By Laurel Coffman / July 13, 2022
Lakes and waterfalls and wildflowers, oh my! If you’re searching for scenic hikes in Breckenridge, look no further. These popular hikes are filled with everything great, from mountain vistas and rushing waterfalls, to serene lakes and blankets of wildflowers. Get out your hiking shoes and join us for a few of the most scenic hikes in Breckenridge.
Distance: 8.4 miles out-and-back
Difficulty: Hard
Best time to visit: July–October
This is a popular trail in Breckenridge because it really does have it all. You’ll start at the Spruce Creek Trailhead and walk through alpine meadows and forest filled with wildflowers. After a couple of miles, you’ll reach Mayflower Lake before you start to climb a series of steep switchbacks. Take a rest and enjoy Continental Falls and old mining equipment before your last climb up to Lower Mohawk Lake. The trail then continues to Upper Mohawk Lake and several other high alpine lakes.
Distance: 6.4 miles out-and-back
Difficulty: Hard
Best time to visit: June–October
This hike takes you on a gradual ascent past mining ruins, waterfalls and several high alpine lakes. As you approach White Falls, Quandary Peak (a 14,000’ mountain) will tower in the background. Shortly after White Falls, you’ll reach Upper Blue Reservoir, a great place to rest and soak in the views. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for mountain goats on the rocks! You can continue further into the gulch to reach more lakes and scenic views.
Important note: Parking at the trailhead is available by reservation only. You must have parking or shuttle reservations in order to access this trailhead from 4 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.
Distance: 1.1 miles out-and-back
Difficulty: Easy
Best time to visit: May–October
This is a great family-friendly trail if you are looking to soak in the high alpine without too strenuous of a hike. Be aware that the road leading to Blue Lakes is best for high clearance and 4WD vehicles. You can park at the lower lake and walk to the Blue Lakes Waterfall. Be on the lookout for wildlife, marmots and a herd of mountain goats are frequently spotted in this location.
Distance: 8.4 miles out-and-back
Difficulty: Hard
Best time to visit: June–October
This lake is accessible by 4WD vehicles, but well worth the hike. Like the Mohawk Lakes Trail, this hike starts at the Spruce Creek Trailhead and climbs steeply into the high alpine. You’ll hike a rocky road through forest and along creeks before emerging into a high alpine meadow with mountains all around you. You’ll climb through the meadow filled with wildflowers, running water and brush before reaching Lower Crystal Lake. From there, you can continue to Upper Crystal Lake which is not accessible by vehicles.
Distance: 1.3 miles out-and-back
Difficulty: Easy
Best time to visit: May–October
This short and easy hike is close to downtown Breckenridge but provides water, wildflowers and gorgeous mountain views. The trail winds through the forest along a stream under the Snowflake Chairlift. After bridge crossings and a short climb, you’ll reach Sawmill Reservoir. Stop here for a moment of peaceful reflection while fish emerge from the water’s surface.
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