Why You Should Visit Breckenridge In Summer
Forget everything you thought you knew about Breckenridge! While it’s world-renowned for its epic ski slopes and cozy winter charm, this vibrant mountain town truly comes alive when the snow melts. Picture epic peaks giving way to emerald forests, rushing rivers, and fields of wildflowers. Summer in Breckenridge isn’t just an “off-season”โit’s a spectacular season of its own, brimming with adventure, relaxation, and a whole host of unforgettable experiences. I absolutely loved it.
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Breckenridge, Colorado: A Quick Intro
breckenridge actually experiences an average of 300+ sunny days a year
Breckenridge, Colorado is one of Colorado’s most epic destinations, and for good reason. It’s surrounded by the towering Rocky Mountains that provides for endless recreation. Breckenridge is about 1.5 hours west of Denver. It sits at 9,728 feet- isn’t that crazy?!
standing by blue river downtown breckenridge
transportation to breckenridge colorado
There are multiple options to get to Breckenridge, Colorado based on your perferred method of travel, and where you live.
by plane
If flying is your preference, the closest major airport is Denver International Airport, only a quick 1.5 hour drive to Breckenridge. If you’re flying from PHX (a majority of my audience), the flights are only 1.5 hours and usually pretty affordable!
road trip
Maybe you like road tripping. Maybe you have a dog and don’t want to leave them behind! If you’re coming from Phoenix, it’s about an 11 hour drive. I would definitely add multiple stops in Colorado if you plan on doing it. Honestly, the drive doesn’t seem as long because you’re driving through so many beautiful areas. Highly recommend a camper van if you’re traveling to Colorado with a dog(s) or a child!
temperature in breckenridge in summer
You might be surprised to hear that “summer” in Breckenridge, Colorado, doesn’t always mean sweltering heat. Thanks to its elevation of over 9,700 feet, Breckenridge has mild and comfortable temperatures throughout the summer months. You can typically expect average high temperatures to range in the mid 70s Fahrenheit, with pleasant lows often dipping into the 40s-50s. This means you can enjoy sunny days perfect for outdoor activities without feeling overheated, and then experience refreshingly cool evenings ideal for cozying up. It’s the kind of summer weather that makes you want to spend every waking moment outside!
Things To Do in Breckenridge Colorado in Summer
Let’s get started discussing the best things to do in Breckenridge in summer. Keep in mind, there are so many things you can do beyond my post. My goal is to show you the things I actually did, and give you my honest opinions!
1: Visit the Quaint Downtown Area
I feel like the perfect first stop for your Breckenridge trip is to stop downtown. The downtown area is so LARGE but also QUAINT at the same time. There are so many magical shops and restaurants to check out- it would take you forever to visit all of them! I love the beatuiful Blue River that runs right next to downtown- definitely take some time to sit by the river and take in the views. We were able to visit a few wonderful restaurants including Crepe A La Carte, Breckenridge Brewery, and Baretto 1931. They were all magical!
If you like an interative itinerary, you can check out this same content in different format on the Steller app. It’s free to use (I love it) and connects to maps for directions, bookings for activities, etc!
2. Find the Breckenridge Troll
Have you ever heard of the Breckenridge Troll? It’s an iconic sculpture in the forest that many people come to see when they visit. Thomas Dambo is an epic artist that has installed MANY of these recycled wood trolls across the USA and the world. Check out his website to see if there’s one in your state. So where is the Breckenridge Troll? Here is the AllTrails link that was super easy to follow. The Troll is only a hundred steps or so from the beginning, but you can continue on the trails nearby!
3. Go for a Hike
One of the best things to do in Breckenridge, Colorado is to GO FOR A HIKE, of course! There are so many great hikes in Breckenridge. A great starter trail is Sawmill Reservoir, which is a 1.30 mile loop hike that lies by a creek and circles around a beautiful lake. It seems easy, but the trail starts over 9,000 ft elevation, so I was huffing and puffing, haha. Other great hikes in the area include Hoosier Pass Loop, McCullough Gulch Waterfall Hike, Spruce Creek to Continential Falls, and many more! I was dying to do one of the waterfall hikes, but we didn’t quite have the time. Definitely make time for at least one hike while you’re in Breckenridge in Summer.
4. Watch Sunset From Sapphire Point
Witnessing a sunset from Sapphire Point Overlook, just a short drive from Breckenridge, is an absolute magical experience and a definite highlight for any visitor. Perched above Dillon Reservoir, this accessible viewpoint offers truly panoramic vistas of the surrounding peaks, including the majestic mountain views. As the sky transforms from vibrant oranges and purples to deep reds, the reflections shimmer on the water below, creating a breathtaking and often unforgettable spectacle. It’s a popular spot, so arriving a bit early to secure a good viewing spot is a smart move, but the serene beauty and incredible photo opportunities are well worth it. Theres a 0.6 mile loop you can walk, too. You might even spot some bighorn sheep that frequent the area!
6. Enjoy Alpine Activities at Breckenridge Mountain
One of the most popular things to do in Breckenridge in Summer is to enjoy alpine activities! I absolutely love that the Breckenridge Gondola is free- it’s a beautiful ride in of itself. Once you ride it up to the base of Breckenridge Mountain, there are so many fun things to do. You can ride the alpine slide (our choice), alpine rollercoaster, scenic chair lift, mini golf, eat, lodge, and so much more. Highly recommend!
6. Rent E-Bikes or Mountain Bikes
Breckenridge is a very bike-friendly town. If you’re road tripping, you could bring your own bikes. If you’re visiting from out of state or you don’t have bikes, rent them! There are so many places near downtown to rent bikes from, and so many different types of bikes. I fell in love with e-biking the Breckenridge-Frisco Pathway. The views were stunning and it was so fun to have a little assistance, haha. Highly recommend a bike ride! Even better- bike & grab something to eat after!
7. Go Paddleboarding/ Kayaking on Lake Dillon
On those hote days in Breckenridge in Summer, get in the water. You can fish or fly fish, go rafting, or get on the water with a paddleboard or kayak. There are many wonderful spots to go! We got to kayak and paddleboard on Lake Dillon or Dillon Reservoir, which is only a few minutes out of Breckenridge. There are two marinas to rent from, or you can bring your own. It’s absolutely stunning. The local’s suggested we either go early morning or around sunset to avoid boat traffic and wind- which was totally true!
Final Thoughts about Things To Do in Breckenridge in Summer
Whether you have 2 days or 2 weeks to spend in Breckenridge during summer, you will have an absolute blast. If you’re visiting from Arizona, you’ll get a break from the heat. If you’re visiting from Denver, you’ll get a break from the hustle and bustle and be surrounded by mountains. Wherever you’re coming from, Breckenridge will be the break from life you needed. I hope you have a blast!