Are you planning a summer vacation to Breckenridge, Colorado?
Living in the Colorado Rockies myself, I have spent a lot of time in the adorable mountain town of Breckenridge during the summer season! It’s a perfect place to stop on my way to Denver for a mountain town shopping spree or delicious lunch. Breckenridge is one of the first mountain towns in Colorado that I visited before I moved to Colorado!
Breckenridge is a quintessential Colorado mountain town with gold mining history and very storied, cute architecture. Colorful building line Main Street in Breckenridge making it perfectly scrollable and Instagrammable for social media posts!
You’ll find adorable shops that feature mountain lifestyle apparel, mountain active gear, local jewelry, and more while walking down Main Street. Also, you’ll want to visit the local ice cream shops, bakeries, and Colorado crafts to truly experience the best of Breckenridge in the summer!
You can start your morning with a hot coffee from The Crown on Main Street in Breckenridge followed by a hike or bike ride on Breckenridge Mountain!
In This Article
- How to Get to Breckenridge, Colorado
- Ground Transportation Options
- Getting Around Once You’re in Breckenridge
- Best Time to Visit Breckenridge Colorado
- Weather in the Summer in Breckenridge, Colorado
- Things To Do in Breckenridge Colorado
- Hiking
- Mountain Biking
- Horseback Riding
- Jeep Tours
- Whitewater Rafting
- Fly Fishing
- Take a Day Trip to Vail
- Golf in Breckenridge
- Breckenridge Golf Club
- Keystone Ranch Golf Course
- Keystone River Golf Course
- Copper Creek Golf Course
- The Raven Golf Club at Three Peaks
- Shopping in Breckenridge
- Restaurants in Breckenridge
- Where to Stay in Breckenridge
- In Conclusion
How to Get to Breckenridge, Colorado
Breckenridge is located in Summit County, Colorado, just a short 82 miles from Denver. This drive will take you about an hour and a half.
Driving to Breckenridge from Denver is a gorgeous drive and you’ll enjoy the stunning mountain views on your way west. If you choose to drive yourself, make sure to give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and make photo stops along the way!
Ground Transportation Options
If driving to Breckenridge from Denver isn’t your cup of tea and you’d rather have someone else do the driving, there are ground transportation services.
There are shared or private transportation options. Epic Mountain Express is a great, reliable shared shuttle option for getting from Denver to Breckenridge. You can book a shuttle or learn more about their schedules on their Epic Mountain Express website.
Epic Mountain Express also offers private transportation on SUVs and Vans from Premier Mountain Express Service.
Getting Around Once You’re in Breckenridge
If you’re staying directly in downtown Breckenridge, walking is the preferred way to get around, especially during the summer months. Walk to Main Street where you’ll find the majority of dining options, shopping, and the fun energy of the historic downtown.
There is complimentary Breckenridge Transportation called Free Ride Breckenridge that can take you anywhere in the Breckenridge area.
This post is all about things to do in Breckenridge in summer. 
Best Time to Visit Breckenridge Colorado
The summer season in Breckenridge, Colorado starts in mid-June once the weather begins to get warmer and the snow is somewhat melted. You can travel to Breckenridge earlier than mid-June but some restaurants may not be open yet and the weather may still be very chilly. Mid-June is a wonderful time to come to the mountains!
The summer season in Breckenridge officially runs from mid-June to early September. The BreckConnect Gondola starts running on June 30, 2023. This service will end on Labor Day 2023.
You can really start to enjoy the hiking trails starting at the end of June! The weather and previous ski season truly dictate when you can start hiking in the mountains. If you come to Colorado too early, you won’t be able to hike or bike because it will still be muddy and soft.
After September 4th some businesses close up for the fall season. Some stay open through September, especially on the weekends because the weather can still be lovely! Through September, visitors still come to the mountains for weddings and group trips to Colorado during September because the pricing can be really great and the weather is still nice, just chilly at night.
It’s a bit of a “best-kept secret”. So, if you’re looking to visit Breckenridge in September, definitely consider it!
Weather in the Summer in Breckenridge, Colorado
The weather in Breckenridge, Colorado is extremely pleasant in the summer months. This makes it a perfect place to visit for a summer trip, especially if you love the outdoors. Visit Breckenridge, Colorado to enjoy the fresh mountain air, and nice pleasant temperatures without humidity. And an abundance of activities!
Typically, in June, July, and August, Breckenridge averages around 70 to 75 in the daytime and mid 40’s in the evenings. It can be chilly in the evenings so be sure to pack a sweater, jacket, or sweatshirt to stay warm and cozy.
This post is all about Things to do in Breckenridge in summer.
Things To Do in Breckenridge Colorado
Hiking
Hiking is one of the most popular activities in Breckenridge in the summer! There are so many hiking options in the area for an easy hike, something more moderate, or even a challenging hike. Based on your physical fitness level and what you want to do, you can find an option that best suits you!
If you’re looking for a few trails for hiking in Breckenridge that aren’t too long or challenging, give these a try:
The Burro Trail is a 2.8-mile hiking trail that is located in the Breckenridge Ski Resort. It offers a gentle ascent through the forest with beautiful views! You’ll spot wildflowers and maybe even some wildlife on your hike. Or, check out the Spruce Creek Trail, which is located near the base of Mount Helen.
The Spruce Creek Trail is a 3.6-mile out-and-back trail that leads to a picturesque waterfall. The trail is relatively flat, making it suitable for beginners, and the waterfall at the end is a rewarding sight.
Another option for a gentle walk in Breckenridge is the Blue River Trail. This trail follows the scenic Blue River in Breckenridge, Colorado. This 3.5-mile trail offers a pleasant stroll along a paved path. It provides great opportunities for bird-watching, fishing, and enjoying the pretty river views. This is a perfect activity for summer in Breckenridge!
Mountain Biking
There are plenty of fun mountain biking trails on Breckenridge Mountain to enjoy with your friends and family! Breckenridge Ski Area gives you access to Peak 8 for mountain biking and you can ride the Colorado Superchair with your bike!
This summer season you won’t be able to access the beginner bike trails but will access the more experienced trails. Here’s the map if you’d like to check out the summer mountain biking trail map for Breckenridge.
Mountain biking around Breckenridge doesn’t have to be just at the ski resort! Some of the best mountain bike trails are local trailheads around the area. A few ideas for you to get started if you’re new to mountain biking are:
River Trail, Breckenridge: This trail begins on the bike path in Breckenridge that heads towards Frisco, Colorado. Once you cross the Blue River, look for the trailhead signs. Once you reach Coyne Valley Road you’ll access the other side of the river and head back to town. It’s a pretty, easy trail and you’ll love the scenery!
Lower Flume Trail: The Lower Flume Trail starts near the Recycling Center on French Creek Road and is ridden as an out-and-back ride. If you’re looking for something longer or more challenging, there are additional trails that lead off of Lower Flume.
If you’re looking for a mountain bike trail that is more challenging, try checking out the Colorado Trail. Park at the Tiger Dredge Trailhead on Tiger Road. You’ll turn onto the Middle Fork of Swan dirt road soon and enjoy some of the best singletrack around!
Your abilities will be challenged on this ride, so please don’t attempt it unless you’ve been doing a lot of riding and are experienced on a mountain bike.
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding in the Colorado Rockies is one of the most spectacular activities you can do on your summer vacation! It’s a perfect outdoor adventure to experience on a gorgeous summer day in Colorado. You can choose from Beginner rides on easy trails to cattle drives, open-range excursions, and lessons. Horseback riding is a great activity for the entire family to do together because it can accommodate any level of fitness.
Breckenridge Stables is the premier horseback riding stables in the area. On a trail ride with them, you’ll explore the Ten Mile Range between Peak 9 and Peak 10 and all the beautiful scenery along the way. Breckenridge Stables also offer Dinner Trail Rides which is a very special experience and a way to be together for a memorable dining excursion!
This post is all about Things to do in Breckenridge in summer.
Jeep Tours
Taking a jeep tour through scenic backcountry mountain vistas is a fun and adventurous way to spend time outdoors and take in the mountain scenery!
In Breckenridge, you can reserve a jeep tour with an experienced team of guides that will show you all there is to see in the high country of Colorado. You’ll have the chance to explore wildlife, wildflowers, and historic places in the Colorado Rockies!
Colorado Rafting Adventures has Offroad Jeep Adventures too! You can choose from mild-smooth terrain, moderate-mixed terrain, or wild and more rugged terrain! The jeep guides at Colorado Rafting Adventures will discuss the options with you and help you decide.
Whitewater Rafting
Whitewater Rafting is a great bucket list adventure when you’re in the Breckenridge area! There are so many places to whitewater raft on the Arkansas River and lots of options when it comes to skill level and difficulty. If you’re looking for an easy float with gorgeous scenery, you’ll find it here with the Colorado Rafting Adventures team!
Whitewater rafting is the perfect summer activity for families with young children. Whether you’re brand new to the sport and it’s your first adventure, or you’re very experienced it’s a special thing to do in Breckenridge area. The Arkansas River is a major hub for rafting and is situated along the Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byway.
For the adrenaline seeker, there are plenty of spots on the Arkansas River and the Colorado River to try out. The Lower Eagle River is perfect for the moderate group that’s looking for a little bit of everything.
Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing in Breckenridge is an unforgettable Rocky Mountain outdoor summer experience. If you’ve never done it before, this is a perfect place to learn. Newbies are welcome and encouraged! You’ll be fly fishing in the Blue River, the Snake River, and Lake Dillion.
Fly Fishing Colorado is the premier fly fishing outfitter. These fly fishing guides share their fishing knowledge and personalities with you so you go home with a super memorable time on the river in the Colorado Rockies.
Take a Day Trip to Vail
Hop in the car and head over to the European Village of Vail, Colorado for the day! It’s about a 45-minute drive from Breckenridge to Vail you’ll love strolling the shops, galleries, and restaurants there! You could start with an early hike in the morning followed by lunch and boutique shopping.
Vail Village is just as vibrant in the summer as it is during the winter months. Eagle County Transit offers bus service between Vail, Beaver Creek, Avon, and Edwards also. Exploring Vail Village is one of the best things to do in summer in Colorado.
Golf in Breckenridge
In Breckenridge, there are extraordinary golf courses with incredible mountain views! To play golf in Breckenridge in the summer is a very special mountain experience. In the mountains near Breckenridge, you can see mountain vistas and even wildlife on the course as you make your way through the day. Here are some top recommended courses for golf in Breckenridge.
Breckenridge Golf Club
Breckenridge Golf Club is a municipal golf course that is open to the public in Breckenridge. There are three nine-hole courses at Breckenridge Golf Club called Beaver, Bear, and Elk. These courses offer challenging fairways with beautiful mountain views!
Keystone Ranch Golf Course
Great golf in a spectacular mountain setting near Keystone Ski Area. Keystone is known for its scenic beauty and the course for its challenging design and layout. Located about 15 miles northeast of Breckenridge, Keystone provides a mountain golf experience with incredible views and a variety of hole designs that take advantage of the natural terrain and mountain beauty!
Keystone River Golf Course
Another beautiful golf course in the mountains, designed by Dr. Michael Hurzdan and Dana Fry, provides an amazing golf experience along the Snake River. You’ll experience elevation changes and some water hazards along the way. Of course, plenty of mountain views again on this course too!
Copper Creek Golf Course
Located in Copper Mountain, you’ll love this pretty golf course! It will take you about 45 to 50 minutes to drive over to Copper Mountain to experience this lovely course. (much easier without the snow!) The course is nestled in a beautiful alpine valley with lovely mountain views and elevation changes.
The Raven Golf Club at Three Peaks
Situated in Silverthorne, Colorado, just a short drive from Breckenridge, The Raven Golf Club is a premier mountain course. You’ll find another picturesque setting with panoramic views of the mountain peaks and challenging holes.
The new Raven Golf Club at Three Peaks Bar and Grill is a new restaurant at the course where you’ll love to hang out after you play! Stop in for brunch, lunch, or dinner and enjoy ingredients from local farmers and stunning views. Check out the Raven Golf Course menu.
Shopping in Breckenridge
In downtown Breckenridge, there’s a wonderful array of shops, galleries, mountain gear stores, jewelry shops, and more! If you’re staying in the village, you can simply step out of your hotel with your morning coffee and make a day out of window shopping or pick up something to remind you of your time in Breckenridge!
If you’re looking for any mountain gear for hikes, bike rides, or a logo shirt, you’ll find plenty of shopping opportunities in downtown Breckenridge. Here’s the best guide to shopping in Breckenridge.
Restaurants in Breckenridge
There are so many great restaurants in Breckenridge! Here are some of my top restaurant recommendations in the Breckenridge area to check out.
Whether you’re looking for a casual spot for pizza and beer or a nice fine-dining restaurant, they have it in Breckenridge!
Giampietro Pizza is known for the fresh ingredients they use for their pizza and New York style. With their east coast recipes, they’ll impress you with flavor, freshness, and service in the Main Street location, downtown Breckenridge.
The menu includes traditional Italian dishes, pizza, salad, and family-style options for all to share. Peruse Giampietro Pizza’s menu and decide what you want!
Aurum Food & Wine Breckenridge
When you’re looking for more sophisticated dishes, Aurum Breckenridge is a fabulous choice. The culinary team likes to use the freshest local ingredients for their elevated American menu.
Entrees include strip steak from the grill, trout, Grilled Achiote Chicken, and Zucchini Capellini, with delicious accompanying sides. Aurum Food & Wine Breckenridge is located about a block and a half off Main Street in downtown Breckenridge.
Hearthstone Restaurant in Breckenridge is a staple in town for its lovely American cuisine. Located in a Victoria-era historic home a couple of blocks off Main Street, Hearthstone offers a unique and charming experience. Offering locally sourced ingredients on their menu, Chef Michael Halpin created delicious food for everyone to enjoy!
Blue River Bistro is a local’s favorite restaurant in Breckenridge. Located on Main Street in Breckenridge, you’ll have such a special meal here at the Bistro! This restaurant is sophisticated, yet mountain-casual, so has a very welcoming, local vibe.
Blue River Bistro serves American cuisine prepared with locally sourced and fresh ingredients. Check out the Blue River Bistro menu here.
This post is all about Things to do in Breckenridge in summer.
courtesy of Moving Mountains Breckenridge
Where to Stay in Breckenridge
When you’re planning you’re trip to Breckenridge, it can often be a challenge to know which is the best place for you and your family to stay! That’s why I’ve created this list of my top favorite places to stay in Breckenridge. Whether it’s winter or summer, these locations and properties are spot-on to offer you an amazing vacation!
Moving Mountains (Paragon Lodging)
Moving Mountains offer 70 luxury homes in Breckenridge, Colorado as vacation rentals. These homes are located in various areas around Breckenridge with mountain views, plush bedding, beautiful kitchens, and nice living rooms to sit and enjoy your time in a gorgeous historic mountain town!
All Moving Mountains properties have Wifi and come fully stocked with paper products, toiletries, and detergents. The beautiful kitchens also are stocked with plastic wrap, aluminum foil, trash bags, soaps, sponges, salt and pepper, and cookware.
Standard small appliances are also included in the kitchens. All Moving Mountains homes and residences are cleaned to the highest standards.
One Ski Hill Place
One Ski Hill Place has a prime location at the base of Peak 8 in Breckenridge. The luxury ski-in ski-out condominiums at One Ski Hill Place has a 24-hour front desk, complimentary wifi, state-of-the-art fitness equipment, a hot tub, and even a two-lane bowling alley!
All of the accommodations at One Ski Hill Place have very nice kitchens, spacious living areas, and comfortable bedrooms and bathrooms. Plenty of space to spread out, socialize and enjoy your family. In my opinion, the best thing about One Ski Hill is the perfect location on the mountain.
There’s a fun energetic vibe when you walk out the door with music playing and social gatherings at the base of Peak 8. Enjoy lunch in The Living Room at the base of the mountain, inside One Ski Hill Place.
Crystal Peak Lodge
Crystal Peak Lodge is a gorgeous property located at the base of Peak 7. This mountain-style lodge is a luxury condominium property offering ski-in and ski-out access to Breckenridge. When you stay at Crystal Peak Lodge you’ll also enjoy a private stop on the Breck Connect Gondola to connect to town or the base of Peak 8.
Go here to learn more about Crystal Peak Lodge in Breckenridge
Gravity Haus Breck
Gravity Haus Breckenridge is a luxury boutique hotel with a prime location at the base of Breckenridge Mountain. Walk out the door to enjoy downtown Breckenridge and everything it has to offer. The unique, modern design is stunning and contemporary – yet still has a mountain look and feel. Gravity Haus is one of my new favorite hotels in Breckenridge!
Cabin Juice is a beautifully designed rustic restaurant inside Gravity Haus. They have a delicious menu, a fun vibe, and excellent service! When I had lunch there, I enjoyed the Gravity Bowl, made with grains, roasted veggies, beans, and avocado. sesame seeds and a delicious dressing!
The Grand Lodge on Peak 7
The Grand Lodge on Peak 7 is a mountain rustic lodge with nice modern features and spacious residences! The Grand Lodge has access to Breckenridge Mountain which is a top benefit of staying here. You’ll enjoy a warm, cozy mountain experience in a prime location for hiking, biking, and exploring the mountains.
You’ll love Sevens Restaurant located directly inside the lodge for a casual meal. Two outdoor pools with plenty of spots to relax are also there to enjoy, along with a spa and fitness center!
The Lodge at Breckenridge
The Lodge at Breckenridge offers an array of lodging options from hotel rooms to multi-bedroom condominiums. The Lodge at Breckenridge is directly at the base of Breckenridge Ski Area making it a perfect spot to book your lodging! Walk off the slopes directly to your accommodations.
Check out all of the lodging options here at The Lodge at Breckenridge.
In Conclusion
Breckenridge, Colorado is a gorgeous mountain town in Summit County with so much to offer in the summer. Strolling down historic Main Street is one of my all-time favorite things about Breckenridge. The charm and history are there for you to explore!
My hope is that this guide to summer in Breckenridge helps you plan an epic summer vacation to Breckenridge with your family and friends!
If you need help with what to pack for your summer trip to Colorado, check out the Ultimate Colorado Packing List for Summer here!
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