Discovering Breckenridge, Colorado

Breckenridge history

The town of Breckenridge, situated in the homonymous valley in Colorado, was founded in 1859 and named after prospector Thomas Breckenridge. It experienced a moment of glory during the Gold Rush when settlers from all over the country moved to its valley looking for gold in the Blue River.

The city grew fast, in 1860 changed its name in Breckinridge, just to go back to the original one a year later, gained a post office, Father Dyer "The Itinerant Preacher" started his church, a firehouse was built, and the railway service arrived in town.

In 1960 the city was semi-abandonment, but it soon gained back its lustre after the opening of Peak 8 in 1961 and the following ones.

Breckenridge was back in business, the skiing business this time.

Today, you can't speak about skiing and not mention Breckenridge, as it is one of the best places in the world to learn to ski with its thousands of registered trainers.

But Breckenridge is just skiing; among the many outdoor activities visitors can do there are snowboarding, horseback riding, hiking, rafting, fly fishing, and golfing.

Tourists can choose amongst several lodging options: breakfast inns, comfortable homes and condominiums, and, of course, large hotels with even larger beds.

While in the old mining town, tourists can visit the perfectly preserved Victorian buildings, which constitute the nucleus of this wondrous resort.

Skiing and snowboarding

Skiing and snowboarding are the two main winter activities people can practice in Breckenridge.

The snow is long-lasting due to the slopes' high altitude and gives these two sports lovers many fun months. Both expert skiers and beginners can find their ideal spot. Peak 8 and the area surrounding Peak 9 and Peak 10 are the ones where trainers take the trainees for easy skiing.

Peak 7 is meant for the intermediate skiers, while Peak 6, added in 2016, and the canyon between Peak 8 and Peak 9 and Lake Chutes and the Four-o-Clock trail are meant for the experts.

Breckenridge offers a wide choice of skiing and snowboarding schools and teachers as well as gear renting shops where to find all the necessary to enjoy a holiday in the snow.

Other winter activities available at Breckenridge are snowshoeing, dog sledding, tubing, sleigh rides, and ice skating.

Golfing

What many people don't know is that the summer is almost better than the winter at Breckenridge. The Breckenridge Golf Course is situated in the glacier-sculpted Upper Blue River Valley.

It has three championship nines, the BEAR, the BEAVER, and the ELK, located at 9300+ feet in elevation with unsurpassed scenery, tricky holes, and very tight driveways.

Horseback riding and mountain biking

Horseback riding experiences for children and adults are available at Breckenridge Stables. The tour lasts 1.5 hours and gives the whole family the chance to explore the beautiful scenery between Peaks 9 and 10 on the Ten Mile Range above Breckenridge Ski Resort.

Visitors willing to enjoy the beauty of Colorado's wilderness like the first settlers can check The Rusty Spurr Ranch. Thanks to its position in a remote location, a tour with this ranch's guides offers the chance to spot wild animals.

Thanks to the remarkable terrain, mining heritage, and spectacular scenery, Breckenridge is a perfect place for biking too.

The town is surrounded by trails and paths suitable for everyone; one of the most famous biking tours available is the beer and distillery one. Visitors who can't bring with them their gear can also rent it in town.

Other outdoor activities for everyone

If all the above activities aren't enough, tourists looking for fun ventures can try the Gold Runner Alpine Coaster and the Alpine Slide. These slides and coasters offer the whole family a thrilling adventure and a stunning view over Breckenridge.

Fly fishing is another popular sport in this mountain location. It can be practiced in the Blue River, Eagle River, Colorado River, Arkansas River, and South Platte River. Guided fly fishing trips and children's suitable ponds are also available. Be aware that fly fishing requires a proper license and that all the necessary can be rent or bought at local stores.

A must-try sport during the warm months is rafting. This group sport can be done by both adults and children, helps everybody bond together, and can be performed in Browns Canyon, Blue River, Colorado River, and Clear Creek Canyon. Many companies in Breckenridge organize rafting experiences, adapt them to specific requests, and offer transport, support, and gear.