Breckenridge Hiking

There are miles and miles of scenic Breckenridge hiking trails to be enjoyed right here in the area, some of which you can access without ever getting in your car! Breckenridge hiking offers something for every visitor.  Whether you want to stroll through fields of wildflowers or summit a 14,000 foot mountain peak, we’ve got you covered.

A Few Great Breckenridge Hiking and Snowshoe Trails
Boreas Pass – This dirt road follows the old railroad route along Boreas pass. It
is a gentle incline with fabulous views of the 10 Mile Range and Quandary Peak. Drive South on Hwy 9 (Main Street) and turn left onto Boreas Pass Road. Follow the road to the point where the road turns to dirt. (10-15 minutes). Park in the lot and begin walking here. You may encounter occasional car and bike traffic. This hike is an out and back. It is three miles to Bakers Tank and just under six and a half miles to the old Boreas Station at the top of the pass. This is also a great snowshoe trail.

Bakers Tank Loop – This is a six mile loop that begins at the Boreas Pass Lot. Look for the trailhead marker on the left hand side of the road. This trail winds up the hill through the woods and comes out at Bakers Tank on Boreas Pass Road (about 3.5 miles from the parking lot). When you come to an intersection along the way with multiple options, follow the blue blazes. The trail will bring you back down to Boreas Pass Road after about three miles, at Bakers Tank. From there, follow the dirt road back to the parking lot. This is also a great snowshoe trail.

Sally Barber Mine – From Main Street turn on to Wellington Road. From here, the trailhead is 3.9 miles on the right hand side. Follow Wellington up the hill, staying right at the Y intersection of Wellington and Reiling Road (1.1 miles). You will now be on French Gulch Road. From this point, continue on French Gulch Road until you see the parking lot, walk along the road for one tenth of a mile turn right at the fork with the gate across the trail. Continue along the old mining road another mile or so. You will see the remains of the Sally Barber Mine on your right, and you will have a wonderful view of the French Gulch Mining Valley from here. This trail is a little over 2 miles out and back. This is also a great snowshoe trail.

Sapphire Point – (Scenic Overlook) – From Main Street drive North, as if you are going to Frisco. After about five miles you will come to a traffic light where you will see Summit High School on the left and Swan Mountain Road to your right. Turn right and continue up to the summit (approx. 5-7 minutes) where you will see a small parking lot on the left. The overlook is approximately ¼ mile ahead, with spectacular views of Lake Dillon. From there, the trail continues in a short loop back to your car.
 
Reiling Dredge Trail – From Main Street turn on to Wellington Road. Follow Wellington road 1.1 miles to the intersection of Wellington and Reiling road. You will now be on French Gulch road. Stay right and follow French Gulch road as it turns to dirt and then continue past the Country Boy Mine on the right. From the Country Boy Mine, the entrance to the Reiling Dredge Trailhead is one mile on the right hand side. It is now well-marked, but there is a wooden trail marker directly across from the parking lot on the right side of the road. Park in the lot on the left and walk across the road to the trailhead. Follow the trail across the creek to the Reiling Dredge. This is a short, easy walk of less than a mile out and back. This is also a great snowshoe trail.

Iowa Hill Trail – This is a one mile loop in a mining area with interpretive stops along the way. The trail winds its way up and then down a hillside. From Main Street drive North on Hwy 9 (you will pass through the roundabout). Turn left on Valleybrook Road and then right on Airport Road. After .25 miles the Iowa Hill Trailhead will be on your left, directly north of the Publics Works facilities. As you turn in, stay right and drive up the dirt road to the second Iowa Hill trail sign. This is also a great snowshoe trail.

Burro Trail – Drive south on Hwy 9/Main Street and turn right onto Park Avenue. Continue on Park for one block and then turn left onto Village Road. Continue for a couple of blocks to the parking lot on your left just before Beaver Run Resort hotel. Enter the lot and continue driving to the far left corner of the lot and exit at the sign that says “County Road.” Park here. Follow the dirt road until you see a pole fence on the left. Go through the gap in the fence and cross the ski trail between lift tower 5 and 6. You will see a sign for the Burro Trail straight ahead. It eventually intersects Spruce Creek Road. From here you can turn back, or continue on to the Spruce Creek Loop or Mohawk Lakes Trail. Approximately six miles round trip.

Sawmill Trail – This is a 1.5 mile round trip up to the Sawmill Reservoir and back. This hike is accessible from town and great for kids. Go up Four O’ Clock Road and continue uphill for .3 miles. At the intersection of Four O’ Clock Road and Kings Crown Road, turn left and the trailhead is located immediately on the right next to the Snowflake Lift.

Visit the Summit County Explorer website for detailed descriptions of Breckenridge hiking trails in the area.