From the iconic Breckenridge gondola to horseback riding through Breckenridge's alpine trails and rafting adventures near Keystone, summer in the Rockies is pure bliss!
Breckenridge, one of the most beautiful towns in Colorado, is famous for being a winter wonderland, but this fantastic Colorado town offers plenty of fun year-round. Summer, for example, is a particularly special time to visit Breckenridge, as the season brings mild, sunny days, perfect for enjoying incredible outdoor activities.
If you’re flirting with the idea of spending summer in the Rockies, this blog is for you! Below, we’ve curated a list of the best warm-weather activities in Breckenridge that will make your summer vacation unforgettable.
Before we start, a little about us…
At Great Western Lodging, we offer a superior selection of luxury properties, including ski-in/ski-out options and downtown lodgings, some of which are pet-friendly. In our destination blog, we've covered extensive information about Breck, including the best coffee shops in town, fishing and hunting spots, and a guide to local nightlife for some fun libations. And soon enough, more interesting content awaits you with great tips to make your travel experience even better.
Ready for a fun-filled summer in the Rockies?
1. Enjoy Summer activities at Epic Discovery
Located at Breckenridge Ski Resort, Epic Discovery is a must-visit destination during the warmer months in Breckenridge, offering an array of fantastic activities for people of all ages.
Some of the most popular attractions at Epic Discovery provide a delightful dose of adrenaline. You can zip-line through beautiful trees and over stunning mountain terrain, experience an adrenaline-pumping descent on the Gold Runner Alpine Coaster, or explore the incredible mountain biking trails with lift-serviced access to the resort’s higher elevations.
Other must-try activities include a scenic ride on the famous BreckConnect Gondola to admire the verdant surroundings during summer, testing your skills on the Challenge Course with bridges, swings, and obstacles set high above the ground, trying rock climbing on the Gold Summit Climbing Wall, a massive outdoor climbing wall suitable for beginners and experienced climbers alike, or playing mini-golf at Epic Discovery’s course at the base of Peak 8, with beautiful mountain scenery as a backdrop.
2. Hit the Hiking Trails
Summer is the perfect time to explore Breckenridge’s hiking trails. The scenic paths are typically lined with blooming wildflowers, adding vibrant colors to the scenery. Since the snow has melted off most trails, they are more accessible compared to winter and spring.
Unmissable trails while visiting this Colorado gem include the McCullough Gulch Trail, a moderate hike cutting through lush forests and verdant meadows, offering incredible views of lakes, rushing waterfalls, and majestic mountains along the way, and the Sawmill Creek Trail. The latter is a kid-friendly trail that the entire family can enjoy together. Just a stone's throw from town, Sawmill Creek is a peaceful, shaded trail with minimal elevation gain. Starting at the Snowflake lift, it winds alongside a gentle stream, leading to the serene Sawmill Reservoir. Along the way, you’ll see gorgeous wildflowers, small waterfalls, and if you start your exploration in the morning, there’s even a chance to see a moose.
3. Indulge in Water Activities on Maggie Pond
Maggie Pond in Breckenridge is a serene and scenic spot during the summer. Located at the base of Peak 9 near the Breckenridge Village area, the pond isn’t very large but offers a peaceful setting with views of the surrounding mountains, perfect for relaxing and enjoying water activities.
Some of the most popular activities include stand-up paddleboarding, pedal boating, kayaking, and casual fishing. With the long summer days in Breckenridge, after having fun on the water, you’ll still have time to stroll along the shores of Maggie Pond, admire the stunning mountain views, and enjoy a peaceful sunset picnic by the water.
4. Cycle, Splash, and Explore with Incredible Biking and Whitewater Rafting Adventures
When it comes to summer fun in Breckenridge, biking and whitewater rafting are among the most beloved family-friendly activities. There are plenty of easy biking trails that the whole family will enjoy. Top locations with paved paths ideal for families include Wellington Bike Park, Blue River Rec Path, and the Breckenridge Town Trail System.
Looking for an adrenaline rush? Whitewater rafting is the perfect choice. With the Blue River and Colorado River close by, you’ll have access to numerous rafting excursions tailored to both beginners and seasoned rafters. Another superb location for whitewater rafting is the Arkansas River near Keystone, particularly the Buena Vista and Browns Canyon sections.
Some of the best rafting companies in the region are AVA Rafting & Zipline, Breckenridge Whitewater Rafting, and Performance Tours Rafting.
5. Fly fishing in Colorado’s scenic waters
With its rich waters, beautiful landscapes, and variety of locations, Breckenridge provides the perfect backdrop for a summer fly-fishing adventure. This is an unforgettable experience, offering both beginners and seasoned anglers a chance to cast their lines in some of Colorado's most scenic waters.
Breckenridge is surrounded by pristine rivers and lakes, and with the Blue River just minutes from town, boasting an abundance of brown and rainbow trout, it’s the perfect spot for fly-fishing. Beyond the Blue River, you can explore the Colorado River, South Platte River, and nearby high-alpine lakes. These locations offer a variety of fishing experiences, from calm lakes to fast-flowing streams.
6. Score Big on the Greens
Golfing in Breckenridge during the summer offers a unique experience, combining the challenge of playing at high altitude with stunning mountain views. The centerpiece for golfing in the area is the Breckenridge Golf Club, which boasts a world-class course designed by Jack Nicklaus.
The Breckenridge Golf Club consists of three 9-hole courses—Bear, Beaver, and Elk—each offering its own challenges and spectacular scenery. You can combine them to create a full 18-hole round, with each layout presenting a distinct experience. At over 9,300 feet above sea level, the course offers a unique advantage—golf balls travel farther at high altitude due to the thinner air, giving you extra distance on your shots. However, the thin air can also make judging distances a bit tricky. While playing, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Tenmile Range and surrounding peaks. The Elk course, in particular, offers a back nine with sweeping vistas of the mountains and nearby wildlife.
7. Horseback Riding Through Scenic Trails
Horseback riding in Breckenridge during the summer offers a unique way to experience the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. You can explore serene meadows, forested trails, and mountain ridges while enjoying panoramic views. Several outfitters in the Breckenridge area offer guided horseback rides suitable for all skill levels.
Located near Peak 9 at the Breckenridge Ski Resort, Breckenridge Stables is one of the top options for horseback riding. They offer guided tours that take riders through scenic alpine terrain, offering breathtaking views of the Tenmile Range and Continental Divide. You’ll ride through wooded areas, across meadows filled with wildflowers, and up to ridgelines for expansive views.
8. Discover the Historic District on a Walking Tour
The Breckenridge History Walking Tours are a fascinating way to explore the town's rich history and learn about its origins as a bustling mining town during the Colorado Gold Rush. These guided tours are especially enjoyable during summer as they take you through Breckenridge’s charming historic district, with stops at notable landmarks, restored buildings, and sites that bring the town’s past to life.
Some of the most popular tours include the Walk Through the Darker History Tour for those intrigued by the town’s eerie past, the Miner’s Tour, where you’ll visit restored boarding houses where miners lived, and the Historic Walking Tour, their signature tour.
9. Join the Locals at Summer Events
Breckenridge hosts a variety of vibrant summer festivals that celebrate its unique culture, art, and outdoor lifestyle. Joining local events is a great way to add fun to your summer vacation, meet the locals and experience the Rockie’s culture.
Here are our favorite summer events in Breckenridge:
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Breckenridge International Festival of Arts: This multi-day event is a celebration of the arts, showcasing everything from visual art installations to live performances. The festival often includes interactive outdoor exhibits that blend with the natural beauty of Breckenridge, creating a unique cultural experience.
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Breckenridge Food and Wine Festival: This festival features a wide selection of wines from around the world, along with gourmet food pairings, live music, and stunning mountain views. It’s a great event for wine lovers and those looking to enjoy a day of indulgence in the scenic setting of Breckenridge.
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Breckenridge Summer Beer Festival: A favorite among craft beer enthusiasts, this festival brings together over 40 breweries offering a wide range of beers to sample. Live music, local food vendors, and happy locals add to the amazing atmosphere of this highly anticipated summer festival.
How can you make your trip to Breckenridge, CO even better?
While in town, it's a great idea to stay in style with the breathtaking backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. At Great Western Lodging, we offer a superior selection of luxury properties, ski-in/ski-out options, and downtown lodgings, some of which are pet-friendly.
Staying in one of our properties, we guarantee you'll have nothing less than a 5-star experience during your trip to Breckenridge.