What to do and see in Breckenridge, United States: The Best Places and Tips

December 20, 2017 Alida England

Once a mountain mining town decimated and nearly destroyed by river dredging, the surprisingly versatile Breckenridge has bounced back over the last century to become one of Colorado's top year round alpine getaways, with all-seasons activities galore. Restoration of the river area has led to the creation of pristine hiking trails and greenery in the summer months, but winter is the real draw. Skiers flock to the groomed slopes, chutes and bowls of Breckenridge Ski Resort by the million.
Restaurants in Breckenridge

1. Vail Pass Path

Highway 70, Summit County, Breckenridge, CO +1 877-871-4455
Excellent
90%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 93 reviews

Vail Pass Path

Reviewed By Joe R - Independence, Missouri

This is a must-do if you're in Frisco or Breckenridge. We rented our bikes from Pioneer Sports, and they'll fit you to your bike and load them up on the trailer and take you to the top of Vail Pass. Don't worry about pedaling too much, because basically you're going to be putting the brakes on most of the way down! But, don't rush it because there are plenty of places to stop and take a picture, or just relax. It's a beautiful ride, and one you won't want to miss. Towards the bottom, you'll pass through Copper Village, and then go on into the town of Frisco a short distance later. Ride into and around Frisco to explore the town, and grab lunch or dinner. For a longer ride, you can cross Hwy 9 and take the path around Dillon lake which is another amazing trip on the bicycle. Don't miss it!

2. McCullough Gulch

Breckenridge, CO
Excellent
79%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 238 reviews

McCullough Gulch

Reviewed By IN_Travelers47906 - West Lafayette, Indiana

My wife and I are 68, reasonably fit and enjoy easy-moderate hikes. We would rate this one moderate to moderate+ because the terrain is often loose rock and the trail is a steady incline from bottom to top. Roundtrip to the lake and back to the car was 5 hours. However, we were intentionally very deliberate, we took lots and lots of pictures, and we spent considerable time at the waterfalls and the lake. 4-5 different times we found spots that were so beautiful and calming we hesitated to leave. From our parking spot, we figured our total hike to be 5.5+ miles.

Being flatlanders from Indiana, elevation (11,100’ up to 11,900’) definitely impacted our climb. It was hard for us to go much more than 100 yards or so without catching our breath or taking a picture. Also, about a mile from the trailhead was a sign warning against parking any closer; however, after we did park we found several cars parked down much closer to the trailhead. That would have saved us 20-30 minutes total walking.

The trail is only 10 miles outside of Breckenridge, but the road is hard packed stone and dirt with many potholes, so you do need to take it easy once you exit off Colorado 9 South.

The hike through the gulch to the waterfalls is gorgeous with a wonderful rock area for photos, snack and rest once you arrive at the foot of the falls. The hike up to the lake is about another 30 minutes (.3 mile) at the same incline, but well worth the effort. Of course, coming down is much simpler and faster, but you do need to mind your step to avoid tripping over a root or rolling your ankle off the side of a rock.

3. Broken Compass Brewery & Tap House

68 Continental Ct, Breckenridge, CO 80424-8510 +1 970-368-2772
Excellent
82%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 170 reviews

Broken Compass Brewery & Tap House

Reviewed By MplsLakes - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Cozy place outside of downtown. Very much a 'locals' stop - doesn't have the same feel as the busy restaurants (and in-town brewery). LOVED the dog friendliness (plenty of off-leash shop-dogs and regulars). Only had a couple of the brews - good.

4. Main Street

Breckenridge, CO +1 888-251-2417
Excellent
68%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Main Street

The historical section of Breckenridge.

Reviewed By Hamshar - Jacksonville Beach, Florida

Great little area that takes up as much time as you want it too. More shops then you could possible see of all different types. Lots of walking and some incline changes.

5. Boreas Pass Road

Breckenridge, CO
Excellent
72%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 571 reviews

Boreas Pass Road

Reviewed By PhlegmMaster - Phoenix, Arizona

As you head out of Breckenridge on Main St (CO-9) and make a left onto Boreas Pass Rd, you'll have a normal, paved road for a couple of miles before it turns into a packed gravel/dirt road.

May be a bit tough without 4WD, but still doable in any average sedan as long as you can handle the jarring ride.

Great for hiking, too!

6. Peak 9

Breckenridge, CO +1 970-453-5000
Excellent
71%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 269 reviews

Peak 9

One of three ski mountains in Breckenridge.

Reviewed By Dan K - Iowa City, Iowa

When all the runs are open, this can be a great place for skiers and snowboarders. The ski schools are here, so can be a bit crowded that way, but you can go way up to get away.

7. Breckenridge Nordic Center

9 Grandview Drive, Breckenridge, CO 80424 +1 970-453-6855
Excellent
78%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 142 reviews

Breckenridge Nordic Center

Traversing historic mining roads, cross-country ski and snowshoe trails are mapped and clearly marked offering magnificent scenery of the Ten Mile Range and Breckenridge Ski Resort.

Reviewed By Roger C - Qingdao, China

Tried to arrange trip at Gold Run Nordic Centre, despite being at the counter we had to register on line to start the booking process, so we moved to Breckenridge Nordic Centre, they were very helpful we got a lesson within the hour and Tom was s great instructor. Very friendly and helpful. Would recommend this place to anyone.

8. Breckenridge Ski Resort

Highway 9, 1599 Summit County Road #3, Breckenridge, CO 80424 +1 970-453-5000
Excellent
70%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Breckenridge Ski Resort

Four huge peaks, five terrain parks, three half-pipes, two high-speed six passenger SuperChairs, a top-notch Ski & Ride School, the highest chairlift in North America, unparalleled grooming, exciting events, and a historic mining town with endless shopping, dining and nightlife!

Reviewed By mak782 - Australia

This was our second stay in Breckenridge and this time we had a better idea of where to stay, where to ski and how to eat. Skiing in Breckenridge provides for very advanced skiers as well as intermediate. There is plenty of choice and some great mogul runs for those inclined. High altitudes affects some people and it is wise to seek medical advice and prepare before departure. This time we did and appropriate medication avoided the use of an oxygen machine every night. Hiring a car from Denver allows flexibility to visit other resorts such as Vail, Beaver Creek, Etc.

9. Breckenridge Distillery

1925 Airport Road, Breckenridge, CO 80424 +1 970-547-9759
Excellent
64%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 208 reviews

Breckenridge Distillery

The World's Highest Distillery! Breckenridge Distillery offers tours of the production facility, tastings of our award winning spirits, and a full service restaurant and bar for dinner.

Reviewed By Get_away_fr0m_it_all - Shropshire

Loved the tapas style menu, although that being said as a group we opted for the beef, which took a while to cook - but we knew that before we ordered. It was not only cooked to perfection but tasted delicious.
Very friendly and knowledgable staff and a very nice touch that they take you from your own accommodation door to door.
One of our new Breckenridge favourites!

10. Peak 10

Breckenridge, CO
Excellent
77%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 121 reviews

Peak 10

One of three ski mountains in Breckenridge.

Reviewed By mtnwinegirl - Breckenridge, Colorado

Stop at Ten Mile Station for lunch or just a break. Restaurant is great. The runs on Peak 10 are steep, and long. Great for an advanced skier. Not for beginners. Runs are groomed on the front side and not groomed on the back side. The back side is just as steep, but with bumps for the expert skier.

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