hours
• Cost: Free

18. Epic Discovery and Ziplining

For a fun-filled day in the mountains, head to the Epic Discovery center at the Breckenridge Ski Resort is the place to go for family fun. Geared towards kids and thrill-seekers, you can enjoy an array of summertime activities. From the famous Gold Runner Mountain Coaster to a ziplining course there is plenty to do.

Here are a few things you can do at the Epic Discovery:

• Mini golf
• Ropes course
• Mountain biking
• Scenic lift Rides
• Bungee Trampolines
• Ziplining
• Alpine slide
• Alpine coaster

• Duration: 1 hr to a half-day depending on activities
• Cost: Varries depending on what activities you’d like to do.

19. Alpine Slide

Embrace your inner child and check out the Alpine Slide as you enjoy the best things to do in Breckenridge in summer.

After all, the Alpine Slide is associated with the Breckenridge Adventure Park and is a unique experience.

In fact, you’ll sit inside a cart and enjoy an exhilarating ride down the mountain as you admire the alpine scenery all around you.

Plus, if you’re looking for a bit more of an adrenaline rush then you can try the Breckenridge alpine coaster at the Epic Discovery.

Because the amazing thing about this experience is that all visitors get to enjoy the roller coaster at a self-determined speed.

20. BreckConnect Gondola

One of the best things to do jn Breckenridge in the summer for the entire family, the BreckConnect Gondola offers visitors an amazing, 13-minute ride 400 feet in the air.

After all, you’ll start in-town and seamlessly move to the base of Peak 8. You could also continue on and go even higher on the Colorado Super Chair if you don’t mind a paid experience.

But the best part? This experience is totally free and can be enjoyed all year long.

So, admire stunning panoramas of the Rocky Mountains before exploring the famous Epic Discovery Fun Park once you finally reach the summit.

Awesome Things to Do Near Breckenridge in Summer

After you’ve had your fill of Breckenridge summer activities, why not head a little bit outside of town for some fun? These hot places to check out right near Breckenridge

21. Enjoy the Dillion Reservoir

Although you can access the south end of the Dillion Reservoir near Breckenridge, this incredible Colorado lake is HUGE! If you’re looking for different ways to get out near Breckenridge in the summer, and you want to see different sides of the lake, there are a lot of different access points.

The Frisco Peninsula offers an amazing recreation area where you can enjoy mountain biking trails, camping, disc golf, and beach access.

While the Dillion Marina is the one-stop shop for sailing, pontoon rentals, and sunset cruises.

There’s even a paved bike path that circumnavigated the lake so you can soak in all of the amazing views while you get a workout in.

Local Tip: Since this water is used for fresh drinking water, there is no swimming at the lake.

22. Go for a Scenic Drive Near Breckenridge

With easy access to many of the best scenic drives in Colorado, why not hit the road and go for a mountain drive? There are a few options for paved scenic byways. If you’ve got a 4wd vehicle, you can branch out to some of the nearby rugged mountain roads too.

A few of the best scenic drives near Breck for any vehicle include:

• Highway 91 to Leadville
• Loveland Pass
• I-70 through Glenwood Canyon
• Highway 40 to Berthoud Pass
• Highway 9 over Hoosier Pass

23. Watch the Sunset at Saphire Point

For all-out beautiful views, head to Saphire Point Overlook at sunset. With expansive views of the Tenmile Range this place can’t be beaten. There’s a short, 1.-mile easy hiking loop that takes you to scenic overlooks where you can enjoy an alpine sunset.

Local Tip: This is one of the top things to do in Breckenridge year-round, so if you can’t make a summer visit happen, add this locale to your must-see list!

24. Spend the Afternoon in Frisco

Known more to locals than tourists, Frisco is a local hot spot that’s located right at the water’s edge. There’s a lot to do in Frisco, from enjoying the charming main street to climbing the famous Mount Royal.

The marina offers plenty of water sports. And if you’re into road biking, Frisco is a great spot to try biking along the paved path to Vail. You can even bike from Breck to Frisco, or take the bus.

Summer in Breckenridge Day Trips

Breckenridge in summer makes a great home base for exploring other nearby Colorado hot spots. Here’s a look at a few amazing day trips from Breckenridge perfect for those sweltering summer months.

25. Spend the Day in Vail

At just 45 minutes away you can explore yet another classic Colorado mountain locale, Vail. With ample things to do in Vail in summer, you could easily spend a day exploring the scenery and vibes. From amazing Vail hikes to beautiful alpine gardens there is a lot to see. Catch the shuttle or opt to drive.

What’s better Vail or Breckenridge?

Breckenridge isn’t squeezed right against I-70 and has more budget-friendly lodging options so many people prefer it to Vail. Vail is noisier, pricier, parking is more difficult, and the mountains are a bit more rugged, making it a less accessible place overall.

Personally, I prefer Breck to Vail, unless I’m backpacking or doing extremely challenging hikes, then I’ll head to Vail.

26. Bike Around the Dillion Reservoir

For a big day out biking, consider riding from Breckenridge around the Dillion Reservoir. This 18.4-mile loop takes you around the lake. You can stop in both Dillion and Frisco along the way, making for one fun-filled day trip from Breckenridge.

Best done in the summer months, don’t forget to pack sunscreen and plenty of water for your trip.

27. Check Out Fairplay

For an awesome day trip to a more local side of Colorado, consider taking Hoosier Pass to Fairplay. Here you’ll find the low-key mountain towns of South Park and Fairplay. These sister towns have a few funky shops and lots of scenic driving and hiking nearby. Not to mention, they are home to some of the top camping in Colorado.

28. Bike the Vail Pass Bike Path

For a burly day trip that will get your calves burning, bike from Breckenridge to the top of Vail Pass. You’ll wander through plenty of amazing mountain scenery – with options to stop at Dillion, Frisco, and Copper Mountain along the way.

Many locals see this ride as a rite of passage but be warned, the constant uphill gets steeper as you get closer to the pass.

The best part? Riding downhill (almost) all the way back to Breck!

29. Hike to Hanging Lake

The Hanging Lake hike is just 1 hour and 20 minutes from Breckenridge, making it a worthwhile day trip if you don’t want to stay in Glenwood Springs. This incredibly scenic hike is one of the most unique spots in the state, and also home to some of Colorado’s prettiest waterfalls.

You’ll need an advanced permit (book early if you plan on going over the weekend) in order to hike. Dogs aren’t allowed so keep Fido at home.

Local Tip: This trail will re-open for visitors on June 25th, 2022.

How Long Should I Spend in Breckenridge this Summer?

You could easily spend a week in Breckenridge and still not see everything. A weekend in Breck will let you get a flavor for the place and enjoy a few of the different landscapes and summer activities on offer.

Typically, most people spend about 2 to 3 days in Breckenridge if they are enjoying one of the many Colorado road trip stops.

Choose a timeframe that works for your schedule and remember, you can always come back and dive a little deeper. Breck is one of those places that Coloradans return to again and again.

Quick Tips for Visiting Breckenridge in Summer

Experience the Breckenridge summer activities like a local, not a tourist. Here are a few handy tips to make the most of your time in this bumping mountain town.

Make your reservations early. This place is popular. Hotels, activities, and reservable campsites fill up fast. 

Follow the fire bans. It’s extremely common to have a ban on campfires or charcoal grills in and around Breckenridge. Check the latest fire conditions for up-to-date info.

Leave No Trace. Breckenridge sees a lot of traffic. Be respectful and pick up after yourself. Be a good steward and pack out your dog poop (carry bags with you, don’t leave them on the trail), fruit peels, wrappers, trash, toilet paper, etc. Leave it better than you found it.

Acclimatize properly. Altitude sickness can strike at any time. I live in Colorado and I’ve gotten seriously sick during a week-long ski trip in Breckenridge from the altitude. Take your time and avoid caffeine and alcohol your first day up high.

Arrive early. I’ve said it maybe 20 times now, but the traffic on I-70 is horrendous and popular trailheads often fill up on parking. Arrive in Breck for breakfast (see what I did there?) in order to beat the crowds. Leave early too! Traffic builds back to Denver by 11 am.

Watch the weather. Summer is monsoon season and thunderstorms kill hikers and campers every year. Use weather.gov to get accurate, pin-point weather at your trailhead. Never hike above the trees in the afternoon and always be prepared to turn around in the skies look menacing. 

Go during the week. Summer is the high season for Breckenridge. If you’d like a little more solitude (and a break from the weekend warriors) plan a trip during the week. I know that’s not always an option, but even leaving really early before work on a Monday will let you squeeze in more mountain time and less time idling in traffic.

Additional Planning Resources

Ready to plan your epic trip to Breckenridge this summer? Check out these handy resources:

• The Complete Guide to Visiting Colorado Like a Local
• Colorado Weekend Getaways You Can’t Miss
• Colorado’s Hottest Places to Camp
• Visiting Breckenridge in Winter

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