HIKING:
There is beautiful hiking in Breckenridge for all levels! We have listed some of the more popular hikes below.
Please remember to wear your mask when hiking busy trails where you cannot maintain 6 feet of distance between people.
EASY HIKING TRAILS
Beginner trails are a great way to spend your time in and around Breckenridge. Whether you are adjusting to the altitude, are new to hiking, or just need a relaxing day, these hikes are great ways to get outside.
Sapphire Point
At a distance of about a mile and a half, Sapphire Point is an easy, fun and short hiking trail that offers unparalleled views of Summit County and Lake Dillon. It’s an excellent trail for families with small children or older relatives.
Distance: 1.6 miles round trip
Directions: Drive North on Highway 9 to Swan Mountain Road. Turn right on Swan Mountain Road and drive for about 3 miles until you reach the top of the road. The trailhead is on the left side of the parking lot.
Spruce Creek Loop
A popular cross-country ski trail in the winter, the Spruce Creek loop is a gentle four miles of trail through forest that offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
Directions: Drive south on U.S. 9 from Breckenridge for about 2.5 miles and turn right onto Spruce Creek Road. Look for a trailhead at about 1.2 miles.
Hoosier Pass Loop
This three-mile loop delivers an alpine experience without having to huff up to and beyond tree line.
Directions: Head south on U.S. 9 from Breckenridge to the top of Hoosier Pass and park at the Continental Divide sign on the right side of the road.
Burro Trail
This trail gives access to a range of hiking options. Either pair it with a separate loop, or follow it out for as long as you wish. You don’t need to go far to feel like you’ve gotten away from everything.
Directions: The trail starts at the bottom of the Lehman ski trail at the base of Peak 9 off Village Road in town.
MODERATE HIKING TRAILS
These moderate hikes showcase some of the best high alpine lakes, waterfalls, and sweeping views of the area. Make sure you are prepared for your adventure with plenty of water, layers, and food!!!
Blue Lakes-Monte Cristo Gulch
A short, relatively easy hike to an historic area full of mine relics and high alpine lakes. The trail is completely above tree line, starting at 11,748 feet elevation.
Distance: 2.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 752 feet
Directions: Drive south on Highway 9 approximately 8 miles to Blue Lakes Road (No. 850). Turn right. At the fork, go straight and follow the road 2.2 miles. Park just below the dam. The trailhead is just above the dam at its north end.
McCullough Gulch
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!! This is a BEAUTIFUL hike with rich evergreen forests, waterfalls, green meadows and fragile wildflowers.
Distance: 2.6 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 800 feet
Directions: Drive south on Highway 9 approximately 8 miles to Blue Lakes Road (No. 850). Turn right and then turn right onto County road 851. Drive on County Road 851 for 2 miles and park near the water diversion structures. The trailhead, a 15-minute walk, is just left of a sign marked, “Private Road, No Admittance.”
Mohawk Lakes
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!!! This hike offers stunning scenery, gorgeous mountain lakes and historic mine ruins. This hike does get steep at the top, but the scenery is WORTH IT!!!!
Distance: 5.2 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 1,700 feet
Directions: Drive south on Highway 9 approximately 2.5 miles to Spruce Creek Road (No. 800). Turn right and bear left after .1 miles. Proceed 1.2 miles to the trailhead.
Black Powder Pass
With a high point of 12,159 feet, this hike ends on the saddle between Boreas Mountain and Baldy Mountain, offering amazing views of Summit and Park counties.
Distance: 3.4 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 671 feet
Directions: Drive south on Highway 9 approximately .6 miles to Boreas Pass Road (the last stoplight in town). Turn left and follow the road for 9.6 miles to the top of Boreas Pass. Park in the parking lot on the left. The trailhead is northeast of the Section House (the big building at the top). Follow the dirt track labeled, “Boreas Ditch No. 2.”
DIFFICULT HIKING TRAILS
Challenge yourself and plan to conquer one of these difficult hikes while visiting Breck. Please note that these are DIFFICULT hikes!!!! Please make sure you are prepared for the adventure. (Check weather, bring appropriate gear, bring food and water, know what you are getting into!)
Quandary Peak
Simply the best view in Summit County. One of Colorado’s 53 “Fourteeners” (peaks with an elevation above 14,000 feet), Quandary Peak is the crown jewel of hiking around Breckenridge.
Distance: 6 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 3,305 feet
Directions: Drive south on Highway 9 approximately 8 miles to Blue Lakes Road (No. 850). Turn right and then turn right onto County road 851. Drive on County road 851 for .1 miles to the marked trailhead.
Crystal Lakes
A short steep climb to two alpine lakes above timberline.
Distance: 4 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 1,000 Feet
Directions: Drive south on Highway 9 approximately 2.5 miles to Spruce Creek Road (No. 800). Turn right and bear left after .1 miles. Proceed 1.2 miles to the trailhead.
Peaks Trail
A great trail for a hot day! Walk this shaded trail through pine forests all the way from Breckenridge to Frisco. Take advantage of the Summit Stage Transit to loop back to Breckenridge or leave a second car at the end of the trail in Frisco.
Distance: 8.5 miles one way
Elevation Gain: 450 feet; 850 foot loss.
Directions: You will leave one car at the trail-head and take the bus back to Breckenridge. Drive south on Main Street to Ski Hill Road (3 blocks). Make a right on Ski Hill Road. Drive west on Ski Hill Road for 2.3 miles to the signed trailhead on the left. Please review the bus map ahead of time so you know how to get back to your car!