Breckenridge conjures up images of a bustling ski town packed with snow bunnies cruising down the slopes, but Breckenridge Colorado in the Summer transforms into an outdoor playground bursting with adventures, culture, and natural splendor waiting to be explored.
In This Article
Once the weather warms, it’s apparent that there is more to this historic mining settlement than winter wonderland vibes.
TL;DR
- With over 200 miles of hiking and biking trails, Breckenridge offers boundless summer activities and outdoor recreation for thrill-seekers and families alike.
- From fly fishing clinics on the Blue River to scenic rafting trips, Breckenridge, Colorado, serves up bountiful water activities during the warmer months in the summer.
- Between lively summer festivals, farmers markets, historical tours, and outdoor concerts, Breckenridge delivers nonstop events and culture. Families thrill on the lifts and alpine slide at Epic Discovery at the Breckenridge Ski Resort while avid mountain bikers test their skills on the resort's gravity-defying bike park.
For a relaxing ride, pedal the paved rec paths winding along the Blue River and through green forests and open fields dotted with historic barns and farmhouses. Stop and cast a line for brown and rainbow trout on the Blue, or book a fly fishing clinic to refine your technique. The Blue River is considered one of the state’s best trout fisheries, allowing anglers, young and old, to reel in a catch.
River runners splash through Class III rapids on half-day whitewater rafting adventures while stand-up paddleboarders glide across Lake Dillon, taking in unobstructed views of the Tenmile Range. Guided hiking tours like a wildflower walk or geology trek with a naturalist allow visitors to gain a deeper understanding of Breckenridge’s alpine environment and mining history.
Hiking and Biking Trails Galore
Over 200 miles of trails cater to hikers and bikers of all abilities. Families with younger children enjoy the nicely graded trails around the Breckenridge Golf Course and Peak 7, while several summit-bound trails offer lung-busting climbs with huge payoffs at the top. The Flume Trail takes riders across wooden bridges and waterfalls, while the Gold Run Trail switchbacks steeply uphill, showcasing pockets of wildflowers and panoramic views.
The Breck Epic tests hardcore mountain bikers with its six-day stage race covering over 200 miles through the high alpine. The Breck Bike Park at the ski resort offers beginner-friendly green runs along with black diamond downhill trails that are only recommended for experts.
Arts, Music, and Culture
Breckenridge comes alive in summer with cultural events showcasing local talent. At the one-day WAVE: Light + Water + Sound Festival, artists use the river as their canvas, projecting a display of lights, lasers, and music. The Breckenridge International Festival of Arts celebrates performing and visual arts, bringing in artists for concerts, workshops, film screenings, and activities for all ages.
The four-week long National Repertory Orchestra Summer Festival is a crowd pleaser, with free concerts from classically trained musicians from around the world. Jazz lovers flock to Main Street each Thursday for a summer concert series featuring local and national jazz artists. And free guided tours through the veritable outdoor mining museum of the Historic District give visitors a glimpse into Breckenridge’s rugged gold mining days.
Farmers Markets and Main Street
From June through September, Main Street hosts a bustling weekly Farmers Market where visitors can sample local produce like sweet corn, berries, and Palisade peaches. Local artisans sell their wares, from creative jewelry and photography to textiles and skin care products made with Colorado lavender. A rotating lineup of food trucks and live music round out the festive community event.
The historic Victorian-era buildings lining Main Street now house boutique shops, galleries, and eateries, with hidden gems waiting to be discovered on the side streets. Handmade hats and upcycled fashions make for some one-of-a-kind souvenirs to bring home. A tour and tasting at the Breckenridge Distillery provides a tasty introduction to their award-winning bourbon, vodka, and gin.
Epic Adventure Zone
At Epic Discovery within the Breckenridge Ski Resort, visitors can let loose and challenge themselves on a range of thrill rides and activities, including a mountain coaster, alpine slide, ziplines, rope challenges, mazes, mini-golf, and more. Test your aim at the Gold Runner Alpine Coaster, racing down 3,400 feet of twists and turns while firing laser guns at targets. Glide on a zipline tour over the Blue River and through the forest canopy before wrapping up with a ride on North America’s highest-elevation alpine coaster.
Little ones love the Fort Fun adventure park with its kid-sized zipline, maze, and slides. Meanwhile, teens and adults find their thrill careening down one of Colorado’s longest alpine slides, soaring on a tandem zipline over Peak 8, or climbing on one of 10 via Ferrata routes of varying difficulty embedded into the mountain rock face. Capping off an unforgettable day, ride the Colorado SuperChair lift to the 11,000-foot summit of Peak 8 and soak up 360-degree views of Lake Dillon and the rugged Tenmile Range.
Relaxation and Leisure
While days fill up quickly with adventures and events, Breckenridge offers plenty of ways to relax and indulge as well. Melt away mountain muscle fatigue with a soothing massage at one of the many spas and wellness centers like the Grand Lodge on Peak 7. Afterward, sample inventive mountain cuisine at award-winning restaurants like Aurum Food and Wine, pairing creative dishes with over 500 varieties of wine and Breckenridge Distillery spirits.
Sign up for a historical walking tour to learn more about Breckenridge’s gold mining heydays. Or opt for a more leisurely tour by booking a pedicab to explore downtown while hearing stories about the area’s intriguing past. Wrap up the evening toasting marshmallows around a riverside campfire with the family or stargazing on a chairlift after dusk.
Summer Festivals and Events
Breckenridge celebrates summer with enough festivals and events to keep any visitor entertained. One of the town’s signature events, the annual International Snow Sculpture Championships held in January, spills over into the summer months. The snow sculptures require an intricate process of harvesting and storing snow blocks to keep them frozen through July 4th. Wander through the outdoor gallery to witness the artists’ stunning frozen creations before they melt.
The summer festival season kicks off with Kingdom Days and the Gold Run 5K celebrating Breckenridge’s mining history with old-timey costumes, a community parade, live music, and races for all ages. Every Tuesday, locals and visitors gather for Showcase on the Riverwalk, a free concert series featuring local bands. Stop by the Main Street Farmers Market on Wednesdays or peruse works by Colorado artists at the Sunday Art Market.
As the summer heats up, WAVE: Light + Water + Sound Festival lights up the Blue River with a dazzling show of water art, lights, and music. Wrapping up summer activies, the Breckenridge Wine Classic offers three days of wine tastings, gourmet food events, chef demos, and vineyard tours. With so much going on, visitors may need to plan multiple trips to experience it all!
Planning an Unforgettable Summer Visit
While Breckenridge shines as a world-class winter destination, it delivers an equal wow factor during the fairer months. Mild summer temperatures averaging 70°F make for pleasant days filled with outdoor adventures and cool, comfortable nights. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, Mother Nature cooperates to help visitors make the most of their time here.
Peak visitation runs from June through August when the weather is warmest and driest. With families flocking here during summer vacations, lodging rates also hit their apex. For more elbow room and potential lodging deals, target late August through September when wildflowers put on their final show before winter returns.
Accommodations range from convenient vacation rentals clustered downtown to secluded mountain escapes with beautiful views. Families often opt for roomy condos close to Main Street while couples may splurge on a luxury hotel like the Grand Lodge on Peak 7 granting easy access to the BreckConnect gondola.
No matter where visitors lay their heads at night, Breckenridge offers endless opportunities to create lasting summer memories, from hiking alpine trails to relaxing in a riverside hammock. This historic mountain town has something special in store for every visitor, no matter their age or interests.
FAQ
What is there to do in Breckenridge, Colorado, in the summer?
From hiking and biking over 200 miles of trails to water sports, alpine thrills, cultural events, and family activities – Breckenridge serves up endless recreational and entertainment options during the summer months.
Does Breckenridge have summer skiing?
No, skiing and snowboarding at Breckenridge Ski Resort wrap up for the season by late April or early May. But the Epic Discovery zone at the resort stays open for summer operations with activities like an alpine slide, ziplines, mini golf, climbing wall, and more – providing plenty of warm-weather fun.
What is the best time of year to visit Breckenridge?
While Breckenridge shines as a top winter destination, it offers equally spectacular scenery and activities during the summer months from June through September. Summer sees long days with mild temperatures and less crowds than winter.
What is there to do in Breckenridge when it’s not ski season?
From hiking and biking the extensive trail network to water sports, cultural events, family activities, thrill rides, and more – Breckenridge serves up endless recreational and entertainment options during the snow-free months.
What is summer weather like in Breckenridge?
Thanks to its high alpine location, Breckenridge enjoys mild, comfortable summer temperatures averaging 70°F. With low humidity and over 300 sunny days a year, Mother Nature cooperates, helping visitors better enjoy the plethora of outdoor activities.
