Updated: November 06, 2025
This curated reading list features 10 books perfect for your Breckenridge mountain getaway, including local Colorado history, gripping wilderness thrillers, classic horror, and inspiring travel memoirs. Each title complements the Rocky Mountain setting, whether you're relaxing in a cozy café or your vacation rental.
Perched among the majestic peaks and awe-inspiring landscapes of the Rocky Mountains, Breckenridge, Colorado, serves as an idyllic backdrop for diving into a great book. When you need a break from your outdoor adventures, there's no better way to elevate your Breckenridge experience than by cozying up in one of its quaint cafes or wrapping yourself in a blanket at your short-term rental with a good read.
Wondering what titles pair well with a mountain retreat? In this blog, we have curated a reading list with 10 great books to enjoy in Breckenridge, Colorado.
At Ski Country Resorts, we have a curated collection of homes and condos to inspire your next Breckenridge stay. We're confident that our guests will have the best time enjoying the extra space, privacy, and all the great amenities of our vacation rentals.
Let's start our literary adventure!
Contents
1. Colorado Rascals, Scoundrels, and No Goods by Mary Ellen Gilliland (2005)
2. Breckenridge: 150 Years of Golden History by Mary Ellen Gilliland (2009)
3. The River by Peter Heller (2019)
4. The Guide by Peter Heller (2021)
5. The Shining by Stephen King (1977)
6. Forgotten Tales of Colorado by Stephanie Waters (2013)
7. A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson (1997)
8. A Lady's Life in the Rocky Mountains by Isabella Lucy Bird (1879)
9. Killing Commendatore, by Haruki Murakami (2017)
10. Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed (2012)
11. Extra Tips for Enjoying Books While Traveling
12. How can you make your trip to Breckenridge, CO even better?
Colorado Rascals, Scoundrels, and No Goods by Mary Ellen Gilliland (2005)
Colorado Rascals, Scoundrels, and No Goods is a lively exploration of notorious characters who have shaped Colorado's history. The book delves into the lives of various lawbreakers and dubious figures who left their mark on the state, from infamous criminals to lesser-known troublemakers. Through engaging storytelling and historical anecdotes, Gilliland brings to life the wild and unruly past of Colorado, offering readers a fascinating glimpse into the darker side of its heritage.
I picked this up at a bookshop on Main Street on a rainy afternoon. My sister and I ended up reading passages aloud to each other, laughing at the absurd characters who actually lived here. It made our hikes the next day more interesting as we kept joking about which historical troublemaker might have walked these same trails.
From time to time throughout the book, Gilliland uses old vocabulary, which gives the reading a fun element. Combined with the Breckenridge surrounding area as a background, this is a great title to immerse yourself in the history of the region and learn about infamous local characters.
Breckenridge: 150 Years of Golden History by Mary Ellen Gilliland (2009)
Also by Mary Ellen Gilliland, this book is ideal for those who want to delve into the roots of Breckenridge. This book, published in 2009, meticulously charts the town's evolution from a humble mining settlement to a premier ski destination.
Gilliland's detailed narrative, enriched with historical photographs, paints a vivid picture of Breckenridge's colorful past. Her expertise and dedication to preserving the history of Colorado's mountain towns are evident on every page, making this book a must-read for anyone intrigued by the legacy of Breckenridge. After reading it, you'll certainly look at the mountain town with refreshed eyes.
The River by Peter Heller (2019)
Published in 2019, The River is a gripping adventure novel that follows the canoe trip of two college friends, Wynn and Jack, through the remote Canadian wilderness. Both experienced outdoorsmen, they look forward to a peaceful journey, but their adventure takes a dark turn when they encounter a wildfire and overhear a violent argument between a man and a woman at a distant campsite.
As the friends continue down the river, they find themselves in a race against time to save the woman, who has gone missing, while also trying to escape the advancing wildfire. The novel explores themes of friendship, survival, and the raw power of nature. Heller's vivid descriptions and suspenseful storytelling make The River a compelling read that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, blending elements of thriller and literary fiction with an appreciation for the natural world.
The Guide by Peter Heller (2021)
The Guide is another captivating novel By Peter Heller. In this book, Heller will guide you through the story of a young outdoorsman and fishing guide, who takes a job at a luxurious fishing resort in the Colorado Rockies. Strange and unsettling occurrences soon disrupt the tranquil atmosphere of the resort, driving the main character and his co-workers into a dangerous quest to uncover the truth.
Heller, acclaimed for his immersive descriptions of nature, delivers a suspenseful narrative that vividly captures the beauty and mystery of Colorado's wilderness. Whether or not you're a fan of fishing, The Guide will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The Shining by Stephen King (1977)
Speaking of strange and unsettling occurrences, no reading list is complete without a touch of horror, and who better to provide that than Stephen King? His 1977 classic, The Shining, is set in the fictional Overlook Hotel in the Colorado Rockies.
The novel centers around the Torrance family—Jack, Wendy, and their young son Danny—as they become caretakers of the isolated hotel during the off-season. Not long after they arrive at the Overlook Hotel, its dark and violent history begins to exert a sinister influence on the family.
King's masterful storytelling, atmospheric tension, and complex characters make The Shining one of his most iconic works. Reading this novel will certainly add an extra layer of chills to your mountain getaway.
Forgotten Tales of Colorado by Stephanie Waters (2013)
For those who crave a mix of history and horror, Forgotten Tales of Colorado by Stephanie Waters is a treasure trove of ghostly narratives. Waters, who grew up on a cattle ranch in southern Colorado, weaves together stories of the state's wild characters, diverse cultures, and eerie myths.
Her lively writing style, peppered with puns and playful language, brings these forgotten tales to life. If you're looking to uncover more about Colorado's spooky past, this collection of ghost stories is sure to captivate you.
I read this one Halloween weekend while staying in a Victorian house in downtown Breckenridge. Probably not my smartest move. The landlord mentioned the building was from the 1880s, which only made Waters' stories feel more immediate.
A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson (1997)
Let's move on to a travel memoir that's all about embracing the great outdoors. Bill Bryson's A Walk in the Woods recounts his ambitious attempt to hike the Appalachian Trail, a journey that spans over 2,100 miles from Georgia to Maine.
Bryson's tale, filled with humor and wit, chronicles the misadventures he shares with his old friend Katz, as they encounter a cast of colorful characters and face both physical and mental challenges. Even if you're not tackling the Appalachian Trail, Bryson's engaging writing will inspire you to lace up your hiking boots and explore Colorado's wild side.
A Lady's Life in the Rocky Mountains by Isabella Lucy Bird (1879)
Travel back in time with A Lady's Life in the Rocky Mountains by Isabella Lucy Bird, a pioneering work of nature writing and American travel literature. This book is a compilation of letters written by Bird during her travels through the Rocky Mountains of Colorado in 1873.
Bird, a renowned Victorian-era English traveler, writer, and photographer, was one of the first female explorers to document the American West. Her letters offer a unique female perspective on the rugged and largely unexplored frontier, making this book a fascinating read for anyone interested in the history of the American West.
Killing Commendatore, by Haruki Murakami (2017)
Next, let's journey from the Rockies to the mountains of Japan with Haruki Murakami's Killing Commendatore. This novel follows a 36-year-old painter who, after his wife leaves him, moves into a remote mountain house that belongs to his friend's father, a famous artist. In the attic, he discovers a mysterious painting titled Killing Commendatore, which sets off a series of strange and supernatural events.
Murakami's narrative explores themes of art, creativity, and the nature of reality, drawing readers into a world where the boundaries between the real and the surreal blur. His unique style of magical realism and atmospheric storytelling will keep you engrossed from start to finish.
Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed (2012)
Finally, let's head to the West Coast with Cheryl Strayed's memoir, Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail. This book chronicles Strayed's 1,100-mile hike along the Pacific Crest Trail, a journey she undertook after the devastating loss of her mother to cancer.
Through flashbacks, Strayed reflects on her personal struggles, including a failed marriage, battles with addiction, and deep-seated insecurities. Her candid and introspective writing has earned widespread acclaim, and it was even turned into a Hollywood production starring Reese Witherspoon.
I usually pack two books for any Breckenridge trip—one for active reading and one backup. There's a café on Ridge Street where I've finished at least four novels over the years, always with their oversized latte and a window seat. Some of my best vacation memories aren't from the slopes or trails, but from those quiet mornings with a book, watching the town wake up.
Extra Tips for Enjoying Books While Traveling
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Explore Local Bookstores: Seek out independent bookstores or local shops at your destination. You'll discover unique reads that offer insight into the area's culture and history while supporting local writers and businesses.
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Research Local Authors: Before your trip, investigate authors from the region you're visiting. Look for novels, short stories, or poetry collections that capture the essence of the destination. Reading works by local writers can provide a deeper understanding of the local culture and landscape.
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Find Scenic Reading Spots: Seek out picturesque spots where you can lose yourself in a good book. Whether it's a cozy café or a tranquil park, finding the perfect reading location can enhance your vacation experience.
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Try Audiobooks: If you prefer listening to stories or want to multitask while traveling, audiobooks are a fantastic option. Download audiobooks onto your smartphone or portable device to enjoy while sightseeing, during long journeys, or on a hike up the mountains.
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Opt for Digital Books: Save space and weight in your luggage by choosing digital books. With an e-reader or tablet, you'll have a wide selection of titles at your fingertips wherever you go.
How can you make your trip to Breckenridge, CO even better?
While in town, make the best of your Breckenridge experience by staying in one of our curated collection of homes and condos.
Ski Country Resorts' properties are all in great central locations. Each condo and home we manage is fully furnished and equipped with cooking and cleaning appliances, as well as great amenities for the most comfortable stay.
Whether you're looking for a central base from which to explore the beautiful sights of Breckenridge or a home away from home while you're on business or working remotely, we welcome you to browse our large selection of rentals to find the one that fits your needs perfectly.
If you're planning a getaway to Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, Stony Brook Lodging offers the same cozy retreat experience in the stunning Great Smoky Mountains. Browse their collection of fully furnished vacation rentals for your next mountain escape.