Best Spring Hiking in Breckenridge

Missing the snow? Ready for summer but tired of waiting for the weather to cooperate? If you find yourself in Breckenridge this spring, make sure to get outside and hike! Breckenridge and the town’s surrounding mountains prove stunning in the spring, perhaps because they are so quiet!

Winter crowds have dispersed, and the town dwindles to just year-round locals and the wildlife that call the mountains home. Check out these 5 amazing hikes in and around the Breckenridge area this spring!

1. Mohawk Lake

Mohawk Lake is a beautiful out and back trail located just outside of Breckenridge. This hike begins at the Spruce Creek trailhead and leads hikers through spruce and aspens forests. The trail arrives at Lower Mohawk Lake, but explorers have the opportunity to continue to Upper Mohawk Lake, only a short distance past. From here, the the stunning Tenmile Range and Mt. Helen are visible across the lake! Especially during spring when trail conditions can be snowy or muddy, hiking shoes are a must. If there the trail remains covered in snow, consider pulling out your snowshoes!

alpine lake colorado — One of Colorado’s many stunning alpine lakes

Mileage: 4.3
Easy and family friendly
Dogs (must be leashed)
1267 ft. elevation gain

2. McCullough Gulch

The McCullough Gulch Trail is located on the north side of Quandary Peak winds through forests, and in the later spring months, hikers can experience Colorado’s picturesque wildflowers. The out and back trail follows an old mining road, leading hikers above the tree line and opening up onto the Upper Blue Reservoir. This route also allows for views of the stunning White Falls and has an opportunity for a short detour on the White Falls Loop. Keep a look out for mountain goats on the trail!

2.5 miles
Easy to moderate
1,417 ft. elevation gain
Dogs allowed

Mountain goat — You might even see a mountain goat!

3. Breckenridge to Frisco Bikeway

Ride, run, walk, or job from Breckenridge to Frisco on the Blue River Bikeway! The bike path gets its name, as it runs parallel to the Blue River and through the mountains. Stop and have lunch in Frisco at the Island Grill or Vinnys, and either take the bike path or the free Summit Stage Bus back to Breckenridge.

9.3 miles
Easy
642 ft. elevation gain
Dog friendly

4. Bald Mountain

Bald Mountain (Mt. Baldy), a challenging ’13er, is not a trail for the faint of heart but one that provides stunning panoramic views of the Breckenridge area. From the summit, you will be able to see the Tenmile Range, Dillon Reservoir, and Boreas Mountain! The trail leads hikers through an aspen forest and above the tree line into areas of alpine tundra. Especially in the spring, make sure you check trail conditions before adding this trail to your itinerary, as well as check the weather–it can prove very windy above the tree line, and there is even a wind shelter at the top!

10.5 miles
Challenging
3,075 ft. elevation gain
Dogs allowed (must be leashed)

5. Hoosier Pass Loop

The Hoosier Pass Loop trail is located between Breckenridge and Fairplay at the top of Hoosier Pass, at almost 11,600 feet! The hike offers views of the Continental Divide, Mount Democrat, and the Mosquito Mountain Range. Begin at the top of Hoosier Pass and spend a few hours or a few minutes on the trail–we promise the views will not disappoint! You might also consider bringing snowshoes; due to the high elevation, snow may be difficult to hike in, even in spring!

2.8 miles
Easy
688 ft. elevation gain
Dogs allowed (must be leashed)

Spring hiking is just around the corner, and we are excited to check out all of the beautiful trails Breckenridge and Colorado have to offer! What’s next? Invest in a good pair of hiking boots, don’t forget to dress in layers, and you are ready to hit the trail! Already checked out these hikes? Ready for more adventure? Head over to Breckenridge Whitewater to plan the trip of a lifetime!