The Breckenridge Wine Classic is BACK!
The Breckenridge Wine Classic is BACK! Join us in Breckenridge this fall and sample from hundreds of high-end wines.
Top Five Summer Hiking Trails Near Breckenridge
With the winter months behind us, spring has arrived and so has the warmer weather. Hiking trails are starting to emerge and are ready to be explored once again.
Elevate Your Game | Golf in Summit County
“Golf is the closest game to the game we call life. You get bad breaks from good shots; you get good breaks from bad shots – but you have to play the ball where it lies.”
– Bobby Jones
There are many reasons why we play the beautiful game of golf: stress relief, the mental game, character building, socializing, or maybe it’s the connection between the game and everyday life that golf legend Bobby Jones highlighted so long ago. Whatever keeps you coming back, you can be sure to find it on the golf courses of Breckenridge and the surrounding county. As the snow melts, the spring sun shines through and golf season in Breckenridge ramps up in a big way. The golf courses in and around Breckenridge offer unparalleled natural beauty and a challenge for golfers of all skill levels. You can read more about the area courses below; however, the best way to discover golf in the high country is to book a tee time and experience it for yourself.
Breckenridge Golf Club
Located just a few miles north of Main Street, this is the only golf course located in the Town of Breckenridge. Often included in the annual top 20 courses in Colorado and built on an old mining encampment, the Breckenridge Golf Club offers a truly unique golf experience. The course consists of three unique 9-hole courses all designed by the Jack Nicklaus Signature team. With incredible panoramic views of the Rockies at over 9,000 feet in elevation, playing a round of golf here is a must, even for casual fans of the game. Book a tee time or learn more here.
Breckenridge Golf Club
Keystone Golf Courses
Great golf in a spectacular mountain setting, Keystone is a world-class golf destination. Located about 15 miles northeast of Breckenridge, Keystone offers two championship 18-hole golf courses. The River Course, designed by Dr. Michael Hurzdan and Dana Fry, offers a golf outing like no other. Dramatic elevation changes and breathtaking views of Lake Dillon are the signatures of the River Course.
The River Course at Keystone | Photo: Keystone Resort
The Ranch Course is a Robert Trent Jones, Jr.-designed course. This course is often viewed by locals and golf fanatics as the crown jewel of Summit County golf. The challenge of the links-style course design on the front nine and the unique setting of a mountain valley for the back nine all make for a golf outing you will not soon forget. To learn more about both courses and to book a tee time please click here.
Keystone Ranch | Photo: Keystone Resort
Raven Golf Club at Three Peaks
The Raven Golf Club at Three Peaks is considered one of the top courses in the country; boasting spectacular views, lush rolling fairways, immaculate greens surrounded by towering stands of pine and aspen, snow-capped peaks, crystal clear creeks, and trout-filled lakes. Avid Golfer magazine has ranked The Raven as the #1 golf experience in Colorado! The challenging, yet eminently playable Tom Lehman and Hurdzan/Fry golf design is something you must experience for yourself. Learn more or book a tee time here.
The Raven at Three Peaks | Photo: Raventhreepeaks.com
Copper Creek Golf Course
Arguably the most affordable golf outing in Summit County, Copper Creek is a mountain golf experience you must enjoy for yourself. Located at the base of Copper Mountain with spectacular views of the Tenmile Mountain range, Copper Creek is an 18-hole course designed by Pete Dye. This Pete Dye course boasts the highest tee box in America at just over 9,800 feet, and you can surely expect copious amounts of bunkers. To book this unique golf outing, click here.
Copper Creek Golf Course | Photo: TwoGuysWhoGolf.com
–
Breckenridge and surrounding Summit County are home to world-class golf courses. With course designs from legends like Jack Nicklaus to Pete Dye, Breckenridge and Summit County have a golf outing to suit your golf style and most importantly, your golf budget.
Wildlife in Breckenridge: Do’s and Don’ts
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!
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.
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
- 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!
Summer Fishing in Lake Dillon
There are so many outdoor activities in Breckenridge and the surrounding Rocky Mountains, it is easy to overlook the huge lake right in the middle of Summit County. Summertime is prime for catching big hungry fish in Lake Dillon.
Lake Dillon was built in 1963 by Denver Water to store water for Denver and the Front Range. It is the largest body of water in Summit County and one of the largest in the state. Lake Dillon has 27 miles of fishable shoreline and 2 lively marinas. It is known as a challenging spot to go sailing each summer, hosting numerous Colorado races and regattas.
Lake Dillon, although popular, is often overlooked as a prime Colorado fishing destination in the summer. The lake is overshadowed by the many rivers and streams that dot Summit County’s landscape, including the Blue River—a Colorado Gold Medal fishing river.
What makes Lake Dillon such a great family fishing spot? The ease of shoreline access, lack of special fishing regulations like those found in most mountain rivers and high-alpine lakes, friendly boating regulations with rentals and tours available and— most importantly—the diversity of species found in the lake. Throughout the year, you can fish for Brown, Rainbow and Cutthroat Trout, Kokanee and Koho Salmon, Walleye Pike, Char, catfish, Crappie, Smallmouth Bass and other Colorado species.
Shore fishing offers easy access from many points in Summit County. There is free parking at various marked points around the lake. It is said the fishing is best in the early summer between mid-May and early July. For shore fishing, the best fare for the fishies is good old-fashioned worms. Use a bobber and test your length from the hook until you find success. There are tons of smaller fish close to the shore but the big ones are a little further out. Use a weight and hook for bottom fishing and keep your line tight so you can feel bites. Later in the season, troll a Rapala lure near the feeder creaks of the Blue, Snake or Ten Mile dump into the lake for large trout.
If you are so inclined, rent a boat and get out onto Lake Dillon. This is a great spot for trolling. This is most effective in the later season and will produce big brown trout, Kokanee and Walleye Pike. Even if you don’t catch fish, it’s a peaceful and beautiful experience just to be out on the lake.
Fishing is a time-honored family activity that everyone should try at least once. If you are looking for a fresh high-country experience, try fishing in Lake Dillon.
Don’t forget that you do need a fishing license in Colorado if you are 16 or older. You can pick one up at many locations throughout Breckenridge and Summit County.
Looking for deals on Breckenridge summer lodging? Find year-round promotional discounts at The Grand Colorado on Peak 8, Grand Lodge on Peak 7 and Grand Timber Lodge. Our preferred properties are a quick walk or drive to the best fishing in Summit County.
