So, you’ve finally found some time to escape the bustle and heat of the city. What better way to spend it than in the mountains for some good old fashioned fun?! There’s only one problem; one day of exploring is all you can spare before getting back to reality. 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. Click here for further directions.

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 Salt Creek have tasty brunches, La Francaise does breakfast like no other. Call ahead to place a pick-up order (I recommend the bacon egg Swiss on the 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 soar through the sky on one of the highest zip lines in the country. Whip down the gold coaster while soaking in the Summit County scenery. Create some healthy competition over some mini golf or get lost in the Minecraft Maze! You can also check out the new downhill biking course, or even take a scenic chairlift ride if that floats your boat.

4. Happy Hour

Do your wallet a favor and grab a late lunch. Happy hour starts around 3pm, and most restaurants in town have killer 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 drunken queso, pretzels with 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 Hike

Breck is known for spectacular sunsets for a reason. Witnessing the ten mile range on fire from atop Baldy Mountain is probably the best way to illustrate this. Aspen Alley is known for the most magnificent views of Breck, all the while walking through a tunnel of… you guessed it- aspens! The stroll is about half a mile down a well-maintained dirt road, and is also accessible by car so everyone can enjoy it. In the summer, I start around 715pm (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 8pm, 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!