Explore Summit County with Our Hiking Challenge
The Breckenridge Associates Hiking Challenge is an opportunity to explore the stunning natural beauty of Summit County through our series of seasonal hiking lists. Whether you're a seasoned hiker seeking new trails or a beginner looking to immerse yourself in the great outdoors, this challenge is designed for all levels of outdoor enthusiasts. Lace up your hiking boots, grab your backpack, and get ready to explore the breathtaking landscapes and fresh mountain air that make Breckenridge an outdoors lover’s paradise.
Summer Hiking Challenge
With an average of over 300 inches of snowfall every year in Breckenridge, it only makes sense that the runoff would create some of the most beautiful high alpine waterfalls in Colorado’s backcountry.
Located about 20 miles outside of Breckenridge, in Vail, this moderately rated hike rewards hikers with incredible views of rivers, valleys, aspen groves, and the Gore Range. There is no parking at the trailhead or in the surrounding neighborhood and parking violations are strictly enforced. Park at the Vail Village Parking Structure and take the free Town of Vail bus to the trailhead. Dogs are not allowed on the bus.
Length: 6.0 Miles
Rating: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 1,358 Feet
Route Type: Out & Back
Trailhead: Booth Falls Trailhead
Click here for more information on parking and transportation for the Booth Falls Trailhead.
Take in stunning alpine scenery with cascading waterfalls, lush forests, and panoramic mountain views. This is a popular hike and trailhead parking fills quickly on the weekends and on holidays. Dogs are welcome and may be off leash in some areas.
Length: 6.0 Miles
Rating: Hard
Elevation Gain: 1,712 Feet
Route Type: Loop
Trailhead: Mohawk Lake Parking
Follow this scenic, forested hiking trail to a rushing alpine waterfall tucked away in Silverthorne's Eagle Eagles Nest Wilderness. This is a popular trail and dogs are welcome but be aware that there is a good likelihood that you will encounter wildlife on this hike, so we suggest keeping your dog on leash.
Length: 4.5 Miles
Rating: hard
Elevation Gain: 1,131 Feet
Route Type: Out & Back
Trailhead: Buffalo Mountain Trailhead
Located just outside of Breckenridge off Hoosier Pass, McCollough Gulch Waterfall Trail is a popular hike offering quintessential Colorado views of rocky peaks, columbine flowers, and mountain goats. Reservations are required for this trailhead June through September from 5 am to 3 pm, outside of this time period parking is free and first come, first served.
Length: 3.6 Miles
Rating: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 1,017 Feet
Route Type: Out & Back
Trailhead: 2179 McCullough Gulch Road
For more information on parking at the McCollough Gulch Trail Head, visit https://hikequandary.com/
Don't forget to give @breckenridgeassociates at follow on Instagram and tag us in your waterfall hiking photos to be featured on our page!
Fall Hiking Challenge
Every year, as soon as the Pumpkin Spice Latte becomes available to order, the countdown to leaf peeping season begins. Areas across Colorado peak at different times, depending on local temperatures, altitude, and rainfall that year. Historically, the stunning aspens that draw hikers and leaf peeping enthusiasts to Breckenridge, start turning golden mid-September, reaching their peak by the end of September into early October, just in time for snow to start collecting on the mountains.
This trail is short with only 232 feet of elevation gain, making it a terrific trail for families and hikers of all ages. From the trailhead you’ll hike along the shaded path to the reservoir which then opens up with beautiful views of the Ten Mile Range in the background. There is limited parking at the trailhead and overflow parking on county roads is prohibited, so we recommend parking in town and taking the FREE shuttle bus to the trailhead.
Length: 1.3 Miles
Rating: Easy
Elevation Gain: 232 Feet
Route Type: Out & Back
Trailhead: Snowflake Trailhead
For more information on Breck Free Ride, click here.
True to its name, Aspen Alley is a prime leaf peeping trail, surrounded by beautiful golden aspen groves. The trail is used for both hiking and biking, so keep an eye out for bikers coming downhill. Dogs are welcome on this trail but must be on leash.
Length: 2.6 Miles
Rating: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 528 Feet
Route Type: Out & Back
Trailhead: Boreas Pass Loop Trailhead
Rainbow Lake Trail offers incredible access to some of Summit County’s must beautiful wilderness area right from the heart of Frisco. This 1.5 mile hike is great for families with young kids or anyone looking for a quick walk in the woods. The trail will take you through aspens and brush and along a short boardwalk with mountain views to Rainbow Lake. Dogs are welcome on this hike and may be off-leash in some areas.
Length: 1.5 Miles
Rating: Easy
Elevation Gain: 167 Feet
Route Type: Out & Back
Trailhead: Rainbow Lake Trailhead
This starts out shaded, eventually opening to outcroppings with stunning views of the Ten Mile Range, Lake Dillon, and rolling hills covered in different shades of green, yellow, and orange. Enjoy impressive views of the Gore Range where the trail intersects with Gore Range Trail No. 60. Be prepared for multiple water crossings, however you’ll be able to cross most on fallen logs or small bridges. Dogs are welcome on this trail but must be on leash.
Length: 8.4 Miles
Rating: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 2,286 Feet
Route Type: Out & Back
Trailhead: Meadow Creek Trailhead
Don't forget to give @breckenridgeassociates at follow on Instagram and tag us in your fall leaf peeping photos to be featured on our page!
Winter Hiking Challenge
Looking for an adventure off the slopes? With trails blanketed in snow and stunning alpine views, winter hiking in Breckenridge offers a magical experience.
This 4.5 mile, moderately rated trail leads hikers along a shaded forest road, opening to gorgeous views as the trail reaches Pennsylvania Creek. In the earlier hours of the day, it is possible to enjoy this trail with only micro spikes, if the trail is already packed down, however on days with fresh snowfall or in the later hours, snowshoes or cross-country skis are needed to avoid post holing.
Length: 4.5 Miles
Rating: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 725 Feet
Route Type: Out & Back
Trailhead: Coronet Drive, Blue River
This out and back trail that runs through a wooded gulch, alongside a creek. Snowshoes or skis are recommended during the winter months. The trailhead is in a neighborhood and parking is limited; hikers can take a free shuttle bus to the trailhead. Dogs are welcome on this trail and may be off leash in some areas.
Length: 4.6 Miles
Rating: Easy to Moderate
Elevation Gain: 482 Feet
Route Type: Out & Back
Trailhead: French Gulch Road
For more information on the free shuttle bus to Little French Gulch Trail, click here.
The Clinton Gulch Dam Reservoir loop packs big views into its short 2.4 miles. Rated as easy, this trail is a great choice for anyone looking for gorgeous mountain views without much elevation gain. In the winter this trail is usually packed down for the first quarter to half a mile and then requires snowshoes to continue. Dogs are welcome on this trail and may be off leash in some areas.
Length: 2.4 Miles
Rating: Easy
Elevation Gain: 232 Feet
Route Type: Loop
Trailhead: CO-91
Sallie Barber Mine is a quintessential Breckenridge trail any time of the year! Snowshoes or cross-country skis are recommended, especially following a fresh snowfall. This 2.8 mile trail is rated easy and with only 393 feet of elevation change, it’s a great trail getting snowshoeing experience without having to leave Breckenridge. The parking lot fills up quickly and overflow parking on country roads is prohibited so we recommend carpooling or utilizing the shuttle bus.
Length: 2.8 Miles
Rating: Easy
Elevation Gain: 393 Feet
Route Type: Out & Back
Trailhead: Sallie Barber Mine Trailhead
For more information on Summit County’s free shuttle bus to trailheads, click here.
Don't forget to give @breckenridgeassociates at follow on Instagram and tag us in your off the slopes winter adventure photos to be featured on our page!
Spring Hiking Challenge
We've put together the most stunning spring hikes that showcase the breathtaking beauty of the high country as it transitions from snow to bloom.
Enjoy views of Quandary Peak on this short but challenging hike. This out and back trail is rated as challenging due to the level of route-finding skills needed and scrambling. Dogs are welcome on this hike, however we recommend you only bring dogs that are comfortable with climbing scree.
Length: 2.8 Miles
Rating: Hard
Elevation Gain: 1,131 Feet
Route Type: Out & Back
Trailhead: Blue Lakes Trailhead
Make sure you get to the trailhead early since parking is limited for this popular hike. Follow the HOV trail to Lower Crystal Lake and then continue on to Upper Crystal Lake via the hiking trail. If you do not have a 4WD vehicle it is recommended that you park at the trailhead and hike to Lower Crystal Lake.
Length: 8.4 Miles
Rating: Hard
Elevation Gain: 2,568 Feet
Route Type: Out & Back
Trailhead: Mohawk Lake Parking
If you’re looking for solitude near Breckenridge, it’s unlikely you’ll encounter many other people on this 4.5 mile out and back trail. This trail is a steady climb to the old Breckenridge Mine site, but the views are worth the effort. The trail is not marked so we recommend downloading a map before you go. Dogs are welcome but must stay on leash.
Length: 4.5 Miles
Rating: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 1,341 Feet
Route Type: Out & Back
Trailhead: County Road 600
If you love a rock scramble, Fletcher Mountain is for you. With lake views and wildflowers in the summer, Fletcher Mountain is a challenging hike that offers big rewards. Dogs are welcome on this hike, but we recommend you check weather conditions before bringing your pooch along as this hike offers little to no shade. Make sure you pack plenty of water in the warmer months and wear proper hiking footwear for navigating the jagged rocks and scree.
Length: 5.0 Miles
Rating: Hard
Elevation Gain: 2,194 Feet
Route Type: Out & Back
Trailhead: Blue Lakes Trailhead
Don't forget to give @breckenridgeassociates at follow on Instagram and tag us in your spring hiking photos to be featured on our page!
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