12 Favorite Hikes around Breckenridge

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There are so many hiking opportunities in this area it is mind-boggling.  We’ve picked some of our favorites below, ranking them from easiest to hardest, in our “flatlander” opinion.

Before you head out, download the free AllTrails app.  With AllTrails, you’ll get driving directions, trail maps, descriptions, and lots of reviews that will reveal the condition of the trails and other information you might need.  This app works all over the US and also internationally.   The app offers a paid membership for a nominal fee, too.  With that, you can download the maps onto your phone, which is helpful to keep you on track, particularly in areas with no cell service.  Click on the title of any hike we’ve listed below, and it will take you to the All Trails information.

For any hiking in the area, consider going in the morning to avoid crowds and also common afternoon thunderstorms.  Be a safe, smart hiker and a good tourist: pack a rain jacket, a snack or two, and – above all – more water than you think you’ll possibly need.

 

Easy Walks/Hikes

These are great to do early in your trip while you’re getting acclimated.  They can all be done with regular tennis shoes, in case you didn’t pack hiking boots. These take between 30 – 90 minutes, allowing for photo stops and snacks.

Sapphire Point Overlook  – Located between Breck and Keystone along curvy Swan Mountain Road, this really isn’t a hike, but rather an easy stroll.  But the rewards are exceptional: panoramic views of Lake Dillon and the surrounding mountain ranges. 

B&B to Reiling Dredge to Minnie Mine – This is a quick, fun, scenic, and mostly flat loop, just over 2.5 miles total.  Hike the trail counter-clockwise for the prettiest views.  You’ll encounter a large abandoned dredge in a lake with a plaque providing interesting historical information about it, a couple of old mines, wildflowers, and lots of great views of Breckenridge.  This trail (like many) is also used by mountain bikers so be prepared to occasionally share the path.

Meadow Loop and Ridge Trail – This trail has a bit more “up” than the above three, but it is worth the initial ascent to walk along the relatively flat ridge at the top, high above lovely Lake Dillon.  There are plentiful expansive overlooks showcasing mountains, meadows, and pine forests, and even a few benches to sit and contemplate the beauty.  At about 90 minutes, it is just the right amount of exercise to make you feel like you earned a good lunch.  Surprisingly, we have never encountered many crowds on this trail.

This is an especially good hike in the fall, when the trail is lined with brightly colored Aspen trees.  It is also a good snowshoeing trail in the winter.

 

Moderate Hikes

These hikes take a little more time and effort, and hiking boots or hiking shoes are recommended.  These hikes generally take 2-3 hours, allowing for stops.  The last two are on the “harder” side of moderate.

North Tenmile Creek – The description for this hike lists 6+ miles.  But this trail is perfect for just walking as far as you feel like and then turning around and coming back.  The first .75 miles have several significant inclines, but after that, the trail is fairly flat.  At about 2.25 miles, it often gets quite muddy, so we generally turn around there, or sooner if we’re short on time or energy.  The trail follows the creek the whole way and has some great mountain views. 

There are numerous inlets to the creek where you can relax, let your kids wade in the water, and let your pup have a nice cool drink. North Tenmile was the first hike our grandson ever took.  (Well, he was in an infant hiking backpack on his dad’s back, but he sure enjoyed the ride!)

Shrine Ridge – This trail is a steady but not too strenuous climb and has great views the whole way.  But when you ascend to the ridge, you are greeted with breathtaking mountain views in all directions, including the iconic 14,000’ Mount of the Holy Cross.  In late July and early August, there is also an impressive display of wildflowers.  After a break at the ridge to take in the views, you can continue your hike with trails to the right or left if you wish.

This trail starts at over 11,000 feet and summits at nearly 12,000 feet.  So if you’re having any problems acclimating, you might want to start with one of the plentiful lower-elevation trails.

 

Ptarmigan Trail – This trail is punishingly steep for the first .6 mile or so in full sun. (Don’t forget to turn around and admire the view when you stop to catch your breath and gulp down some water.)  But after that, it flattens out for most of the rest of the trail is shaded and rewards you with forests, meadows, wildflowers, and two benches at the top to sit and admire the gorgeous view of dozens of mountain peaks and Lake Dillon.  Worth it.

Upper Straight Creek – This hike starts, kind of awkwardly, atop the Eisenhower Tunnel along I-70.  It seems intimidating to get to, but it is easy peasy.  You take the exit just before the tunnel (eastbound) and follow the short, easy, paved road up over the tunnel, and park in the area just before the westbound entrance ramp so you’re set up to head back after your hike.

Every time we do this hike, as we climb the relentless switch-backs to the top, we ask “Why are we doing this to ourselves?”.  But then we reach the top, and there are jaw-dropping views in every direction as far as the eye can see.  It ends at a whopping 12,500 feet in the middle of the Loveland Ski area, where you can even see signs for various ski runs.

McCullough Gulch – This hike is one of our absolute favorite hikes anywhere and we have done it dozens of times over the years.  It has everything:  beautiful wildflowers, breathtaking scenic overlooks, giant rocks, caves, a rushing creek, a huge multi-tiered waterfall, and a crystal-clear lake at the top inviting you to enjoy a picnic lunch to celebrate your achievement.

The trail is steep at the beginning (like so many of them!) but it evens out in the middle until you reach the spectacular waterfall.  It is a huge area with lots of places to rest, observe, or just poke around.

At this point, it is perfectly respectable to turn around and go back if the altitude is getting to you.  But if you have a little gas left, make your way up the short, but quite steep & rocky trail to the splendid mountain lake that feeds the falls below.  On sunny days, the surrounding mountains reflect in the lake.  I promise it’s worth the climb!  Then take some time to relax and even unlace your hiking boots and put your tired feet in the refreshing (but very cold) water.

**Caveat: The trail got a little too popular in recent years, so now you must plan a bit in advance to take a quick and inexpensive shuttle from downtown Breck, or drive and park at the Quandry parking lot and take a free shuttle to get closer to the trailhead. (Dogs are permitted on both shuttles!) Here is a link for transportation:  McCullough Gulch Shuttle Info.  Though it is kind of a pain to make arrangements in advance, the silver lining is that this magnificent trail is rarely crowded.

More Difficult Hikes

We tend to save these for toward the end of a week-long trip, when we’re more fully acclimated.  We find these to be challenging for the distance, the altitude gain, or both.  Trekking poles are recommended, and are helpful heading both up and down.  Hiking boots are a must.

From there, the trail intensifies as you head past a couple of old mining structures toward the lower lake.  Finally, the trail evens out and you’ll see a little waterfall with a small pond.  Lovely.  But just continue for another minute and voila!  You’re at the lower lake.  There are dozens of rocky areas to go take a seat, catch your breath, and soak up the beauty in all directions.  It’s the kind of spot that sometimes makes me feel emotional and want to break out singing “Rocky Mountain High”.

The upper lake isn’t too much further, but it is a bit of a scramble.  Just do it!  At about 20 minutes in, you’ll be exhausted, climbing a hill with thick vegetation and, looking straight ahead, and you are suddenly at eye level with the upper lake!  With each step up you can see more and more until you are on even ground with the magnificent lake surrounded by cliffs and mountains.  Extraordinary.

Unless a storm is moving in, you’ll want to take a good long time to chill out up here.  There are lots of spots to wander and explore.  Often you’ll see mountain goats hanging out up on the cliffs.  You can even climb a bit further to two more lakes.  We’ve not done this yet, but plan to do so soon.

Happily, shortly after that you reach the real summit – and all the fatigue, frustration, and nausea melt away in an instant as you realize you are truly on the top of the world.

The view is 360 degrees of epic.  It is a large summit, so once you’ve signed the registry to prove you’ve conquered the mountain, there is plenty of room to meander about, chat with your fellow exuberant hikers, take photos, have a few bites to eat, and generally feel grateful for the opportunity to experience something so overwhelming and incredible.

If you’re lucky enough to be in Breck in the latter half of September or first part of October, as the leaves are turning, there are some hikes that rise above the rest. (I guess that means they’re not just amazing but super-duper-amazing!). Read about them here: Fall Hikes in Summit County

More Hiking Ideas

Not tired yet? Looking for more trails?  Here are some more we really enjoy:

Sally Barber Mine (easy) – This is a fun trail for hiking or snowshoeing with nice views at the top.  The destination is a very cool abandoned mine worthy of some time to explore.  There is also a plaque with a good amount of historical information.

Lilypad Lakes (easy/moderate) – This trail was one of our kids’ favorites when they were…well, kids.  There are a few inclines, but most of the trail is mild and shaded.  At the end are two lakes, one of which is often completely covered in lily pads.  It’s a good idea to bring bug spray on this trail.

Willow Creek Falls – (moderate due to the length) – At 7 miles, it does take a bit of time to complete this trail.  There are nice views the whole way, and most of the trail is not difficult.  The waterfall at the end is a real treat, particularly in late spring/early summer.

Mayflower Gulch (moderate) – The description shows 6 miles, but it is very rewarding to just hike to the former mining camp and back, about 4 miles.  The camp is fascinating and a perfect place to stop for awhile and explore or have lunch.  Once we even brought a kite up there to fly in the wide-open space surrounded by mountains!

Mount Democrat (difficult) – Did you conquer Quandary and find yourself craving another 14er?  Democrat is reasonably close to Breck, and is even a little shorter.  It is, however, a little bit more technical and there is no real trail in many places. When hiking this with my mountain-man dad, I became a bit distraught at about 13,000 feet, having no idea where to go.  He looked at me, perplexed, and said: “Just go up!”.  Ha!  Sound advice, though sometimes easier said than done.

Like Quandary, and all 14ers, the view is unbelievable from the top.  The area at the summit is much smaller, though, than Quandary.  But there is enough room for a registry to sign to prove you were there, and for a couple of people to pose for a photo.

Is your tummy rumbling after all that activity? Check out our post: Eating Well in Breckenridge.