Dog-Friendly Guide to Breckenridge

May 6, 2022/in Breckenridge Information/by Laurel Coffman

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 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

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 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.

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.

The Best Taco Spots in Breckenridge

April 28, 2022/in Breckenridge Dining/by Laurel Coffman

There’s no shortage of south of the border flavors in Colorado and Breckenridge is no exception. From stellar patios to killer happy hours, Breckenridge has a taco spot for everyone. We don’t need to convince you that tacos are awesome—you already know that—so, we’ve rounded up the best taco spots in Breckenridge so you can live like every day is Taco Tuesday.

Best Hangout: Rita’s

301 S. Main Street | Daily, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. | Website

Rita’s treats every day like a beach party and they have a simple house rule of “don’t be a jerk.” This fun and straightforward mentality translates to both the food and drinks that they serve. Head down to Rita’s basement where they serve up fresh-squeezed margaritas and build-your-own tacos. Try out the double taco, a queso slathered soft shell wrapped around a hard shell.

Best Patio: Sancho Tacos

La Cima Mall, 520 S. Main Street | Sunday—Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. | Website

The Sancho patio is THE spot to be on a sunny day! Located at the south end of Main Street, you’ll enjoy a slushy margarita and unique street-style tacos. We love the a la carte taco menu that allows you to pick and choose from a wide variety of styles. Some of our favorites include Fried Chicken, Pork Belly and Duck Confit, but you’ll have to try them yourself. Enjoy a brunch menu Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. or happy hour daily 3 to 6 p.m.

Best for Families: Fiesta Jalisco

Reliance Place Shopping Center, 224 S. Main Street | Daily, 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. | Website

Step into this quiet corner of Breckenridge and feel like you’ve been transported to Mexico. You’ll be treated like family in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Fiesta Jalisco offers generous portions and authentic dishes with recipes from Jalisco, Mexico. Their extensive menu makes it hard to choose but the good news is, you’ll find something for the whole family.

Best Happy Hour: Mi Casa

600 S. Park Avenue | Daily, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. | Website

At Mi Casa you can extend your happy hour into happy hours! Every day from 3 to 5 p.m., they offer two tacos for $8 or a $9 classic margarita. Mi Casa is great for large group gatherings so you can bring the whole crew. If happy hour isn’t your vibe, you can still choose from a variety of specialty tacos and fresh, seasonal margaritas.

Weekend Guide: Summer in Breckenridge

April 6, 2022/in Breckenridge Summer Activities/by Laurel Coffman

Breckenridge is the perfect weekend getaway spot due to its proximity to Denver, historic charm and the abundance of readily available activities. We’ve curated a three-day itinerary so you can get the most out of a weekend in Breckenridge.

First Time Ski Trip Guide to Breckenridge

March 18, 2022/in Breckenridge Skiing/by Laurel Coffman

With 2,908 skiable acres, 187 trails, and 235 lifts Breckenridge Ski Resort offers a variety of terrain for all levels from beginner to expert. If you’re not sure where to start, read on for a breakdown of beginner to expert hike-to terrain so you can get the most out of your days on the mountain.

The Top 5 Romantic Restaurants in Breckenridge

February 12, 2022/in Breckenridge Dining/by Laurel Coffman

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and there is no shortage of romance to be found in Breckenridge. This cozy mountain town has stunning views and historic buildings that truly make you feel the love. We’re sharing our top six most romantic restaurants in Breckenridge so you and your sweetheart can enjoy a romantic evening on the town.

Wine glasses toasting on the patio of Hearthstone Restaurant

Outdoor Patio at Hearthstone

1. Hearthstone Restaurant

If you’re looking for an intimate setting, Hearthstone offers rich Victorian-era décor and one of the best views in Breckenridge. This historic restaurant is located in a 125-year-old building with stunning views of Breckenridge Ski Resort–at night, spot the lights from the snowcats grooming the ski runs on the mountain. Choose from wild, elevated dishes like Blackberry Elk and Alaskan Black Cod.

2. Rootstalk

This sophisticated restaurant provides a seasonally curated menu made with care and consideration. Share a cheese and charcuterie board or, if you can’t choose from their mouth-watering options, try a five or seven-course tasting menu with a wine pairing.

3. Briar Rose Chophouse

Briar Rose is a classic chophouse that gives you a timeless and elegant dining experience. Aged beef and fresh wild game plates are a nod to the western heritage that can still be seen in Breckenridge. Take a step back in time and enjoy a candlelit dinner in this historic saloon.

Mimo Fancy Tapas

4. Mimo Fancy Tapas

For a lively and romantic experience, head to Mimo Fancy Tapas. This unique restaurant, located below Breck’s Main Street, will have you feeling like you’re dining in speakeasy lounge. This fun and vibrant Spanish-style tapas and unique cocktails make for a fun date night atmosphere. Be adventurous and sip the Ticket to the American Dream, made with bourbon, onion syrup, cheddar cheese cream, barbeque sauce and topped with popcorn–trust us, it’s worth a try!

Alpenglobes at Ember

5. Ember

Ember oozes romantic vibes with their dimly lit atmosphere and creative dishes. Your taste buds will be surprised with bites like lamb cheek tacos and quail with chorizo stuffing. Bonus for an extra intimate evening–book one of the outdoor Alpenglobes in the winter for a snow globe dining experience.

The Best Brunch Spots in Breckenridge

February 10, 2022/in Breckenridge Dining/by Laurel Coffman

An adventure-packed day in the mountains can’t start without breakfast. For the true aficionados of brunch and breakfast fare, we’ve rounded up the best brunch spots in Breckenridge. Whether you’re an early bird hitting the slopes or a late riser that loves a noon brunch, Breck has it all! Coffee and corned beef or a bloody and benedict are sure to satisfy your morning cravings.

Red Chilaqules at Blue River Bistro

1. Blue River Bistro | Website

Blue River Bistro is best known for their 2-for-1 martini happy hour, but this gem is also a great brunch pick on weekends. If you’re here for a weekend trip you’re in luck–you’ll find a brunch menu along with some of the signature drinks served during happy hour.

What To Order: We love the Red Chilaquiles and a Spicy Maria for a south of the border experience.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday & Sunday

Hangover Burrito at Columbine Cafe

2. Columbine Café | Website

Ask any local and they’ll say Columbine Café is their favorite spot for brunch. Columbine is not in an obvious spot–tucked between buildings off Main Street–but once you find it, you’ll want to keep going back. This no-nonsense haunt has breakfast dishes hearty enough to fuel you for the entire day.

What To Order: The Hangover Burrito is made for those with a big appetite or hangover like the name suggests. This breakfast staple is stuffed with house smoked chunky corn beef hash and smothered with pork green chili.

Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. daily

Brunch at BoLD

3. BoLD | Website

If you’re looking for a true brunch spot that serves up Beermosas and DIY mimosas, BoLD is your spot. This Mediterranean-inspired restaurant is nestled at the south end of Breckenridge just steps from the Quicksilver Chairlift and endless shopping options.

What To Order: For a spicy breakfast, try the Moroccan Baked Eggs. The perfect blend of sweet and savory does exist with the Chicken and Waffles Benedict with a bourbon cayenne maple hollandaise.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily

4. Blue Moose | Website

This family-run restaurant has a casual and friendly atmosphere that welcomes you in and gives you a warm hug. Blue Moose offers a slew of morning cocktails and home cooked breakfast options. As a bonus they have a dog-friendly patio so you can bring your furry friend on a warm day!

What To Order: We love a classic breakfast here. Opt for the Two Biscuits & Sausage Gravy served with home fries or grits paired with a cup of organic coffee from Breck Coffee Roasters.

Hours: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily

Photo Courtesy of Cabin Juice & Gravity Haus

5. Cabin Juice | Website

Do not leave this brunch spot off your list. Cabin Juice is an elevated eatery that utilizes ingredients from small, local farms around Colorado. They offer a chic, cabin atmosphere with savory and healthy brunch options.

What To Order: Satisfy your sweet tooth and order the Brioche French Toast, served with lemon yogurt, whipped butter and Vermont maple syrup. They also feature a biscuit board–need we say more?

Hours: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday & Sunday

Local’s Tip: Check out the Breck Deals page for discounted lodging in Breckenridge!

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