Visiting Breckenridge doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg – and no, we don’t mean crashing on the ski slopes! There are many free and fun things to do in town, from window shopping on Main Street to taking a quick ride on the sledding hill, there is plenty of free fun to be had in Breckenridge!
The quaint, historical shops lining Breckenridge’s Main Street have been preserved to look similar to the way it did a hundred years ago. Authentic buildings still house shops, restaurants and galleries while their facades send visitors back in time when Breck was a booming gold rush town in the height of the Wild West.
Looking to take in a little more mountain than town? Boreas Pass sits at 11,481 feet above sea level along the Continental Divide. Historically known as Breckenridge Pass, the road originally served as a route for prospectors coming to the area during Colorado’s gold rush. Later used as a narrow-gauge railroad pass, visitors today can see the remains of the Boreas Station that once resided at the top. With Colorado’s wild winter weather, be sure to check with CDOT for openings and safety warnings before venturing out to this beautiful piece of Colorado.
Hiking and snowshoeing are some of a Coloradan's favorite past times and McCullough Gulch Trail and Sawmill Reservoir are local picks. Sawmill Reservoir is a family-friendly trail with easy grade that runs along a stream as it travels to a mountain lake. Benches line the trail for those wanting to take their time or just need a break adjusting to the altitude. McCullough Gulch Trail is a 2.9 mile outback trail of moderate difficulty, elevation change of 951 feet and features a gorgeous mountain lake, alpine forest, a waterfall and wildlife.
The Blue River Rec Path travels the 7.5 miles between Breckenridge and the town of Frisco, passing through the Blue River Valley and along Highway 9. With over 300 days of sunshine in Colorado, this path is used all year round by visitors and locals alike to enjoy the scenic views of the Ten Mile mountain range.
The whole family can enjoy High Line Railroad Park in downtown. See an authentic steam engine, boxcar and caboose - cars that actually rode the narrow-gauge track over Boreas pass. Learn about Colorado’s railroad and mining past and see a restored rotary snowplow – one of only five known to exist today. Kids will love the railroad-themed playground and during the summer, the Luethe Cabin is open to the public as a free museum exhibiting railroad history in the Rocky Mountains.
For the adventurous types, set your sled downhill and go! Sledding is banned in town but free at the Frisco Nordic Center - minutes away from downtown and offering plenty of fun activities for the whole family.
Finding all that Breckenridge has to offer is our specialty. River Ridge Rentals has the best vacation rental homes in the area and we are confident we can provide the best experience Summit County has to offer. Browse our available Breckenridge vacation rentals and see for yourself how great your vacation can be!