How to Do Breckenridge in a Day

So, you’ve finally found some time to escape the bustle and heat of the city. But what if you only have one day to experience everything Breckenridge has to offer before heading home? With limited time and unlimited activities, organizing your trip to Breck can become quite challenging. Fear not, we’re here to help!

1. Plan ahead

Summer can be even busier than winter in this year-round mountain town. Weekends tend to get crowded, so make reservations for desired activities, restaurants, and accommodations. If you’re able to stay in town the night before, you’re guaranteed an earlier morning and fuller day (so long as your head hits the pillow before the bar closes or too many drinks). Check out the cheapest and best quality lodges here. If you aren’t able to swing that, make sure you hit the road EARLY to arrive by mid-morning. Friday afternoons and early evenings are the busiest times to venture to Breck; just don’t do it. Traffic is equally unbearable Sunday afternoons, so if you can avoid those times, you will save yourself and passengers a world of pain.

2. Get Breck-fast in Breck

Waiting in line to eat your first meal is never fun, especially if you’ve just driven up from the Front Range. Although Columbine Café and BoLD have tasty brunches, La Francaise does breakfast like no other. Call ahead to place a pick-up order (My go-to order is the bacon, egg and Swiss sandwich on a freshly baked baguette). Take your sandwich, friends, and sunscreen down to the Blue River near the Riverwalk Center, where you can enjoy a picnic along the water or while taking in the enchanting Breckenridge gardens. If you’d rather be in the river instead of eating by it, read this.

3. Check out Peak 8

The mountain’s most popular winter peak is just as happening in the summer! The Peak 8 Fun Park is an adrenaline-fueled adventure for children and adults alike. Take a race down the acclaimed alpine slides or get some airtime on the Bungee Trampoline. Whip down the gold coaster while soaking in the beauty of the Summit County scenery. Create some healthy competition over some mini golf or test your climbing skills on the Alpineer Challenge Course! You can also check out the new downhill biking course, or even take a scenic chairlift ride if that is more your speed.

4. Happy Hour

Do your wallet a favor and grab a late lunch. Happy hour starts around 3pm, and most restaurants in town have great deals on food and drinks. The Blue River Bistro is one of my personal favorites, sporting two for one apps and martinis, along with $3 drafts and domestic bottles. But, it’s hard to contend with The Blue Stag’s sizeable discounts on pretzels with queso or mustard, and $2 off select drafts and house wine. If you’re craving Mexican, the cantina and deck at Sancho Tacos and Tequila offer $5 house margaritas, $1 chips and salsa, $6 chips and queso, and $6 chips and guacamole! Feast your eyes on more delicious selections here.

5. Take a Sunset Hike

Breckenridge is known for its spectacular sunsets. Few experiences capture their beauty quite like watching the Tenmile Range glow from atop Baldy Mountain. Aspen Alley offers another unforgettable viewpoint, leading visitors through a tunnel of golden aspens before revealing sweeping views of the town and surrounding peaks. The stroll is approximately a half-mile along a well-maintained dirt road and is also accessible by vehicle, making it easy for visitors of all ages and abilities to enjoy. In the summer, I start around 7:15 p.m. (but it’s beautiful any time of day) and walk the length of the road to where it opens to a meadow. After searching for wildflowers and absorbing the scenery, I slowly start to wander back towards the trailhead. By now it’s around 8 p.m., when the sunset is peaking. Walk slowly, realize how lucky you are to be here and behold the glorious mountains of Summit County in a way that you never imagined possible. You’re Welcome. Looking for more of a challenge? See this awesome article.

It’s getting late and that happy hour drink has had time to work its way through your system. Unfortunately, it’s time for you to ramble on. Don’t fret; we’ll still be here next weekend. Get home safe, come back soon and make sure to stay tuned for our next post with even more handy ideas!