Much like Aspen and Vail, Breckenridge is a town that is known for its luxe ski resort, stunning mountain scenery, and endless recreation. The former mining town is lined with hundreds of restaurants, shops and saloons.
Breck attracts visitors from around the world. It probably has the most places to eat out of any mountain town, so it’s easy to find a great meal or happy hour. The town is located at 9,600 feet in Summit County. The population was 4,540 in 2010.

Breckenridge is close to I-70, Denver, and other big ski resorts. There is no shortage of recreation around town. Snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and dog sledding are just a few of the things to do. In the summer it’s a paradise, especially with the resort turning into a fun park.
History
It’s an old mining town that was established in 1859 at 9,600 feet above sea level. The town was named after the U.S. Vice President at the time, in hopes of charming the government go get a post office, which was a success.

It’s a national historic district, which is clearly visible in the beautiful Victorian buildings around town. There are numerous museums to learn about Breck’s interesting past.
Main Attractions
Breckenridge Ski Resort – In the winter there is world class skiing and snowboarding at Breck. In the summer the resort has a Fun Park, with activities like an alpine slide and mountain biking.

During the summer, the resort turns into Breckenridge Fun Park. Filled with rides and activities that every age can enjoy, this park is a great place to spend your summer holiday. One of the biggest perks to Breck is that it stays comfortably cool during the summer months.
Recreation
Camping:
- The closest campgrounds are north at Lake Dillon.
- South on US 9 leads you over the Hoosier Pass toward Fairplay. Kite Lake CG is located in the woods northwest of Alma. Take Buckskin St/Co Rd 8 from town 5 miles back to lake.
- Read about the camping near Breckenridge, around Summit County.

Fishing:
- Blue River is a blue ribbon river, which flows through town into Maggie Pond around Peak 8. It’s excellent trout fishing in the most convenient location.
- Dillon Reservoir to the north offers a variety of fishing, including bass, crappie, catfish and trout.
- Read about the lakes and rivers to fish near Breckenridge.
Hiking:
- Read about the hiking trails near Breckenridge.
Accommodations
Hotels and Lodging:
- Grand Colorado on Peak 8 – luxury 3 star ski-in/ski-out
- One Ski Hill Place – luxury 4 star ski-in/ski-out
- Read about the best hotels in Breckenridge.
- Read about 4 and 5 star luxury hotels in Breckenridge.
Special Events
Jan – Big Beers, Belgians & Barleywines – Dubbed as one of the best beer festivals in the United States, this unique spin on the traditional beer fest features heavy hitting ABV beers, held in mid January.
Jan – Breckenridge International Snow Sculpture Championships – Sixteen teams from around the world compete to make the best snow sculptures from 20-ton blocks of snow. It’s held in mid to late January with five days of sculpting and five days of spectator viewings of the finished art.
Jul – Breckenridge July Art Festival – Nationally recognized art fest held over Fourth of July Weekend on South Main Street, offering free admission.
Jul – Breckenridge Summer Beer Fest – What better way to spend a summer Saturday than at elevation sipping on craft beer in one of Colorado’s coolest mountain towns. This single day beer romp is held in mid July.
Aug – Breckenridge Main Street Art Festival – Ranked among the top art festivals in the country by Sunshine Artist, it features more than 100 top quality artists from around the United States, held in early August.
Sep – Breckenridge Gathering at the Great Divide Art Festival – Another of the country’s top art festivals held over Labor Day Weekend on North Main Street in downtown.
Sep – Breck Film Fest – It’s a flagship event and one of the oldest film festivals in the country. More than 100 films from over 30 filmmakers are showcased at this can’t miss event in mid September.
Oct – Breckenridge Craft Spirits Festival – Three day party in downtown Breckenridge showcasing Colorado’s incredible distilling scene, held in mid October.
Dec – Ullr Fest – Boost your winter spirits with this four day event dedicated to the mythical God of Winter, held in mid January.
Activities near Breckenridge
Amusement:
Biking/Hiking:
Escape Rooms:
Federal Lands:
Kayaking/SUP:
Landmarks:
Mine Tours:
- Country Boy Mine Tour (2mi)
- Washington Gold & Silver Mine (2mi)
Museums:
Scenic Drives:
Ski Areas:
- Arapahoe Basin Ski Resort (19mi)
- Breckenridge Ski Resort
- Copper Mountain Ski Resort (17mi)
- Keystone Ski Resort (14mi)
- Loveland Ski Area (25mi)
- Vail Ski Resort (38mi)
Sleigh Rides:
Snow Tubing:
- Country Boy Mine Extreme Sledding (2mi)
- Frisco Adventure Park (10mi)
Snowbiking:
Towns:
- Alma (17mi)
- Blue River (5mi)
- Copper Mountain (17mi)
- Dillon (15mi)
- Fairplay (22mi)
- Frisco (10mi)
- Keystone (14mi)
- Silverthorne (14mi)
- Vail (38mi)
Transportation:
Whitewater Rafting:
Latest in Breckenridge

What to do in Colorado if you don’t ski?
Colorado is known the world over for its incredible ski resorts, but not everyone who visits…

10 Fishing Spots around Breckenridge
If you’re lucky enough to live in or frequently visit this exciting mountain town, you already…

The Legendary Ski Resorts of Summit Co.
Home to an astonishing 4 world class ski resorts, all within a half hour of each…

The Highest Elevated Towns in Colorado
Whether you’re looking to beat the summer heat of Colorado’s urban front range, or are just…

The Largest Colorado Mountain Towns
Whether you’re looking to move into the Rocky Mountains or just visit on holiday, and prefer…

Camping near Breck, Dillon, Frisco, and Silverthorne, all around Summit County
Summit County is probably the most popular weekend destination for the millions living on the plains…
Camping near Breck, Dillon, Frisco, and Silverthorne, all around Summit CountyRead More

Easy, Moderate & Difficult Hikes in Breck
Located in Central Colorado, Breckenridge has earned prestigious recognition for its world-class skiing, but there is…

Colorado Spots Where Movies Were Filmed
Why do movie directors continue to return to Colorado to film? Quite simply the incredible scenery…

Breckenridge’s Most Luxurious Hotels
An old mining town turned popular ski resort, Breckenridge, CO is not only known for its…

Which hot springs are near what Colorado towns?
Whether you’re shredding the local ski slopes, hiking the region’s highest peaks, or even just strolling…

Top 11 Cool & Unusual Hotels in Breckenridge
Breck is one of the most visited mountains towns because of its stunning natural beauty, huge…

Handsome Historic Districts of Colorado
Take a peek into Colorado’s past with a visit to one of these historic districts. Each…

8 Best Ski Towns In Colorado
Epic skiing is synonymous with the Colorado Rockies. And with that comes iconic ski towns. Most…

Sensational Snow and Ice Sculptures of Colorado
{Breckenridge International Snow Sculpture Competition, photo by Robot Brainz} Winter in Colorado isn’t just about skiing…

Colorado’s Best Small Christmas Towns to Visit
{Breckenridge, CO – photo by grayskullduggery} What better way than to spend Christmas than in a…

Got Vertical? Colorado Ski Resorts By Size
{Largest ski resort in Colorado, Vail.} Colorado’s world class ski resorts feature a myriad of skiable…

3 Reasons to Seek Gold at Boreas Pass this Autumn
The miners of Colorado once chased gold with a pan. Now we chase gold with our…

The Breckenridge Troll Lives On
There is a lot to look out for when hiking in the mountains of Colorado, bears,…

Let the Good Times Adventures Roll in Breck
[Snowmobile tour in Breck. Photo: Good Times Adventures] For over 30 years, Good Times Adventures has…