Summit County, a picturesque gem nestled in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, offers a serene escape for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. This mountain community boasts breathtaking landscapes, scenic trails, and a charming towns filled with local shops and eateries.
Whether you're looking to hit the slopes, embark on a hiking adventure, or simply relax and soak in the mountain views, Summit County has something for everyone. But with so many great activities and sights to explore in the area, thinking of the perfect weekend itinerary can be a daunting task.
We've got you covered. This blog brings you a great weekend itinerary to Summit County, highlighting must-visit spots and activities that showcase the beauty and charm of this Colorado mountain community.
Ready for some Summit Bliss? Let's dive in!
Friday evening: dive into the vibrant atmosphere of Breckenridge Main Street and indulge in a glass of locally crafted Colorado wine.
Downtown Breckenridge
After you settle into your vacation rental, the perfect kickoff to the weekend is heading to Downtown Breckenridge for some exploring. The area offers everything you'd expect from a historic mountain town, with plenty of postcard-worthy views of the mountains.
On Main Street, you'll discover charming wooden houses dating back to the city's illustrious mining days. Today, these buildings are home to cafes, eateries, and boutiques. It's the perfect place for a stroll, some shopping, and to select a delightful restaurant for a memorable meal.
Continental Divide Winery
A few steps from Main Street, you'll discover the tasting room of a lovely family-run winery that proudly claims to be the highest in the world. And their business motto? "Using Altitude to Make Naturally Better Wine." Spot on!
You can sample their award-winning creations in the indoor tasting room, and you can sign up for a wine blending class. Their classes feel like boozy science experiments and are undeniably a fun activity for a night out.
Saturday morning: kickstart your day with a hearty breakfast to fuel your energy for a day of outdoor adventure in Frisco, CO.
Butterhorn Bakery and Cafe
Running for 40 years in the heart of Main St. Frisco, Butterhorn is a favorite spot for locals looking for a quick and high-quality breakfast. The place offers a very cozy, rustic, and vintage atmosphere
The coffee and food are delicious (you can even opt for a boozy breakfast to kick off your day if that's your style!). Their breakfast sandwiches and Frittatas are famous. They have many great sandwiches and burritos, but the hit of the menu is The Eggs Butterhorn, an egg, bacon, cheese, and avocado croissant sandwich. Their commitment to the environment not only deserves applause but also our enthusiastic support!
Saturday afternoon: dive into the heart of adventure at Breckenridge Ski Resort.
Breckenridge Ski Resort
Often referred to as the best ski resort in Colorado, Breckenridge Ski Resort is a magnet for winter sports enthusiasts from around the world. The resort is huge, spanning over 2,900 acres and five peaks.
For skiing, it offers everything from gentle slopes to thrilling descents and boasts an exceptional beginner area, ensuring a smooth experience for newcomers. The service is top-notch, with modern facilities always close at hand, complemented by several mountain restaurants and the charming downtown Breckenridge nearby.
However, the resort's charm isn't confined to winter. During the summer months, it transforms into a haven for hiking and mountain biking, offering breathtaking views — especially from the tallest chairlift in North America.
Whether you're carving through fresh powder on skis or immersing yourself in the natural wonders during warmer days, Breckenridge Ski Resort is the place to be.
Saturday evening: dive into the classic Colorado après-ski scene and then let loose on the dance floor.
Après Handcrafted Libations
After a full day of adventuring in the great outdoors, you've certainly earned a reward. And what better way to unwind than with a classic Colorado apres-ski experience?
Inside a lovely vintage 1890 building and with a friendly and relaxing vibe, this place is like a great little gem on Main Street that offers an impressive collection of beers on tap and very creative and original cocktails. If you choose the latter, the staff is usually great at explaining the different ingredients.
Overall, this is an outstanding place with a great mountain vibe to go after some shopping or a stroll around downtown Breckenridge, for a pre or post-dinner cocktail, or an evening après-ski session.
Cecilia's Martini Bar & Nightclub
Why stop there? The night is young in Breckenridge, and Cici’s, as locals affectionately call it, is the place to be. In 2017, this venue was ranked among the top 10 places to dance in Colorado. Cici’s was established in 1996 as Breckenridge's first Martini Bar, and it quickly grew into a premier cocktail bar and nightclub.
The venue is expansive, featuring distinct rooms with different vibes to cater to everyone's preferences. Whether you're seeking a laid-back evening with friends and friendly locals, enjoying board games, or, as many do, dancing the night away, there's something for everyone. With an outstanding DJ, great music, and a lively crowd, it's the perfect spot to unwind after a full day of fun.
Sunday morning: "moose-up" for breakfast at a local classic.
Blue Moose
This small, quaint family-run restaurant on the south end of Main Street has proudly served what they call “the best breakfast in town since 1987.” It is indeed an iconic breakfast spot with a casual feel, friendly service, and amazing food. There's both indoor and outdoor seating, and pets are allowed in the outdoor area where you get a great view of the mountains.
A favorite with locals and visitors alike, The Blue Moose offers all the traditional home-cooked options such as fluffy pancakes and enormous omelets, as well as hot cinnamon buns, smoothies, and their famous Moosed-Up mimosas. You also have plenty of Mexican breakfast options if you wish. Portions are large, and their locally roasted organic coffee is delicious.
Sunday afternoon: dive into breathtaking natural landscapes and witness the wonders of wildlife.
Cucumber Gulch Wildlife Preserve
Sprawling across 188 acres of open space just a short ride from downtown, this wildlife preserve boasts places of unparalleled natural beauty, including wetlands that are rather uncommon given Breckenridge’s altitude. Deer, elk, beavers, boreal toads, and moose, among other animal and bird species, call the Cucumber Gulch Wildlife Preserve home — making it one of the best places to spot wildlife in Breckenridge.
Spanning over two miles, the trail offers a great sense of outdoor adventure with moderate levels of difficulty. It winds through wetlands and forested areas, and besides wildlife, you also get to admire a variety of wildflowers while enjoying views of the Tenmile Range and Breckenridge Ski Resort.
The structure is also great: the boardwalk allows visitors to enjoy everything without disturbing the natural life, and you will find occasional signs with great information about the local fauna and flora.
If you visit, just note that the preserve doesn't allow dogs. It's nothing personal against them; it's just that they can put the local wildlife in danger with their canine pursuits. Also, remember the area might be closed to visitors from time to time because of wildlife vulnerability, so check their website for updated status.
Sawmill Creek Trail (more kid-friendly nature escape)
Got kids tagging along? Here's a spot that's ideal for the little ones to experience nature. Considered one of the best family-friendly hiking trails in Breckenridge and located quite close to town, Sawmill Creek Trail is a short, shaded path with minimal elevation gain that begins at the Snowflake lift and meanders next to a stream until you reach Sawmill Reservoir.
Don't underestimate the trail's beauty just because it's short, though. The path starts on a well-maintained trail but transitions into a standard mountainside route. You can expect stunning views, beautiful wildflowers, a charming stream along the way, and even small waterfalls. The trail is clear and easy to follow, making it a perfect spot for family photos. And if you go in the morning, there's a chance you might spot a moose!
Sunday evening: conclude a wonderful weekend with a sophisticated dining experience and some blues.
Blue River Bistro
With an ambiance that exudes mountain sophistication, this vibrant Italian-American restaurant stands out for its meticulously crafted cocktails and curated selection of artisanal wines. But it doesn't stop there — their culinary offerings are equally impressive. Season-inspired dishes, prepared with the freshest ingredients, grace the menu. Whether you're craving risotto with salmon, indulging in creamy burrata, savoring a classic burger with fries, or treating yourself to a decadent dessert like chocolate mousse paired with vanilla ice cream, every bite is a culinary delight.
Enhancing the dining experience further, the restaurant boasts a fantastic ambiance and features live jazz and blues performances throughout the week. Be sure to check the schedule for upcoming events.
Sunday evening (spooky alternative): dive into the haunted tales from the Wild West's past as you stroll around town.
Ghostly Tales Tour
How about something a little more spooky to kickstart your night out in Breckenridge? Popular with visitors since 2010, the Breckenridge Ghost Tour's Ghostly Tales is the original ghost tour in town. It will take you to the darker sides of local history.
The very knowledgeable and engaging tour guides delve into the Wild West past, the gold rush era, and the inhabitants of haunted homes, and share chilling tales of ghosts that, as they claim, roam the town. This fun, interesting, and quite spooky thing to do while in town!
Your Weekend Itinerary: The Best Things to Do in Breckenridge, CO
There you have it! This is the formula for the best weekend activities amidst the gorgeous Rocky Mountains in Breckenridge, CO. We guarantee that after experiencing this much fun, you'll be eager to return again and again for many more memorable weekends!
Where to Stay During Your Nature Getaway to Breckenridge, CO?
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.