Dog-Friendly Guide to Breckenridge

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We love our dogs here in Breckenridge, and we know you do, too! As a valued member of the family, bringing Fido on your vacation is a no-brainer. Lucky for you, Breckenridge is a dog’s paradise with miles of hiking trails, outdoor patios and even Fido-friendly accommodations. We’ve gathered everything you need to know so you and your pooch can have a howling good time.  

Dog Hiking on Black Powder Pass

Dog Hiking in Breckenridge

Dog-Friendly Outdoors  

Breckenridge is a stunning mountain destination—home to hundreds of miles of trail systems that are virtually all dog friendly, meaning you and Fido can have your pick. While the paws-ibilities are endless, these are some of our favorite hikes around Breckenridge:  

Easy: Sawmill Trail, Burro Trail, Sallie Barber Mine Trail 

Moderate: Peaks Trail, Baker’s Tank, Francie’s Cabin via Spruce Creek Trail 

Hard: McCullough Gulch Trail, Wheeler Trail 

Dog on the BreckConnect Gondola

Riding on the BreckConnect Gondola

Dog-Friendly Activities  

Ride the Gondola 

The BreckConnect Gondola is a great FREE activity not only for the family but also your pooch! During the summer and winter seasons, the gondola runs from town up to the base areas of Peak 7 and Peak 8. Take your pup for a gondola ride and hop off at the base of Peak 8 to enjoy a cocktail from Ullr Café on the outdoor patio.  

Head to the Dog Park  

If your pup loves playing with other dogs, head over to the Carter Park Dog Park to let them run off leash in an acre of fenced space. There is even a separate, fenced-in small dog area for our tiny four-legged friends. You’ll meet all the local dogs here—this is a favorite spot! 

Enjoy Outdoor Patios 

No need to skip Main Street—you can bring your doggo along with you for après cocktails around town! Restaurants like Kenosha and the Canteen Taphouse have large outdoor patios that welcome dogs. Broken Compass Brewing offers two dog-friendly locations; or, if you’d rather head inside, Rocky Mountain Underground allows your well-behaved pup indoors. The list doesn’t stop here, there are more dog-friendly patios to explore! 

Dogs at the dog park in Breckenridge

Dogs Playing at the Carter Park Dog Park

Dog-Friendly Lodging 

Comfy accommodations for you and your four-legged friend await at the Breck Inn. Located just a mile north of Main Street, the Breck Inn offers cozy, standard hotel rooms along with complimentary breakfast options. Make sure to call ahead as pet rooms are limited! As a bonus, 10% of all dog fees are donated to the Summit County Animal Control and Shelter.  

Pet Supplies/Boarding 

The Dog House 

If your pup needs a place to stay or you just need a little doggie daycare, check out the Dog House. The Dog House offers overnight boarding, doggie daycare and large indoor play areas so dogs can spend the majority of their days in play groups according to their size and temperament.  

Animal Lovers Pet Supply 

Even your dog deserves to go home with some souvenirs! Located next to the Dog House, Animal Lovers Pet Supply has a diverse selection of toys and treats. They also offer grooming and self-service dog wash stations so you can give your pup a good clean after a day of adventuring.  

For Pets’ Sake  

This is not necessarily for your dog, but more for you! This thrift shop on Main Street funds the Animal Rescue of the Rockies. Stop in with your pooch and explore the selection of gently used clothing, jewelry, housewares and more.  

Dogs on Main Street Breckenridge

Good Pups on Main Street

Dog Etiquette  

Leash Laws 

If you are within the town limits of Breckenridge, dogs are required to be on a leash. Outside of the town limits, you can have your dog off leash under voice command. For the full rundown of dog regulations, you can head to the Town of Breckenridge website. 

Where Not to Go 

The Riverwalk Center lawn, the fields of Kingdom Park, Cucumber Gulch, and the Breckenridge Golf Course are the only places off-limits to dogs. 

Clean Up After Your Dog 

Wherever you bring your pup around Breckenridge, please be sure to clean up after them. There are plenty of dog-waste bag stations and trash cans around town so you can help us keep Breckenridge clean. 

 

How to Dress Like a Breckenridge Local

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This guide is here to help you remain low-key and blend in like a local. Truthfully, I’m not sure we really care what you wear…except for maybe those giant fuzzy boots.

The truth: Wear what you want. We’re just happy you’re experiencing this gem we call home.

Here’s the breakdown of what to wear on your vacation to Breckenridge. Hopefully this can serve as a packing list (check out our winter packing guide here), but don’t fret if you don’t own these things. We have PLENTY of shops and gear outfitters ready to hook you up.

Homegrown style: Wearing anything native to Colorado is key. Brands like Melanzana, Loki, SmartWool and FlyLow Gear are all Colorado-made products sure to win style points. Take a short trip to Leadville and visit the Melanzana store. This homegrown small company designs, cuts, sews and sells everything themselves. How cool is that?!

Footwear: You’ll see everything here from Birkenstocks and Chacos to the fanciest Sorel. Anything in between is fine, so long as you can comfortably walk. Our terrain is mostly dirt trails or icy walkways. We suggest leaving the Moon Boots and stilettos at home.

Layers: Wearing a beanie and down jacket to work in the morning and not knowing how to carry it home in the afternoon is a common struggle in fall and spring. Our weather changes frequently and FAST. So, if you layer properly you shouldn’t have to worry. Brands don’t matter so much in this situation, but your down coat should probably say Patagonia or Arctery’x if you’re into that sort of thing. If you’re hipper than that, you’re probably wearing FlyLow, Kuhl or Trew.

Western wear: Although we aren’t as down with western wear as, say, Steamboat Springs, we’ll dig your Frye boots and that cute Brixton hat (for the ladies). Men, us girls can always dig a cowboy amiright? So, feel free to slide into some Levi’s and throw on your western boots. We won’t hate it; we may even prefer it compared to the snowboard style we’re so used to.

Eye protection: We can’t stress this enough. We don’t care what you wear for eye protection, just WEAR IT. Same goes for sunscreen and lip balm with SPF and/or anything with zinc oxide. Our favorite brand is Dermatone; get the tin, it’s cooler (not literally) and much easier to apply on the face. Walking around at 9,600 feet and skiing over 10,000 feet in the winter brings you that much closer to the sun, and those sunburns can ruin a vacation here too, not just at the beach.

Reusable water bottle: Not only are we saving the planet one reusable bottle at a time, but the tap water in Breckenridge is amazing. Hydration is one of the most important things you can do for your body at altitude. You’ll see all the primo bottles (Klean Kanteen, Hydro Flask and Yeti), but it’s cool if you have your favorite Nalgene from high school covered in stickers.

Don’t forget…

  • A daypack (for days on the hill or the hiking trail)
  • Smart phone for pictures
  • Ski/snowboard equipment

Other than your personal daily essentials, we think we’ve got you covered. Looking forward to seeing you during any season in Breck, and hopefully we won’t even know you’re just visiting!

Book your Breckenridge lodging and enjoy steep promotional deals at The Grand Colorado on Peak 8, Grand Lodge on Peak 7 and Grand Timber Lodge.

Wildlife in Breckenridge: Do’s and Don’ts

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Spring has sprung in Breckenridge and that means wildlife is out and about. With the abundance of critters here in Breckenridge, don’t be surprised to see a family of foxes scurrying through town or a moose taking a stroll down the road while you’re visiting. These animals, although majestic and exciting to spot, are on an agenda of their own. Spring is a delicate time for the wildlife here and respecting our trail closures and wilderness areas are critical. Here are some guidelines you should be aware of to protect both the wildlife and yourself

1. Don’t feed the wildlife.

Under no circumstance should anyone be feeding a wild animal. A bear’s main goal is to get fat enough to live through the winter, so be very cautious about what you are leaving around. Leave no trace. A bear can smell food up to 5 miles away, and so during the months of mid-March through early November, don’t leave anything that smells of food in your vehicle or outside near your home. Foxes hang around most lodging properties looking for scraps as well as in town. Be mindful that human food is actually unhealthy for these animals and can prevent certain species from foraging for themselves. When wild animals are fed human food, it will likely result in that animal’s death. If you care about our furry friends, please do not feed them. Our best advice: stay back and observe these creatures in their natural habitat.

2. Mind your dogs.

We aren’t saying you need to leash your dog on a trail where they are able to run free, but please be aware of the rules around you, especially during mud season/spring when the trails and preserves are being carefully monitored to host an atmosphere for these animals. A run in with a moose, mountain lion or porcupine could put you and your dog at serious risk. Not only could we be endangering the habitat for these animals, they could also be potentially dangerous to you and your fur baby.

The types of wildlife you will *most likely* see and general facts about them:

  1. Fox – Foxes are typically between 12 and 16 inches tall and about 31 inches long including their white-tipped signature tail. They weigh about 6lbs on average and can run up 30mph! A fox’s typical lifespan is about 3-4 years.
  2. Bear – When standing up, bears can be up to 7 feet tall and weigh in at about 500lbs for males and 300lbs for females. A black bear’s lifespan is around 10 years.
  3. Moose – The tallest mammal in North America! Male moose, called bulls, have enormous antlers that can grow up to 6 feet wide from tip to tip! A moose can run up to 35mph and can actually stay under water for 30 seconds!
  4. Mountain goats (watch for these guys on your hikes!) – Super agile, these animals are about 3.5 feet tall and 5.5 feet long. They can weigh anywhere between 100-300 pounds and live anywhere between 12-15 years.

Facts provided by defenders.org

How to interact with the larger wildlife of Breckenridge.

Bear – If you feel as though you may be in bear territory, make noise while you walk. Clap your hands or whistle loudly to help prevent yourself from surprising a bear. Don’t run from a bear! They will think you are prey and could potentially chase you. Also, avoid climbing trees as bears are skilled climbers.

Mountain Lion – They say you don’t see a mountain lion; it sees you first. So, if you are placed in this terrifying situation, the best way to conduct yourself is to stay calm (we know…). Talk firmly and make eye contact. You want to make yourself look as big as possible, so whatever you have on your person, use it to your advantage. NEVER RUN – but step or back away S L O W L Y. We hope you never have to use this advice.

Moose – If a moose charges you, we finally give you permission to RUN. Trying to put something between you and the moose is the best advice we’ve heard. Moose are trying to drive you away, so the faster you can get further away, the better. The moose will feel comfortable as soon as you are a safe distance away and should leave you alone.

So there you have it. A few tips on how to protect the wildlife in Breckenridge, and some fun facts to leave you with a bit more knowledge about these animals. We ask that you try to listen to these rules, and PLEASE: do not feed the wildlife. Enjoy Breckenridge and also, please leave no trace. Use #bestofbreck when you post your camping and outdoor adventure photos of Breckenridge to be featured on our Instagram!

Five Reasons to Come to Breckenridge on Weekdays

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Breckenridge street at nightLike you need a reason to come to Breck anyways. With the great terrain and an awesome town, it’s hard to think of a time that is not good to come. Let’s face it though; Weekends can be crazy and offer challenges that make maximizing fun difficult. What’s the solution? Come on weekdays. If you can swing it, it’s even worth taking a day or two off to manage it. If you are wondering why you should take days off to ski Breckenridge on weekdays here are five reasons:

  1. Save time – Last Saturday I was riding the lift and talking to a couple that had just arrived from the Front Range. It was noon and they were telling me about how this lift ride was their first run. They had waited until 8 a.m. to leave and it took them 4 hours to get to this lift. The next week I was talking to a friend from Lakewood and he said he leaves by 6 a.m. on Saturday. If he waits any later he will be in bumper to bumper traffic the whole way up. Weekend traffic has been getting worse for years and even with improvements like the new toll lane, things will still be pretty rough for the foreseeable future. Try driving up on a weekday- there is never any significant traffic. It is about an hour and a half flat to Breck from Denver on a weekday.
  2. Stay better – Coming on weekday’s means you have options especially if you are trying to set up a close in trip. Breckenridge lodging is built on condo style accommodations and has only a few hotels. If you like to stay in nice large places close to the lifts be prepared to shell out a pretty penny on weekends. But on weekday’s room rates tend to come back down out of the stratosphere and you can book a much nicer room, closer to when you are coming then you ever could on a weekend. Look at discount lodging sites for generally deep weekend discounts.
  3. Live large – Make sure one of the first things you do when you come up to Breckenridge on a weekday is to grab a Summit Daily. You won’t miss the distinctive blue boxes that are ubiquitous around Summit County. Inside lies the free daily newspaper and all of the happy hours, food deals and sales going on in Breckenridge and Summit County. Since the weekdays are less crowded, there is less demand for food, drinks and cheap stuff. We all know the Law of Supply and Demand that says the smaller the demand, the smaller the price. So live large and go out when you come. Your wallet will thank you for it.
  4. Own the mountain – When surveyed, 9.99 out of 10 respondents said they prefer short lift lines and uncrowded slopes. That 1/100th of a person is not thinking clearly. Having the mountain all to yourself sounds way cooler than sharing it with thousands of your closest friends (remember? You met them on I-70 on the way up). Also, it has been proven in countless experiments that you have a greater chance of actually skiing powder on a powder day if that day is a weekday.
  5. Save your sanity – Breckenridge is awesome on the weekend. Town is vibrant and full and life. There is no shortage of fun activities to try and plenty of people to enjoy it with. But if you are looking for something a little quieter, a little less expensive or a little less crowded on slopes, come up on weekdays. If you are looking to avoid the frustrations of traffic and crowds that sometime occur than heed this advice and come up to Breckenridge on a weekday.

 

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How to Save Money on your Trip to Breckenridge

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Breckenridge’s renowned decorations aren’t the only festivities illuminating Main Street this season. This mountain town’s unparalleled charm is at an all-time high, and winter lovers can’t help but be drawn here. Although the holiday season brings out the #BestofBreck, it can be difficult to swing a trip while budgeting for all the people on your “Nice” list. But, the BOB staff has some good news: you’ve made it onto our “Nice” list, and we’ve got a gift for you. Below, we’ve compiled a list of economical ways to enjoy Breckenridge without burning a hole in your wallet. Now, there’s no need to worry about being called a Grinch because you’d rather spend your savings to ski than shop.

  1. Lift Tickets: This is probably the biggest expenditure for most visitors. If you plan on skiing or riding while in town, it is heavily recommended that you purchase tickets in advance from Vail Resorts or browse Liftopia, which often has even bigger savings. Check out lift ticket and lodging bundle packages here. This is an excellent way to make sure you’ve got your biggest needs for your getaway covered at an impressive discount.
  2. Free Buses in Breck and Summit County: Don’t waste money on an expensive rental car! Take an affordable shuttle from DIA to Breckenridge, and enjoy any of the free transit systems in the county once you’re here. The Free Ride will take you pretty much anywhere you want to go in Breckenridge. Should you have a desire to venture to Keystone or Arapahoe Basin, the free Swan Mountain Flyer will get you there in no time (don’t worry about how hard you après, because this bus runs until 8:35 pm on evenings that night skiing is available). Want to check out Frisco or Silverthorne? Hop on the free Summit Stage at the Transfer Station! If you have a Copper pass, we didn’t forget about you. Check out this bus route. Please note that most hotels and condos also have their own complementary shuttle services that often provide on demand transportation.
  3. Dining Specials: Read about the Best Restaurants in Breckenridge to plan out your reservations. Eating out on vacation doesn’t have to be expensive with the extensive happy hour and lunch deals abounding in Breck. We recommend the Quandary, Blue River Bistro, Mi Casa and Motherloaded Tavern for happy hour. The Breckenridge Brewery has amazing lunch specials daily that include full meals and complementary brews. Mountain Flying Fish often has half off sushi. Downstairs at Eric’s will always be a family favorite with the best wings, pizza and arcade in town!
  4. Wax Your Own Equipment: Getting your gear waxed is necessary when skiing Breck, but it doesn’t have to cost you half the price of a lift ticket- that’s half of a day of riding right there!! Stop by Mountain Wave to grab waxing supplies, then watch this awesome video with step by step instructions on how to give your skis or board the best waxing they’ll ever have.
  5. Getting your Gear Here: Oversized and/or additional baggage fees will leave your wallet empty quick. Opt to ship your equipment ahead of time for cheaper and easier transport. If that’s not your style, renting is always an option and Christie Sports at the Grand Timber Lodge has great deals (and if you’re a guest or owner, you get 20% off). You can rent all the gear you need, or bring your beloved boots and just grab skis or a board at the shop (but don’t forget a helmet). Feast your eyes on this blog for further details on how to ship and rent equipment, and see the packing list for your trip!
  6. Lodging: Breckenridge is one of the most visited resort towns in North America and lodging prices often reflect that. To avoid overpaying for sub-par accommodations, make sure to book your stay with us and we promise you won’t be disappointed! Cooking your own breakfast and/or other meals will dramatically decrease your spending. Not sure what you can make in a kitchenette? Read this blog for the yummiest wholesome meals that you can conjure up in a crockpot while you après in the hot tub.

If you incorporate the above tips into your Breck getaway, you’ll save significantly. Can’t argue with that, right? So, get it out of the way and go purchase some holiday gifts with that extra cash (you’re welcome). Then, get yourself and your loved ones to Summit County as soon as possible. After all, Breckenridge is the best gift that keeps on giving…