Top 10 Outdoor Activities in Breckenridge, CO

In the heart of the Colorado Rockies, Breckenridge stands as one of the most sought-after family vacation spots. With awe-inspiring scenery, extensive hiking trails, countless outdoor activities, and a lively downtown surrounded by mountain grandeur, this Colorado gem is a haven for outdoor adventures year-round.

Wondering what the best outdoor activities in town are? In this blog, we’ve curated a list of the top places where you and your family can experience Colorado’s great outdoors in the best way possible.

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.

Gear up for an unforgettable outdoor adventure!


1. Breckenridge Ski Resort

Breckenridge Ski Resort is considered the best ski resort in Colorado, and if it's the epic winter outdoor activities you’re looking for, this should be at the top of your bucket list. Spanning over 2,900 acres and five peaks, this winter wonderland features slopes for everyone — from beginner areas, allowing newcomers to have a smooth experience on gentle slopes, to adrenaline-packed descents for advanced skiers. You’ll also have access to well-maintained, modern facilities, great mountain-side restaurants, après-ski activities, and incredible views.

Breckenridge Ski Resort also offers exciting summer activities. During the warmer months, the resort transforms into a haven for hiking and mountain biking, providing breathtaking views of the region covered in vibrant greenery.

2. White River National Forest

White River National Forest in Breckenridge is a vast and scenic outdoor paradise, spanning over 2.3 million acres in Colorado's Rocky Mountains. It’s one of the most visited national forests in the country, offering year-round outdoor activities and access to some of the most stunning landscapes in the region. The forest is home to diverse ecosystems, from alpine meadows and dense forests to pristine rivers and snow-capped peaks.

Among the several outdoor activities you can enjoy while exploring the National Forest include, mountain biking, camping, fishing, horseback riding, and hiking through hundreds of miles of trails.

Popular trails near Breckenridge include the Quandary Peak Trail, which leads to a 14,000-foot summit, and the McCullough Gulch Trail, known for its waterfalls and alpine views.

3. Breck Nordic Center

The Breckenridge Nordic Center is a haven for winter outdoor activities, especially for those who want to experience fantastic cross-country skiing. Often considered one of the best places for this activity in North America, the Nordic Center offers trails with breathtaking scenery, ample wildlife viewing opportunities, and spectacular vistas of the Tenmile Range and the Cucumber Gulch Wildlife Preserve. If you're new to cross-country skiing, you're more than welcome—lessons with expert instructors are available.

The center’s local guides can lead you through the trails, offering valuable information about the area's ecology and history. If you're seeking an outdoor activity that combines stunning natural surroundings with learning about the region, this is an unbeatable option.


4. Cucumber Gulch Wildlife Preserve

Only a quick trip from downtown Breckenridge, this remarkable preserve stretches across 188 acres of open land, featuring unmatched natural beauty and rare wetlands, which are unusual at Breckenridge’s elevation.

Exploring the preserve’s more than two miles of trails is a premier outdoor activity. Winding through wetlands and forested areas, the trails offer opportunities to learn about the ecosystem through informative plaques along the way, immerse yourself in nature, and admire stunning views of the Tenmile Range and Breckenridge Ski Resort. However, the highlight of any visit is the chance to view wildlife. Keep your eyes open for elk, beavers, boreal toads, moose, deer, and a wide variety of bird species.


5. Sawmill Creek Trail

Want to enjoy the great Colorado outdoors with kids in tow? Sawmill Creek Trail is one of the best family-friendly hiking trails in Breckenridge, where little ones can experience the region’s natural beauty. The hike is short, shaded, and has minimal elevation gain. Located close to town, Sawmill Creek Trail begins at the Snowflake lift and meanders alongside a stream until you reach Sawmill Reservoir.

The trail may be short, but the natural beauty is far from limited. Along the way, you can admire stunning mountain vistas, colorful wildflowers (in spring and summer), a lovely stream, and even small waterfalls. If you start your walk in the morning, you might also spot a moose along the way.

6. BreckConnect Gondola

The BreckConnect Gondola in Breckenridge is a must-try outdoor activity that offers breathtaking views and convenient access to some of the best areas in town. This scenic gondola ride connects the town of Breckenridge with Peaks 7 and 8 of the Breckenridge Ski Resort, providing visitors with an easy way to experience the mountains year-round.

The gondola ride offers panoramic views of the Tenmile Range, Breckenridge Ski Resort, and the charming town below. Whether you visit in winter to see the snow-covered peaks or in summer to admire the lush, green landscape, the views are always impressive.


7. Maggie Pond

In the heart of Breckenridge, Maggie Pond is a year-round destination for outdoor fun. During the warmer months, Maggie Pond is perfect for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, as well as picnicking while enjoying the beautiful mountain views and fresh breeze.

When the pond freezes over in winter, it transforms into a large ice skating rink, attracting locals and visitors for some winter fun. Additionally, the pond is great for ice fishing, offering the chance to reel in trout and perch from its frozen depths.


8. Whitewater Rafting

Whitewater rafting is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Breckenridge. Thanks to its proximity to the Blue River, Arkansas River, and Colorado River, there are several rafting opportunities suitable for all skill levels.

This adrenaline-filled experience also allows you to enjoy the spectacular scenery of the region from a unique perspective. Local companies like AVA Rafting & Zipline, Breckenridge Whitewater Rafting and Performance Tours Rafting offer incredible experiences, professional staff, and high-quality equipment for an unforgettable outdoor adventure in Colorado.


9. Breckenridge Ghost Tours

Here’s an unusual and fun outdoor activity: uncover Breckenridge's ghostly secrets with a tour from Breckenridge Ghost Tours. Led by expert and engaging guides, you'll delve into the rich history of the Wild West, the Gold Rush, and the eerie tales of haunted homes. As you walk around Breckenridge, you’ll hear chilling stories of spirits and other intriguing accounts. This is undoubtedly a unique outdoor activity if you’re looking for something out of the box.



10. Attend Annual Events

Another great way to experience Breckenridge’s dazzling outdoors is by attending one of the annual events that the mountain city hosts. These events combine the town's vibrant culture with its stunning natural surroundings, allowing you to enjoy the fresh mountain air while participating in unique traditions and engaging with the locals.

Here is a list of our favorite outdoor events:

  • WAVE: Light + Water + Sound (Spring): is an annual public art festival that transforms the town into a vibrant, interactive outdoor gallery. The event features stunning installations that incorporate light, water, and sound, creating immersive experiences along the Blue River and throughout the town. Local and international artists showcase their works, blending art and nature in a unique way, while live music, performances, and other activities make it a multi-sensory event.

  • Breckenridge International Festival of Arts (Summer): This is a dynamic, multi-disciplinary arts festival held annually in August. It features a diverse range of performances, installations, and exhibitions that blend art, nature, and creativity. The festival showcases local and international artists across various mediums, including visual arts, music, theater, and dance, with many events taking place outdoors in Breckenridge’s stunning natural surroundings.

  • Breckenridge Oktoberfest (Fall): Breckenridge Oktoberfest is the town's largest street party, celebrating Bavarian culture every September. This lively event features German beer, traditional foods like bratwurst and pretzels, and live music. The streets of downtown Breckenridge are filled with people enjoying stein hoisting, games, and dancing, all set against the backdrop of the beautiful Rocky Mountains.

  • Ullr Fest (Winter): This quirky, fun-filled winter festival, held annually in Breckenridge to honor Ullr, the Norse god of snow, brings the community together for a variety of festivities, including a huge parade, the iconic Ullr bonfire, and the world's longest shot ski. Locals and visitors don Viking hats and celebrate snow with activities like ice plunges and ice skating.

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.

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