Summit County weekends are packed with mountain charm: local trails, cozy cafés, lively bars, and postcard views. This guide brings together the best of Breckenridge, Frisco, and beyond for a memorable Colorado getaway.
Planning a weekend getaway but can't decide between a mountain escape or a beach retreat? It's a tough call, but if you're a little more inclined toward the mountain breezes of Colorado, I've got an idea for you.
Summit County, a picturesque gem nestled in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, offers a serene escape for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. This mountain community boasts breathtaking landscapes, scenic trails, and charming towns filled with local shops and eateries. Convinced? Now it's time to plan! But with so many great activities and sights in the area, coming up with the perfect weekend itinerary can feel like a daunting task.
Here's a little sneak peek at what I've put together for you:
- Friday Evening: Stroll Breckenridge's Main Street and enjoy a wine tasting at Continental Divide Winery.
- Saturday Morning: Breakfast in Frisco at Butterhorn Bakery and Café.
- Saturday Afternoon: Hike the Rainbow Lake Trail for an easy, scenic walk.
- Saturday Evening: Dinner at Aurum Food & Wine for farm-to-table flavor and Breckenridge cocktails.
- Sunday Morning: Hit Breckenridge Ski Resort for skiing, biking, or mountaintop views.
- Sunday Afternoon: Explore Cucumber Gulch Wildlife Preserve or the kid-friendly Sawmill Creek Trail.
- Sunday Evening: Enjoy après drinks at Après Handcrafted Libations, then dance the night away at Cecilia's Martini Bar, or opt for the spooky Breckenridge Ghost Tour.
At Great Western Lodging, we specialize in premium, boutique-style vacation rentals, taking pride in creating a true mountain escape where comfort meets adventure.
As locals, we know Breckenridge, Frisco, and Keystone like the back of our hands, and our blog is packed with insider tips for your next mountain getaway. Visiting our region for the first time? Planning a ski trip? Into summer mountain thrills? We've got you covered!
In this guide, I've put together a weekend itinerary for Summit County, highlighting must-visit spots and activities that showcase the beauty and charm of this Colorado mountain community.
Ready for some Summit Bliss? Let's dive in!
Friday evening: dive into the vibrant atmosphere of Main Street and try locally crafted Colorado wine.
Downtown Breckenridge
After you settle into your accommodation, the perfect kickoff to the weekend is heading to Downtown Breckenridge for some exploring. The area offers everything you'd expect from a historic mountain town, with plenty of postcard-worthy views of the mountains.
On Main Street, you'll discover charming wooden houses dating back to the city's illustrious mining days. Today, these buildings are home to cafes, eateries, and boutiques. It's the perfect place for a stroll, some shopping, and to select a delightful restaurant for a memorable meal.
Continental Divide Winery
A few steps from Main Street, you'll discover the tasting room of a lovely family-run winery that proudly claims to be the highest in the world. And their business motto? "Using Altitude to Make Naturally Better Wine." Spot on!
You can sample their award-winning creations in the indoor tasting room, and you can sign up for a wine blending class. Their classes feel like boozy science experiments and are undeniably a fun activity for a night out.
Saturday morning: kickstart your day with a hearty breakfast in Frisco
Butterhorn Bakery and Cafe
If you're based in Breckenridge, drive to Frisco, just a 13-minute trip by car, and start your day at this local staple. Running for 40 years in the heart of Main St. Frisco, Butterhorn is a favorite spot for locals looking for a quick and high-quality breakfast. The place offers a very cozy, rustic, and vintage atmosphere
The coffee and food are delicious (you can even opt for a boozy breakfast to kick off your day if that's your style!). Their breakfast sandwiches and Frittatas are famous. They have many great sandwiches and burritos, but the hit of the menu is The Eggs Butterhorn, an egg, bacon, cheese, and avocado croissant sandwich. Their commitment to the environment not only deserves applause but also our enthusiastic support.
Saturday afternoon: enjoy a refreshing hike along the Rainbow Lake Trail in Frisco.
After a hearty breakfast, head to Rainbow Lake Trail, a local favorite for an easy, scenic escape into nature. The 1.5-mile round-trip path winds through lush forest and open meadows, with gentle inclines that make it perfect for families and casual hikers.
As you walk beneath aspens and pines, you'll hear trickling streams leading to the main attraction: Rainbow Lake, its calm surface reflecting the sky and trees. Just minutes from downtown Frisco, it's a simple, beautiful hike that proves the best adventures don't have to be complicated.
Saturday Evening: Indulge in local flavors at Aurum Food and Wine.
After a day in the mountains, settle in at Aurum Food and Wine, one of Breckenridge's most stylish spots. This rustic-chic restaurant serves modern American dishes with creative, farm-to-table flair.
Sip a Moscow Mule made with Breckenridge vodka or explore their excellent wine list while enjoying plates like Crispy Curried Cauliflower, Octopus Carpaccio, or the Aurum Burger. With its warm service, upbeat playlist, and relaxed mountain atmosphere, Aurum is the perfect place to toast a great Saturday in Breck.
Sunday Morning: dive into the heart of adventure at Breckenridge Ski Resort.
Often referred to as the best ski resort in Colorado, Breckenridge Ski Resort is a magnet for winter sports enthusiasts from around the world. The resort is huge, spanning over 2,900 acres and five peaks.
For skiing, it offers everything from gentle slopes to thrilling descents and boasts an exceptional beginner area, ensuring a smooth experience for newcomers. The service is top-notch, with modern facilities always close at hand, complemented by several mountain restaurants and the charming downtown Breckenridge nearby.
However, the resort's charm isn't confined to winter. During the summer months, it transforms into a haven for hiking and mountain biking, offering breathtaking views, especially from the tallest chairlift in North America.
Sunday afternoon: dive into breathtaking natural landscapes and witness the wonders of wildlife.
Cucumber Gulch Wildlife Preserve
Continue your outdoor exploration at this beloved spot. Just a short ride from downtown, Cucumber Gulch Wildlife Preserve spans 188 acres of protected wetlands, rare at this altitude, and is home to moose, deer, elk, beavers, and countless bird species. The two-mile trail winds through forest and meadow, offering views of wildflowers, the Tenmile Range, and Breckenridge Ski Resort.
Boardwalks make it easy to explore without disturbing nature, and interpretive signs share insights about local flora and fauna. Dogs aren't allowed to protect wildlife, and seasonal closures may apply, so check the website before heading out.
Sawmill Creek Trail (more kid-friendly alternative)
Got kids tagging along? Here's a spot that's ideal for the little ones to experience nature. Considered one of the best family-friendly hiking trails in Breckenridge and located quite close to town, Sawmill Creek Trail is a short, shaded path with minimal elevation gain that begins at the Snowflake lift and meanders next to a stream until you reach Sawmill Reservoir.
Don't underestimate the trail's beauty just because it's short, though. The path starts on a well-maintained trail but transitions into a standard mountainside route. You can expect stunning views, beautiful wildflowers, a charming stream along the way, and even small waterfalls. The trail is clear and easy to follow, making it a perfect spot for family photos. And if you go in the morning, there's a chance you might spot a moose!
Sunday evening: dive into the classic Colorado après-ski scene and then let loose on the dance floor.
After a day on the slopes or exploring the trails, unwind at Après Handcrafted Libations, a cozy gem tucked inside a vintage 1890s building on Main Street. The vibe is friendly and relaxed, with a great mix of local beers on tap and inventive cocktails, each one thoughtfully explained by the welcoming staff. It's the ideal spot for a pre-dinner drink, a mellow evening out, or a true après-ski moment in Breckenridge.
If you're not ready to call it a night, head to Cecilia's Martini Bar & Nightclub, affectionately known as Cici's. A local favorite since 1996 and one of Colorado's top dance spots, it offers multiple rooms with different moods: chill lounges, lively dance floors, and plenty of great music. With its creative cocktails, upbeat crowd, and energetic DJ sets, it's the perfect way to end your night in Breck.
Sunday evening (spooky alternative): dive into the haunted tales from the Wild West's past as you stroll around town.
How about something a little more spooky to kickstart your night out in Breckenridge? Popular with visitors since 2010, the Breckenridge Ghost Tour's Ghostly Tales is the original ghost tour in town. It will take you to the darker sides of local history.
The very knowledgeable and engaging tour guides delve into the Wild West past, the gold rush era, and the inhabitants of haunted homes, and share chilling tales of ghosts that, as they claim, roam the town. This fun, interesting, and quite spooky thing to do while in town!
Your Weekend Itinerary in Summit county, co
There you have it! That's the formula for the best weekend activities amidst the gorgeous Rocky Mountains. Feel free to adapt it to your taste, but with this itinerary, I'm pretty sure you'll get a good glimpse of the magic this part of the country has to offer visitors and locals alike.
Other Must-Visit Things to Do in Summit County if You're Spending the Weekend
If you've still got time (or energy!) left in your weekend, Summit County has plenty more to offer beyond this itinerary. From scenic drives to local experiences, here are a few extra ways to make your trip even more memorable:
- Drive the Boreas Pass Road: A stunning mountain drive connecting Breckenridge and Como, filled with sweeping alpine views and wildflower fields in summer.
- Visit Dillon Reservoir: Go kayaking, paddleboarding, or take a lakeside stroll while soaking in the mountain scenery.
- Stroll through Frisco Bay Marina: Rent a pontoon boat or grab a drink at the waterfront bar while watching the sunset over the lake.
- Explore the Breckenridge Arts District: A creative hub with galleries, open studios, and workshops where you can meet local artists.
- Soak at the Frisco Adventure Park or Ice Arena: Depending on the season, go tubing in winter or enjoy disc golf, biking, and skating in summer.
- Ride the BreckConnect Gondola: Get a bird's-eye view of town and the Tenmile Range, a free and scenic must-do for first-time visitors.
Wondering where to stay in Summit County?
At Great Western Lodging, we offer a superior selection of luxury properties, ski-in/ski-out options, and downtown lodgings in Breckenridge, Frisco, and Keystone.
Staying in one of our properties, we guarantee you'll have nothing less than a 5-star experience during your trip to Colorado.