Summer may be one of the best kept secrets in Summit County, Colorado. There are endless things to do with the entire family from hiking, biking and rafting to fly fishing gold medal trout streams and riding horses through the beautiful landscape.
Golf
Breckenridge is internationally known for its winter wonderland recreation. There is, however, an old saying; "you come for the winters and stay for the summers." There is no doubt that the Breckenridge Golf Club has something to do with this old proverb.
With national and local acclaim alike, the Breckenridge Golf Club has established itself as one of the premier public courses in Colorado. Boasting a 27-hole Jack Nicklaus designed course, a mountain golf challenge awaits all who would accept the test, and a test it is. The only municipality in the world to lay claim to Jack's design, the Breckenridge Golf Club has been awarded Best Mountain Course and Toughest Mountain Course by the Colorado Golfer. Golf Digest gives Breckenridge a 4 ½ Star Facility rating along with one of their top "Upscale Places to Play".
Playing at 7,145 yards and a course rating of 73.5, Breckenridge Golf Club is the real deal when it comes to mountain golf. Par is 72, but for most of us that just means taking a little extra time to soak in the views, savor the cool mountain air and enjoy the lay of the land while tracking par as the measure of our satisfaction making our way through the course. It really is no wonder that people stay for the summers with a course like this at their finger-tips.
Biking
Biking - be it on a mountain trail or a recreation path, is a favorite sport here in Colorado's Play Ground. There is always a full schedule of biking events and races in and throughout Summit County. This is a sport you can enjoy alone or with a group. While the paved bike path can be fun, don't miss out on these great mountain bike trails.
Easy - Crown Point Trail near the Dillon Reservoir is 5 miles long and takes an hour. A great trail for novices and families; its part of the Frisco Nordic Center trail system. It provides sweeping views of the Continental Divide with access to Lake Dillon's beaches - perfect for picnics.
Moderate - Mayflower Gulch near Copper Mountain is 7 miles long and takes one - two hours. It's a dirt road that goes back into the mountain and past the old town site of Boston. The cabins and natural amphitheater make this a popular site for photographers and wild flower enthusiasts.
More Moderate/Difficult - Colorado Trail to Searle/Kokomo Passes. This is a 17.5 mile trail and takes four - five hours. Part of the legendary Colorado trail, most of this is above timberline. The ride is full of switchbacks and goes through miles of tundra. Stay on the trail to avoid damaging this fragile vegetation.
Advanced - Montezuma Loop is known for its short, steep climbs and technical descents. The trail takes you past General Teller and Wild Irishman Mines, through the historic town of Sts. John and into the town of Montezuma. Part of this trail is steep and rocky, requiring walking.
Fly Fishing
Summit County is not just a winter resort. When the skis and snowboards are tucked away for the season, it's fishing that draws scores of vacationers to the high country.
In the entire state of Colorado, the Division of Wildlife has designated only 13 streams and lakes as Gold Medal Trout Waters, a water that holds a self-sustaining population of trophy-size fish. These are naturally reproducing fish where no stocked trout will be placed unless an emergency situation arises. Five of these, four streams and one reservoir, can be found within 1 ½-hours of Breckenridge. Here are a couple to visit.
BLUE RIVER
The closest stream of the four local Gold-Medal waters is the Blue River. From humble beginnings high above Breckenridge, the Blue flows the entire length of Summit County from the south to the north. Thirty-four miles of Gold Medal water can be found here, starting below Dillon Reservoir and coursing through the Blue River valley to its confluence with the Colorado River near the town of Kremmling. It is known for its trophy rainbow trout!
SOUTH PLATTE
The three forks of the South Platte River that form the South Platte proper all start in the mountains on the south side of Hoosier Pass. There are three Gold Medal sections on the Platte, including Cheesman Canyon and Spinney Mountain Reservoir. The Gold Medal section that local anglers' fish on a daily basis is located beneath Spinney Reservoir, a 3.8-mile stretch fittingly nicknamed the Dream Stream.
Like all Gold Medal Trout waters, there are special restrictions placed on these streams to protect each one's Gold Medal status. Consult your Colorado Regulation Book for specifics.
Horseback Riding
A favorite summer past-time for both old and young alike, horseback riding is plentiful in Summit County. With thousands of acres of forests, meadows, and mountain trails to traverse, thousands of visitors take advantage of the fresh mountain air to spend a few hours with new friends and gentle horses.
There are several stables to choose from offering anywhere from 1 hour rides to pack trips. You choose what type of trip suits you and your family.
If you are looking for a real Breckenridge Colorado wilderness adventure, you should consider horseback riding at any one of these fine Stables. It really is a lifetime memory and experience.
Raft Trips
Rafting in Colorado on a scenic whitewater raft trip is genuine Colorado adventure at its best! Rafting trips range from family adventure to extreme whitewater excitement trips. Rafting companies offer half-day to multi-day trips with spectacular mountain and canyon scenery. The Arkansas River is the most popular river in Colorado and offers some of the best whitewater rafting in the nation!
EASY- Colorado River (Class I - II)
The Colorado River (Class I - II) winds its way down through the beautifully carved lower Gore Canyon less than 70 miles from its source. Small scale rapids, relaxing flat-water and unsurpassed beauty make this a great trip for families with younger children.
MODERATE-Arkansas River
Browns Canyon (Class III+)
Colorado's most popular full day trip! Your adventure begins beneath the spectacular Collegiate Peaks and takes you through Browns Canyon where you'll encounter exciting rapids such as Pinball, Zoomflume, Big Drop, Staircase and Devil's Punchbowl, before blasting through the infamous Seidel's Suckhole. These are just a few of the thrilling rapids that make this fantastic whitewater stretch one that shouldn't be missed. This is a great trip for rafters of all experience levels.
DIFFICULT- Arkansas River
Royal Gorge (Class IV - V)
Lots of adrenaline-pumping, continuous, action-packed rapids through this magnificent canyon will excite even the most experienced whitewater enthusiasts. Experience the thrill of Sunshine Falls, Sledgehammer, Squeeze Box, Boat Eater and many more as the river takes you beneath the world's highest suspension bridge. This is the ultimate advanced whitewater challenge for those in good physical condition looking for "Big Water."
Backstage Theatre
If you've found yourself visiting the world class town that is Breckenridge why not venture beyond the familiar mountain activities and cultivate your cultural sensibilities as well? Plunge into Breckenridge's arts scene head first at The Backstage Theatre and find yourself engrossed in suspense, hilarity, and lament with a poignancy that can only be found in live theatre. The Backstage Theatre puts on a variety of productions every year including melodrama, comedy, contemporary, classic, absurd, children's, and musicals. The Backstage Theatre is a non-profit organization founded 35 years ago when it was a nomadic theatre company performing in bars and restaurants around town. With the help of the Town of Breckenridge, The Backstage Theatre has found a permanent home in the heart of Breckenridge at 121 South Ridge Street (near the corner of Lincoln and Ridge). It is an easy stroll from most restaurants and lodging in town but there is free parking near the theatre as well. Reservations are recommended but walk-ins are welcome.
Reservations 970-453-0199
Hiking
There are a number of trails nestled within the backcountry of Summit County. Whether you are a beginner hiker, hiking with the whole family or a more advanced hiker, there are plenty of trails to choose from. Here are just a few.
Easy
Sapphire Point
Open: June-Sept.
Elevation: 9500 feet
Time: 15 Minutes
Distance: .8 mile
From Breckenridge, take HWY 9 N to Swan Mountain Road. Take Swan Mountain Road to its highest point, where you will find a parking area. Park and start the trailhead loop from either corner of the parking lot.
Sapphire Point is a fun, short loop for the whole family ranging from kids to grandparents. The views of Dillon Reservoir and Buffalo Mountain are incredible. Pack a lunch and have a picnic and don't forget sunflower seeds for the local residents (chipmunks), they love visitors.
Moderate
Mohawk Lakes
Open: July-Sept.
Elevation: 12100 feet
Time: 2-3 hours
Distance: 1.2 miles or 2.8 miles
Drive south out of Breckenridge on HWY 9. At about 2.4 miles from the last light as you leave Breckenridge, turn right on Spruce Creek Rd. and proceed for about 1.2 miles to a well marked parking area and trailhead.
If you would like an intermediate family hike this one sums up everything magnificent about Summit County. It has sweeping vistas, historic ruins and ore cars to waterfalls and close-up views of massive, rugged peaks. Be sure to bring snacks and plenty of water.
Difficult
Quandary Peak
Open: July-Sept.
Elevation: 14265 feet
Time: 7-8 hours
Distance: 3 miles
Drive south on HWY 9 about 7.5 miles from the last traffic light in Breckenridge to Blue Lakes Road on your right. After turning right onto Blue Lakes Road (No.850) you turn right again onto No. 851 and continue approximately 1.1 miles to the trailhead. Parking is limited.
The trail starts moderately but quickly begins a steady, merciless ascent of about 3 miles as it gains over 3,100 feet in elevation. Once at the top, you will have amazing views of other 14ers such as Mt. Lincoln, Mt. Bross, Mt. Grays and Mt. Torreys. If you are going to accept the challenge of this 14er, be prepared for any kind of weather. It changes quickly and you do not want to be caught without the proper gear!
For more great hikes around Summit County, pick up a Summit Hiker.
Lake Dillon
One of today's shining jewels in Summit County is Lake Dillon. In the 1800's, it was a sleepy town, consisting of trading posts and cabins. In 1960, the Denver Water Board started construction of a reservoir on the site of the original town of Dillon.
Always resourceful, the people of Summit County saw the opportunity to create a unique recreation area. Today there are two active marinas that make their home on Lake Dillon.
Dillon Marina is located on the east side of the lake and is home to the Dillon Yacht Club. At just over 9,000 feet, it's the highest yacht club in North America. You can rent almost any type of boat. If you're not an experienced sailor, instruction and crews are available to help. Frisco Marina, located on the lake's west side, is a full service marina, featuring canoe and kayak rentals. Both marinas have bars and grills overlooking both the water and the Ten Mile Range.
Lake Dillon itself is surrounded by campgrounds, great hiking trails, bike paths and scenic overlooks. The secluded shoreline provides great fishing spots for the brown and rainbow trout that are resident there. Open from early summer to early fall, Lake Dillon is wonderful place to explore, don't forget your camera.
Book your own Breckenridge Vacation Rental to start enjoying all the Breckenridge Summer Activities. At Breckenridge Discount Lodging we look forward providing you with the best place at the lowest price. Call now to book today!
