15 Best Trails in Breckenridge (Dog-Friendly & Accessible)

Breckenridge isn't just known for world-class skiing, as they have plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities during the warmer months as well. Whether you're looking to mountain bike, road bike, or take a casual meandering stroll through the mountains, the city has something to offer you. The mountains are awaiting you everywhere you look in the area.

During your expeditions on Breckenridge's trails, you'll come across historic mining structures, waterfalls, panoramic mountain views, and alpine lakes. Mountain bikers can find challenging trails along rocky terrain as well as recovery rides along flat paved roads. For those looking for stunning Colorado views, many of the trails are walkable and offer plenty of photo opportunities.

The trails below are some of the best that Breckenridge has to offer. After you've gotten your exercise in for the day, Breck is home to the largest historic district in the state of Colorado. Visitors and residents alike grow to appreciate the mountain town charm.

1. Blue River Bikeway

This point-to-point trail is great for bikers and walkers of all ability levels. Whether you're a newbie or you're an experienced outdoorsman who wants to take it slow on your off day. This trail is mainly paved and will take you from Breckenridge to Frisco, Colorado.

There is a small waterfall and expansive mountain views. You may also come across birding enthusiasts and trail runners along the path. The best time to visit is between May and September before it gets too cold and you start to find snow across the ground.

This is an excellent option if you're looking for a quiet and solitary morning ride. It's not usually crowded earlier in the day, and you may find you have the place basically to yourself.

There is a free shuttle that will take you back to Breckenridge if you don't feel like coming back the same way. This is an excellent option for those who are just beginning, as this nearly 9-mile-long trail can quickly get tiring. This is especially true if you're not used to higher mileage excursions.

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 8.8 Miles
Total Elevation Gain: 173 Feet

2. Minnie Mine Loop

This short, quick loop takes most riders under an hour to complete. While it's not particularly difficult or long, it provides a quick escape into nature. It also allows you to breathe in that crisp Colorado air.

You'll often find hikers and mountain bikers in the summer and snowshoers and cross-country skiers in the winter when there's a layer of snow on the ground. Dogs are welcome to join their owners, but they must be kept on a leash.

This trail is part of the White River National Forest's trail system, and one of the unique aspects of it is that there are remnants of an old gold dredge along the path. The historic mine structures offer a brief glimpse into the area's history.

Scenic mountain views abound on this trail, and it's great for those with young kids and those who are just getting into mountain biking. The Aspens line the trail and are stunning in the fall as the leaves begin to change colors.

There are several forks in the trail that allow you to add on more mileage if that's what you're looking for. The trail is relatively flat, with one steeper section. This makes for a solid acclimation walk if you're getting into Colorado and trying to get used to the elevation.

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1.5 Miles
Total Elevation Gain: 209 Feet

Related Read: Best Time To Visit Colorado

3. Boreas Pass Road

This point-to-point trail is popular with backpackers, hikers, and mountain bikers. People often camped overnight along the trail so they could continue their outdoor recreation the next day. During the winter, you'll often find cross-country skiers using the trail.

For mountain biking and hiking, the best time to visit is from June through October. Dogs are welcome, and there are some off-leash areas for them to enjoy.

During the months of October through May, the Boreas Pass Road is closed to vehicles. Take note of this if you're planning on visiting during that period.

If you're searching for a quiet hike, head out in the morning, and you won't see many other people along the trail. It gets a bit busier on the weekends as more people have the time to go on an adventure.

Many wildlife is in the vicinity, such as grouse, moose, and mule deer. If you're looking for a particularly beautiful Colorado view, come during the fall as the Aspens begin to change color.

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 19.8 Miles
Total Elevation Gain: 1,712 Feet

4. Peaks Trail Via Breckenridge

This point-to-point trail is excellent for backpacking, camping, cross-country skiing, hiking, and mountain biking. With so many recreational options, this trail is undoubtedly popular in the Breckenridge area.

The best time to visit is between April and September, when the weather is warmer, and there shouldn't be as much snow near the peak. Dogs are welcome and can even be off-leash in some areas, providing them the opportunity to run and play freely.

Hikers and bikers alike will experience breathtaking mountain meadow scenery and stunning Aspen forests that get even more striking in the fall. You'll traverse over creeks and various types of terrain.

This trail is excellent for beginners as it doesn't have much elevation gain or vertical segments to climb. If you're looking for a manageable challenge, this trail provides one.

Once you reach Frisco, you can always hop on the complimentary shuttle back to Breckenridge. This is a great option if you find that you're too tired to make it all the way back. You still get bragging rights for making it nearly 7 miles!

This is a great trail to get out on if you're not quite acclimated to the Colorado altitude. It provides an escape into nature while allowing you to breathe a little easier and allows your body time to catch up.

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 6.9 Miles
Total Elevation Gain: 452 Feet

5. Spruce Creek Trail to Mohawk Lakes Trail

This out-and-back trail is a popular mountain biking path near Breckenridge, Colorado. Other activities feature hiking, birding, backpacking, and camping.

Everyone remains courteous of one another while on the trail, and you can choose to walk a segment of the trail instead of hiking the entire 8.4 miles.

The best time to visit is between July and October when the weather is at an ideal temperature, and there isn't much rain. Dogs are welcome to visit along with their owners, and there are even some designated off-leash areas.

This is one of the most popular segments within the White River National Forest, making it a heavily-trafficked area. Parking can be difficult, and it's recommended that you try to carpool if at all possible. Once parking fills up, you'll have to choose a different trail or try again another day.

Whether you choose to bike or hike, you'll come across Continental Falls and several stunning alpine lakes. The rocky terrain and steep climbs can make this hike difficult and strenuous at times, but the views make the struggle worthwhile.

Wildlife in the area is diverse, and reviews mention seeing chipmunks and even mountain goats. While you're catching your breath after a particularly hard incline, take a moment and scan the area for any signs of life.

Difficulty: Hard
Distance: 8.4 Miles
Total Elevation Gain: 2,106 Feet

Related Read: 25 Best Colorado Springs Hiking Trails

6. Bald Mountain Trail

This out-and-back trail is popular amongst many Coloradans who enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and off-road driving. The best time to visit is between June and October, as you're more likely to get nice weather. At this time, there is also less rain and snowfall to interfere with your plans.

Dogs are welcome, but they must stay on their leash. There are no off-leash areas at this time. You'll find stunning panoramic views of Breckenridge, with plenty of photo opportunities between them.

Snowshoes are necessary to manage the terrain if you plan to tackle this trail during the winter. Some scrambling is required near the top, so proper shoes in the summer are necessary as well.

You may find mountain goats if you're lucky, and there are many other species of wildlife that call this area home. Some steep and rocky sections make this not the best choice for younger children and beginners.

The length of the trial plus the significant elevation makes this a moderately challenging trail, but the views are certainly worth the struggle. You'll be happy that you crossed this Breckenridge trail off your list by the time you're done with it.

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 10.3 Miles
Total Elevation Gain: 3,123 Feet

7. Dillon Reservoir Loop

This loop is great for hiking, mountain biking, and road biking. The best time to visit is from May to November. However, it's open year-round for outdoor recreation. Dogs are welcome, but they must stay on a leash.

If you want to rent an e-bike, this trail is more manageable for beginners and those who aren't used to this type of mileage. There are plenty of places to rent an e-bike in Breckenridge. The bikes provide the opportunity for people of all age ranges and ability levels to take on this path.

The trail is fully paved, and while it can be challenging in some sections, the views make up for it. Bringing extra water and plenty of snacks is recommended in order to keep your hydration and energy up to optimal levels.

Suppose you're riding the loop on a bicycle. In that case, it's suggested to do the loop counterclockwise in order to avoid going downhill on a section that has no designated shoulder for bicyclists. Going the other way, you can avoid this somewhat precarious scenario.

By the end of the loop, if you still want to tack on extra miles, there are various branching trails that you can add on.

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 18.4 Miles
Total Elevation Gain: 1,092 Feet

Related Read: Best Time To Visit Rocky Mountain National Park

8. Lower McCullough Gulch Trail

This out-and-back trail is great to visit from May through October. It's open year-round, but the trail may have some lingering snow during the other months. If you're hiking during the winter, snowshoes are recommended.

Dogs are welcome but must stay on their leash the entire time. There are moose in the area, so beware of this and keep your dog nearby at all times.

If you're on foot, hiking boots are recommended due to some areas of water runoff and mud that can be tricky to navigate with only sneakers on. If you want to add extra mileage, you can take Wheeler Trail once you've finished this one.

You may spot some wild strawberries along the trail when they're in season. There are also many pine trees that are enjoyable to take in along the hike. An old miners' cabin is located along the trail and is a unique view of the area's history.

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 2.4 Miles
Total Elevation Gain: 570 Feet

9. Francie's Cabin Via Burro Trail

This trail is located within the White River National Forest and is an out-and-back path, so you'll have to return the same way you came. There are often hikers and mountain bikers using this path for their outdoor recreation.

Dogs are not allowed on this trail, even if kept on a leash. Unfortunately, the pups will have to sit this one out. This provides a great workout with the incline, and it's sure to get your heart rate pumping.

Francie's Cabin is rentable and on private property, so it's important that everyone stays respectful of the occupants and doesn't trespass. There are plenty of spectacular vista views to enjoy and take photos of along the trail.

The first three miles of this trail have running water alongside it, which provides a soothing natural ambiance to the hike or mountain bike ride. Some sections have rocks or exposed roots, so hiking boots are necessary, and bikers should beware of the tricky terrain.

There is decent shade cover, which is helpful during the sunny summer days. Younger kids could manage this trail if they've had experience on a bike before and have the stamina to go 8.0 miles.

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 8.0 Miles
Total Elevation Gain: 1,653 Feet

Related Read: 16 Awesome Dog Sledding Tours/Trips: U.S.A

10. Breckenridge Peak 8 Trail

This strenuous out-and-back trail is located within the White River National Forest and is one of many great hikes in its robust trail system. It's popular with hikers, mountain bikers, and those looking to take their dogs on a walk.

The best time to check out this trail is between April and October. The area doubles as a ski resort in the winter, so you won't be able to walk and bike the trail during the winter season.

A unique option on this path is that you can take a chair lift from the trailhead all the way to the waypoint so that you can begin there. This cuts the hike in half, and you won't have to struggle with the incline.

Bring plenty of water and snacks to make sure you can get through the hike if you plan to do the entire thing. Once you reach the peak, you'll be greeted by a stunning panoramic view. You'll be able to spot Peak 7 and Peak 6 as well.

For those walking or hiking, it's recommended to take the chair lift so you can avoid many of the bicyclists. Be warned that there are many switchbacks on this trail. You'll also come across signs of wildlife in the area, such as deer and moose.

Trekking poles aren't necessary, but many reviews mentioned that they're helpful for the incline. There are some rocky sections that can make solid footing difficult, so the poles can help stabilize you.

Difficulty: Hard
Distance: 7.0 Miles
Total Elevation Gain: 2,933 Feet

11. Aspen Alley to Ice Rink

This out-and-back trail is located within the White River National Forest and is popular amongst birding enthusiasts, hikers, and mountain bikers. Dogs are welcome, but they must stay on a leash for the duration of the hike.

The best time to visit is between the months of May through September, when the weather will be enjoyable, and there shouldn't be too much snow left on the ground from the winter.

This is a multi-use trail, so bikers and walkers/hikers are expected to be courteous to one another. Those on foot should be ready to step off the trail when a mountain biker approaches.

The Aspen trees are simply gorgeous during the fall when they begin to change colors. You'll find equally stunning mountain views and plenty of opportunities for photos of the surrounding area. The hike back up has a relatively steep incline and can be a bit more strenuous.

Overall, this is a great option for beginners and those who are looking for a relatively quick day hike. There shouldn't be huge crowds, especially if you go on a weekday morning. You'll find plenty of peace and quiet on your outdoor adventure.

If you're exploring this trail on foot in the winter when there is snow, you may want to consider bringing snowshoes. This is mainly the time that the trail won't be heavily trafficked by bikes.

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 4.7 Miles
Total Elevation Gain: 830 Feet

12. Gold Run Gulch Loop

The Gold Run Gulch Loop is a popular trail for hiking and mountain biking. The ideal time to visit is anywhere between May and October. This is when it will be beautiful, and there shouldn't be much snow during this period. If you're hiking or walking the loop, expect it to take 1-2 hours to complete.

You're free to bring your furry friends along, as long as you keep them on a leash. There are a few designated off-leash areas where they're free to roam around untethered. You may come across wildlife along the trail, such as moose.

The first portion of the trail is a rocky dirt road, so expect some wear on your tires if you're biking. You'll be lulled by the beautiful sounds of nature, such as running water and birds chirping nearby.

If you start out on your outdoor excursion early, you'll find a serene and otherwise quiet bike ride through the stunning scenery. When biking, reviews recommended going clockwise. If you're hiking, counterclockwise enables you to seek shade on the back half of the trip.

While exploring the trail, keep an eye out for the remnants of the old gold mine. This historic location is a key feature of this path, and many people come specifically to spot it.

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 2.7 Miles
Total Elevation Gain: 334 Feet

13. Colorado Trail: Segment 7

This point-to-point trail is a small section of the much larger Colorado Trail, which spans over 480 miles in total. You can choose to thru-hike or bike the entire length, or you can tackle it in smaller segments, which is what many people choose to do.

The trail is popular amongst mountain bikers, backpackers, and hikers alike. There are various prime spots for camping along the trail. There is a great deal of elevation gain, so you'll definitely be getting a solid workout in segment 7 alone.

Dogs are welcome to come along but must be kept leashed at all times. Not everybody follows this rule, which isn't necessarily strongly enforced, but it should be noted before you bring your canine.

There is parking at both ends of the trail, and plenty of spots are available. There is cell service along this whole segment, which can be a major plus for those who need to stay connected with family. You'll also find several water sources along the route so that you can rely on those in part for your hydration needs.

Along the trail, there is little to no shade. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat and generously applying plenty of sunscreen is undoubtedly recommended. Overall, the path is well-maintained and has plenty of clear signage to ensure you're staying on the correct route.

Difficulty: Hard
Distance: 13.5 Miles
Total Elevation Gain: 3,687 Feet

14. Summit County Recreational Pathway

This out-and-back trail is excellent for all types of outdoor adventures, such as road biking, trail running, hiking, and fishing. The prime time to visit is between the months of March and October. The weather should be ideal for outdoor recreation.

Regardless if you're walking or biking this trail, it should take you under an hour to complete. You can bring your pups along, as long as you keep them on a leash. There are no off-leash designated areas for them.

The path surface is paved asphalt, making it wheelchair accessible and great for those who want to bring small children in strollers. If you don't have a bike of your own, you can rent one in Breckenridge and take it out to this popular local pathway.

There is a playground for the kids and plenty of great spots for fly fishing if you want to throw a pole on the back of your bike. You'll hear the sounds of running water from the rapids along the water, which makes for a soothing auditory component to this trail.

While near a highway, you won't feel completely immersed in nature due to the traffic noise. However, the Summit County Recreational Pathway provides a quick and easy bike ride or walk when you need a breath of fresh air.

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 2.7 Miles
Total Elevation Gain: 118 Feet

15. Baker's Tank

Baker's Tank is an out-and-back trail that is popular amongst a variety of outdoor recreation enthusiasts. Whether you're looking to hike, mountain bike, walk, run, or horseback ride, this trail provides an opportunity for everyone.

You can even bring your pup along, and they'll enjoy the off-leash areas where they can run freely and play a wide-ranging game of fetch with you. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit during any season.

The trail will take you up to a ridge area, where you'll be greeted by strikingly expansive views of the surrounding area. This provides a great chance to take some photos and send them to your family, who may not have the good fortune to be in Colorado.

There is a decent amount of elevation gain, and you'll get your heart pumping by the end of this workout. Often, you'll find more bikers than hikers, but everyone remains courteous with each other and respects the trail.

The first mile and a half or so provide a steep incline that has many rocky areas, as well as visible roots that can easily be tripped over. If you're walking the trail, proper footwear is a must.

After this segment, the trail levels out. You'll come across various water features, such as creeks and waterfalls. There is also a water tank built in the early 1880s, a small piece of history that many people enjoy seeing.

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 5.1 Miles
Total Elevation Gain: 882 Feet