What are the best hikes near Breckenridge? Mohawk Lakes (6.8mi, moderate, waterfalls + alpine lakes), Quandary Peak (6.5mi, hard, 14er with best bang-for-buck), Blue Lakes (6mi, moderate, stunning colors), and Sawmill Reservoir (3mi, easy, family-friendly). Summer hiking season runs mid-June through September.
Breckenridge sits at 9,600 feet, so even "easy" hikes here start where other trails end. That's the reality of high-altitude hiking - plan accordingly.
The payoff? Waterfalls, alpine lakes, wildflowers, and 14er summits all within a short drive.
Easy Hikes
Sawmill Reservoir Loop
Distance: 3 miles round trip
Elevation gain: 200 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Perfect first-day hike to acclimate. Flat loop around a reservoir with mountain views. Families with kids and dogs love it. Right in town.
Burro Trail to Spruce Creek
Distance: 2.5 miles round trip
Elevation gain: 400 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Starts from downtown Breck. Gentle climb through aspen and spruce forest. Good wildflowers in July. Connects to longer trails if you want more.
Illinois Creek Trail
Distance: 2 miles round trip
Elevation gain: 300 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Quiet trail through woods, great for morning or evening walks. Less crowded than popular trails. Good for trail running.
Moderate Hikes
Mohawk Lakes
Distance: 6.8 miles round trip
Elevation gain: 1,800 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
The most popular hike in the area for good reason. You pass multiple waterfalls, old mining ruins, and end at stunning alpine lakes above treeline.
Pro tips:
- Start early - parking fills by 8am on weekends
- The road to trailhead is rough but passable for most cars
- Afternoon thunderstorms are common - aim to summit by noon
- Lower Mohawk Lake is 4 miles in if you want to turn around earlier
Blue Lakes Trail
Distance: 6 miles round trip
Elevation gain: 1,400 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Three electric-blue alpine lakes in a glacial cirque. The color is incredible - from glacial minerals in the water. Less crowded than Mohawk Lakes.
Note: Road to trailhead requires high clearance or you'll hike extra miles.
McCullough Gulch
Distance: 5 miles round trip
Elevation gain: 1,100 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Another waterfall and alpine lake hike. White Falls is impressive. The upper lake sits in a dramatic cirque surrounded by peaks.
Hard Hikes (14ers)
Quandary Peak
Distance: 6.5 miles round trip
Elevation gain: 3,450 feet
Difficulty: Hard
Summit: 14,265 feet
Colorado's most accessible 14er and many people's first. The trail is well-marked, non-technical (no scrambling required), and the views from the top are incredible.
Reality check:
- Start at 4-5am to summit before afternoon storms
- The last mile above treeline is exposed and steep
- Altitude will hit you - go slow, drink water
- Plan 5-7 hours round trip
- Parking lot fills before sunrise on summer weekends
Why it's great for first-timers: If you can handle one 14er, Quandary should be it. No route-finding, no scrambling, just hiking - hard hiking, but hiking.
Peak 10 (via Crystal Lake)
Distance: 6.5 miles round trip
Elevation gain: 2,600 feet
Difficulty: Hard
Not a 14er but feels like an accomplishment. You pass Crystal Lake on the way up and summit at 13,633 feet. Less crowded than Quandary.
Altitude Considerations
Breckenridge is at 9,600 feet. The trailheads start even higher. If you're coming from sea level:
- Day 1: Take it easy, walk around town
- Day 2: Do an easy hike
- Day 3+: Attempt moderate or hard hikes
Symptoms of altitude sickness: Headache, nausea, shortness of breath, dizziness. If you feel bad, go down immediately.
Prevention: Hydrate constantly, avoid alcohol first night, don't push too hard too fast.
When to Hike
Mid-June to early July: Trails opening, some snow, waterfalls at peak flow, wildflowers starting
July to mid-August: Prime season, wildflowers peak, all trails open, busiest
Late August to September: Aspens changing, cooler temps, fewer crowds, best weather
October: Snow possible anytime, shorter days, beautiful fall colors early in month
Trail Etiquette
- Start early to get parking and beat crowds
- Pack out all trash (including orange peels, banana peels)
- Uphill hikers have right of way
- Keep dogs on leash or under voice control
- Stay on trail to protect fragile alpine plants
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best hike in Breckenridge?
Mohawk Lakes is the classic - waterfalls, mining ruins, and beautiful alpine lakes. For experienced hikers, Quandary Peak (14er) offers the ultimate challenge and views. Blue Lakes has the most stunning lake color.
When can you start hiking in Breckenridge?
Most trails are accessible mid-June through September. Higher trails may have snow into July. Fall hiking (September-early October) offers great weather and fewer crowds. Winter hiking requires snowshoes.
Are Breckenridge hikes hard?
The altitude makes everything harder. "Easy" hikes in Breck would be moderate at sea level. If you're not acclimated, start with easy trails and work up. The elevation (9,600+ feet) is the biggest challenge.
Do I need a permit to hike in Breckenridge?
No permits required for most trails. Some trailheads have parking fees. Wilderness areas (like Eagles Nest) are free to hike but have group size limits.
Is Quandary Peak hard?
Yes - 3,450 feet of elevation gain to 14,265 feet is challenging. But it's the easiest 14er in Colorado route-wise: no scrambling, clear trail, no route-finding. Start early, go slow, and most fit hikers can do it.
What should I bring hiking in Breckenridge?
Water (more than you think), snacks, layers (weather changes fast), rain jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses, and downloaded trail map. For longer hikes: trekking poles, first aid kit, emergency blanket.