Year round, Breckenridge, Colorado is an amazing place to vacation. The world-famous ski area brings in winter sport enthusiast from around the world, while the summers offer some of the most scenic trails for hiking, biking, or running. Winter or summer you can enjoy the sinshine outside in Breckenridge.
While you can spend years exploring the mountains in the Breckenridge area, there are also some great spots to check out that are just a short drive away. We’ve made a list of the best day trips from Breckenridge!
1.) Leadville.
In one hour, you can take yourself back in time!
Location: 1 hour south of Breckenridge.
Main Attractions: Mining Museum, Melanzana, and the Silver Dollar Saloon.
Leadville is a true wild west town. It has the oldest saloon in America, the Silver Dollar Saloon, which was a favorite place for the legendary Doc Holiday! Surrounded by beautiful peaks, including Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive, two of the highest peaks in the state, downtown Leadville is a great place to spend a day shopping, eating, visiting museums, and taking in all the town has to offer.
Leadville is also home to Melazana, a local outdoor apparel company who’s clothing is in such high demand, often the only way to buy one of their pieces is in store!
2.) Mount Evans.
Drive up to the highest point in Colorado!
Location: 1 hour and 45 minutes east of Breckenridge.
Main Attraction: Highest paved road in North America for incredible views.
In less than 2 hours from Breckenridge you can be at 14,271 feet above sea level! Colorado is home to over 50 peaks that are above 14,000 feet, but only on two of them can you drive right to the top!
The typical 14’er, as they are called, usually takes hours of intense hiking to reach the summit, but Evans gives people without the high-altitude conditioning the opportunity to go straight to the top and get a breath taking view from the top of the Rockies! Mount Evans view is one that needs to be seen, with Denver and the plains as far to the east as you can see and an endless vista of giant peaks to the west!
3.) Buena Vista.
The beautiful views will not disappoint in this hip Colorado summer town!
Location: 1 hour and 15 minutes south of Breckenridge.
Main Attraction: Whitewater rafting
Buena Vista is a river runners paradise. This cool little mountain town is found next to some of the best sections of the Arkansas River.
3 famous sections of river can be rafted or kayaked by those looking for excitement including a Class V section “Pine Creek”, Class IV “The Numbers”, and Class III, the famous “Browns Canyon”. There are many Companies in the area that would love to take you down the river!
4.) Hot Sulphur Springs.
A unique natural attraction that is the perfect place to relax!
Location: 1 hour and 20 minutes north of Breckenridge
Main Attraction: The natural hot springs and spa.
About an hour and a half north of Breckenridge is the town of Hot Sulphur Springs, home to Hot Sulphur Springs Resort and Spa.
This resort and spa is the perfect way to relax for a day. With indoor, outdoor, and private hot spring pools to choose from, they also offer a variety of massages from deep tissue to hot rock massage. These springs are the best way to go into states of deep relaxation on your vacation!
So next time you’re in Breckenridge take some time to do a little exploring and take your vacation to the next level!
