The Breckenridge Summer Shuttle to Two Epic Trails

Summit County’s shuttle and reservation system for Quandary Peak and McCullough Gulch were introduced in 2021 to help protect natural resources, improve visitor safety and increase trail accessibility. From mid-June through mid-September, visitors can either reserve a parking spot in advance or take the free shuttle from Breckenridge to reach the trailheads.

Quandary Peak & McCullough Gulch Shuttle Details

Operational Dates: June 14 – September 14 daily, 5 am–5 pm

Route: From Downtown Breckenridge, South Gondola Parking Garage to Quandary Peak Trailhead (about a 20‑minute ride).

Frequency: Every 30–60 minutes. You book the day—not a time—and board first-come, first-served.

Cost:

• $7 round-trip for non-residents
• Free for Summit County residents (with proof submitted ≥48 hrs ahead)

Pets: Dogs ride free, but shuttle space is limited. A parking reservation is recommended for hikers with dogs.

Last Return: Final shuttle boards at 4:30 pm from the trailhead back to Breckenridge.

How to Book the Free Shuttle for Non-Residents of Summit County: Reservations for shuttle access can be conveniently made through the official hikequandary.com site.

How to Book the Free Shuttle for Summit County Residents:

1.       Provide proof of residency at least 48 hours before your hike via email to hikequandary@spplus.com. You can use any of the following:

• Summit County driver’s license
• Utility bill
• Lease agreement showing your name and Summit County address

2.       SP Plus will validate your residency and send you a promo code to apply during the checkout at hikequandary.com. This code makes your round-trip shuttle $0.

Parking Reservations and Trail Access for Quandary Peak & McCullough Gulch

Reservation Required: From June 14 to September 14, all visitors who plan to drive must reserve a parking spot online in advance. There is no drive-up availability during this period.

Full-Day Parking (5:00 am–3:00 pm):

• $30 on non-peak days
• $55 on peak days (weekends and holidays)

4-Hour Parking for McCullough Gulch:

• $10 on non-peak days
• $20 on peak days
• Ideal for shorter hikes to the waterfall and alpine lake at McCullough Gulch.

Free Afternoon Parking: Parking is free after 3:00 pm, though spaces are limited and still subject to availability.

No Overnight Parking: Vehicles cannot be left overnight. Parking is prohibited between 12:00 am and 4:00 am, and violators may be towed.

How to Book Your Parking Reservation: Reservations for parking and shuttle access can be conveniently made through the official hikequandary.com site.

Planning to Hike Quandary or McCullough Gulch? Here are Some Pro Tips:

Reserve Early: Registration opens two weeks prior (begins June 1).

Summit Early: Afternoon thunderstorms are a real hazard above tree line.

Go by Shuttle: It eases traffic, saves you the parking hassle, and is eco-friendly.

Bring Essentials: lots of water, snacks, layers, sun protection, and a headlamp (if aiming near sunset).

Pack for Dogs: Leash, waste bags, and extra water. Don't forget to pack out any bagged waste!

Ready to Explore More?

Whether you're tackling the heights of Quandary Peak or chasing waterfalls in McCullough Gulch, the shuttle system makes it easy to enjoy Breckenridge’s stunning trails safely and responsibly. If you’re looking for even more ways to hit the trail this summer, don’t miss the Breckenridge Associates Official Hiking Challenge, a seasonal guide to our favorite local hikes. Click here to check out the challenge and start exploring!