With how many trails there are in Breckenridge, it can be overwhelming picking one that is suitable for your family. Below is a list of the top four family trails that we love in Breckenridge. Ranging from .25 miles to 2.8 miles, you will be sure to find one that will fit your family’s skill level. For more trail information on parking or updates, we recommend checking All Trails.
Troll Trail
The Troll Trail in Breckenridge is a family favorite. This short hike is great for the young and old. The hike to the troll is .25 miles long on a flat trail. With Breckenridge’s extensive trail system, it is very easy to make this hike longer if you want more of a challenge. Once you get to the end of the Troll Trail, you will see the 15-foot tall, recycled art piece named Isak.
You can park at the welcome center and complete a 15-minute walk to the trailhead or park in the Stephen C. West Ice Arena which is right next to the trailhead. Once you get to the Illinois Gulch Trail Head, turn right immediately onto the Trollstigen Trail and stay on the Illinois Gulch and Southside Trail. We recommend getting to Isak before 10 am or after 5 pm to avoid large crowds as this is an extremely popular trail.
Boreas Pass
Boreas pass is a mellow trail with incredible views of Breckenridge. It is a 2.5-mile loop with a 396-foot elevation gain that doubles as a road in the summer. If furry friends are a part of your family, this is a great hike for them but they must be kept on a leash. If you want to see wildlife, this trail often delivers. Moose, fox, and hawks frequent the area. Just remember to give the wildlife their space. Boreas pass is closed to cars from October to May. If you drive the whole pass, you will be brought to Black Powder Pass which is another great hike but is more challenging than Boreas Pass.
Cucumber Gulch Wildlife Preserve
The Cucumber Gulch Wildlife Preserve is a 52-acre wetland that is a huge resource for the local ecosystem but humans have become the biggest threat. Because of this, it is imperative that you stay on the trails, leave no trace and have your dog leashed. Groups larger than 8 are prohibited on this trail.
The Preserve is closed to the public from May 1st to the Monday after July 4th. This 2.7-mile trail is out and back with an elevation gain of 272-feet. Cucumber Gulch is the habitat for many animals such as the boreal toad, moose, elk, deer, mountain lions, beavers, and over forty species of birds making it a great place to go to see wildlife.
Sallie Barber Mine
If you are interested in Breckenridge’s mining history, Sallie Barber Mine is a unique hike to do. The 2.8 mile out and back trail is a little more challenging than the other hikes mentioned because of its elevation gain of 392-feet in 1.4 miles. This trail is uphill on the way to the mine but is a nice and relaxing walk back. Once at the top, read the informational signs to learn all about the previously booming zinc mine.
