Best Hiking Trails in Breckenridge
No better way to practice social distancing these days than spending some time outdoors. There are many hiking trails in and around Breckenridge CO. So, get your boots on, layer up, fill up your water bottle and pack your pockets with mountain trail mix. The snow is still here, but that won’t stop you from exploring some of those moderate and relaxing trails as springs approach.
Moderate Spring Hiking Trails in Breckenridge CO
1. Blue Lakes-Monte Cristo Gulch
Blue Lakes and Monte Cristo Gulch is a perfect, moderate trail you can take in March.The trail takes you to a historic mining area surrounded by alpine lakes. In order to get to the trail, you will have to drive on entirely gravel roads. There still may be a good amount of snow, so 4WD is recommended. However, I have successfully got there, around that time of the year, in a 2WD. There are 2 parking locations. One is above the dam and one below. The trailhead starts just above the dam.
Highlights: Beautiful views, oftentimes you can spot mountain goats, alpine lakes, mining area.
Distance: 2.8-mile round trip
Elevation Gain: 1131 feet
Best used: from March until October
Directions: From Breckenridge drive south on Highway 9 for about 8 miles until you get to Blue Lakes Road (No. 850). Turn right. At the fork, go straight and follow the road 2.2 miles. Park just below the dam. The trailhead is just above the dam at its north end.
2. Mohawk Lakes
Mohawk Lakes is one of the most popular hiking trails in Breckenridge CO. What’s the secret? At the end of the hike, you are rewarded with a beautiful lake that has crystal clear water. This area is also common for fishing or fly-fishing and camping. At first, the hike may seem challenging because you have to go through heavy lodgepole pine and aspen forest. There is also a beautiful waterfall that rewards you halfway up. Once you are there, you will be delighted!
Highlights: Gorgeous mountain lake, waterfall, and historic mine ruins.
Distance: 8.6 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 2,129 feet
Best used: From July until September. (You can hike it now!)
Directions: From Breckenridge, take Highway 9 South and stay on it for about 2 miles until you get to Spruce Creek Road (No. 800). Turn right and bear left after .1 miles. Follow the road for about 1.2 miles to the trailhead.
3. McCullough Gulch Falls
McCullough Gulch Trail is located near the Quandary Peak (Quandry Peak is the highest summit of the Tenmile Range in the Rocky Mountains and the most climbed fourteener in Colorado). On your hike there you will encounter plenty of flora and wildflowers. Hiking to the Upper Lakes offers solitude and serenity.
Highlights: Several lakes and waterfalls, meadows, wildflowers.
Distance: 2.7 miles to the first lake. 6.2 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 1,578 fee
Best used: From April until October.
Directions: From Breckenridge head south on Hwy 9 through Blue River and past a set of switchbacks. Turn right at Quandary Trailhead, pass Quandary parking lot and turn right on McCullough Gulch Road. Follow McCullough Gulch Road for approximately 1.5 miles. You can park there.
Easy Spring Hiking Trails in Breckenridge CO
Are you bored with your traditional walks around your house? How about trying some of those easier and relaxing hiking trails in Breckenridge instead.
1. Hoosier Pass Loop
You start and end this hike above treeline, which is a great alpine experience for beginners. Beautiful big-sky views over mountain tops and reservoir. In the summer you will encounter plenty of colorful wildflowers. Keep in mind weather conditions at this high elevation. It can change quickly. Be prepared.
Highlights: Big sky views.
Distance: 2.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 688 feet
Best used: From April until September.
Directions: Head south on U.S. 9 from Breckenridge to the top of Hoosier Pass and park at the Continental Divide sign on the right side of the road.
2. Sawmill Trail
The easy hike from downtown Breckenridge CO. The Sawmill Trails loops and it takes about an hour to hike. You will be entertained with beautiful views and relaxing spots by the reservoir.
Highlights: Lake
Distance: 1.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 236 feet
Best used: From April until September.
Directions: The Sawmill Trail is located at the Snowflake Lift, near the intersection of Four O’Clock Road and Kings Crown Road. You can walk there from downtown Breckenridge or take a free shuttle.
3. Burro Trail
Burro Trails starts at the base of Peak 9, near Quicksilver chairlift. The trail will take along a creek through meadows and pine forest. About 10-15 minutes in and you will feel like you have gotten far away from everything and everybody. You can eventually connect to Spruce Creek Trail. The trail has beautiful scenery and it is a very relaxing, easy trail.
Highlights: Family-friendly.
Distance: 3.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 280 feet
Best used: From April until September.
Directions: You can access the Burro hiking trail from the bottom of the Lehman ski trail that is at the base of Peak 9. You can walk from downtown or hop on the free shuttle ride.
