Curl up by the fire or unwind after a day on the trails with these must-read books for your Breckenridge getaway. From local history and wilderness memoirs to timeless fiction and haunting classics, this list pairs perfectly with mountain air and a warm drink.
Wherever you choose to vacation, be it the Colorado Rockies or the beaches of Florida, bringing a good book to keep you company is always a good idea.
Planning a mountain escape in Breckenridge? This mountain town offers a picturesque backdrop that's perfect for indulging in a good book. Whenever you decide to take a break from the great outdoors, there's no better way to enhance your Breckenridge experience than by unwinding in one of the charming cafes or curling up under a blanket in your rental with a good read in hand.
Here's a sneak peek at some great titles for a Breckenridge getaway:
- Breckenridge: 150 Years of Golden History: A richly detailed chronicle of the town's transformation.
- A Walk in the Woods: Bill Bryson's humorous and heartfelt journey along the Appalachian Trail.
- The Guide: Peter Heller's suspenseful tale set in a luxurious fishing resort high in the Rockies.
- The Shining: Stephen King's chilling classic about isolation and madness in the mountains.
- Forgotten Tales of Colorado: Stephanie Waters' playful, ghostly dive into Colorado's legends and lore.
- A Lady's Life in the Rocky Mountains: Letters offering a pioneering woman's view of the wild West.
- Killing Commendatore: Haruki Murakami's enigmatic novel blends art, creativity, and the surreal.
- Wild: Cheryl Strayed's bestselling memoir of redemption and resilience on the Pacific Crest Trail.
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 blog post, I've put together a vacation reading list featuring great books to enjoy on a trip to Breckenridge and the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.
Ready? Grab your favorite blanket, cozy up by the fireplace, and let these literary gems transport you on a delightful journey!
1. Breckenridge: 150 Years of Golden History by Mary Ellen Gilliland
Compelling narrative tracing Breckenridge's evolution over a century and a half.
For those eager to explore the captivating history of Breckenridge, this title comes highly recommended. Published in 2009, this meticulously researched book offers a compelling narrative tracing Breckenridge's evolution over a century and a half.
From its humble beginnings as a mining town to its success as a world-class ski destination, Gilliland expertly captures the essence of Breckenridge's journey. Through detailed storytelling and a wealth of historical photographs, you'll gain insight into the town's colorful past and the individuals who left an indelible mark on its development.
Mary Ellen Gilliland is reputable as a skilled historian, and her dedication to preserving the heritage of Colorado's mountain towns, including Breckenridge, shines through in this great work. For anyone with a keen interest in the rich tapestry of Breckenridge's history, this book is invaluable.
2. A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson
A memoir on an attempt to hike the Appalachian Trail.
Since we find ourselves in mountainous surroundings, this travel memoir is also highly praised as a discovery of the great outdoors. A Walk in the Woods recounts Bill Bryson's attempt to hike the Appalachian Trail, which stretches over 2,100 miles from Georgia to Maine.
The book chronicles his misadventures alongside his old friend Katz and their encounters with colorful characters, and the physical and mental challenges they face. It all amounts to an insightful look at the history and ecology of the Appalachian Trail.
Bill Bryson is a renowned author known for his engaging, humorous, and informative travel writing. Even if you're not roaming the Appalachian region, "A Walk in the Woods" will definitely make you want to grab your boots and hit up Colorado's wild side.
3. The Guide by Peter Heller
A suspenseful novel set on a high-end fishing resort in the Colorado Rockies.
The Guide is a suspenseful novel that follows Jack, a young outdoorsman and fishing guide, as he takes a job at an exclusive, high-end fishing resort in the Colorado Rockies. When Jack begins to notice strange and unsettling occurrences at the resort, he sets out along with other characters to solve the mysteries, putting themselves in danger in the process.
From acclaimed author Peter Heller, The Guide is a sequel to the bestseller The River, though it can be read as a standalone work. Both works provide immersive descriptions of the outdoor setting and the art of fly fishing in the stunning Colorado wilderness.
4. The Shining by Stephen King
A 1977 classic regarded as one of Stephen King's greatest and most iconic works.
What about a proper horror, by none other than the master of terror himself, Stephen King?
The 1977 classic The Shining is set in the fictional Overlook Hotel in the Colorado Rockies, centering around the Torrance family, Jack, Wendy, and their young son Danny, as they become the caretakers of the isolated hotel during the off-season. However, the Overlook Hotel has a dark and violent history that begins to exert its influence over the family.
The Shining is widely regarded as one of Stephen King's greatest and most iconic works, praised for its atmospheric tension, complex characters, and exploration of the human psyche.
5. Forgotten Tales of Colorado by Stephanie Waters
Learn about the state's rich heritage from a ghostly standpoint.
And for an extra dose of horror, especially stories often missed by the mainstream, check out ForgottenTales of Colorado. This book explores the state's rich heritage from a ghostly standpoint that includes wild characters, diverse cultures, and spooky myths.
Penned by Stephanie Waters, who was raised on a cattle ranch in southern Colorado, this collection of ghost stories is truly captivating. The writing is lively and entertaining, filled with puns and playful language that will surely leave you wanting to uncover more about these intriguing tales.
6. A Lady's Life in the Rocky Mountains by Isabella Lucy Bird
A collection of letters written by Isabella Lucy Bird during her travels through the Rocky Mountains in 1873.
Considered an early classic of American travel literature and a pioneering work of nature writing, A Lady's Life in the Rocky Mountains is a collection of letters written by Isabella Lucy Bird during her travels through the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, way back in 1873.
Bird was a renowned Victorian-era English traveler, writer, and photographer. She was one of the first female travelers to explore and document the American West in the late 19th century, and her book offers a unique female perspective on the American West during a time when it was still a largely unexplored frontier.
7. Killing Commendatore by Haruki Murakami
An enigmatic narrative exploring themes of art, creativity, and the nature of reality.
From the mountains of Colorado to the mountains of Japan, Haruki Murakami's Killing Commendatore follows an unnamed 36-year-old painter who, after his wife leaves him, moves into a remote mountain house that belongs to his friend's father, a famous artist. In the attic, the narrator discovers a mysterious painting with a homonymous title of the novel, an incident that sets off a series of strange and supernatural events in his life.
The narrative explores themes of art, creativity, and the nature of reality, as the narrator becomes entangled with his eccentric neighbor, Wataru Menshiki, and encounters a mysterious, Yoda-like figure who emerges from the painting.
Murakami is a renowned and acclaimed Japanese author known for his unique style of magical realism. His books are usually atmospheric, enigmatic, and intriguing enough to keep you turning page after page non-stop.
8. Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed
A New York Times bestseller adapted into a film starring Reese Witherspoon.
On to the wilderness of the West Coast, with another memoir: Wild follows Cheryl Strayed's 1,100-mile hike along the Pacific Crest Trail, which runs from the Mojave Desert in California to the Bridge of the Gods on the Oregon-Washington border. This is the journey Strayed embarked on after the devastating experience of losing her mother to cancer.
Through flashbacks, the narrative revisits Strayed's struggles, such as her failing marriage, battles with addiction, and feelings of sadness and insecurity.
Strayed is an acclaimed American author known for her deeply personal and introspective memoirs. This is her best-known work. It became a New York Times bestseller, and in 201,4 it was adapted into a film starring Reese Witherspoon.
Tips for reading while traveling on vacation
Here are some extra tips for reading while traveling on vacation:
- Explore Local Bookstores: Seek out independent bookstores or local shops at your destination. Not only will you find unique reads that offer insight into the culture and history of the area, but you'll also be supporting local writers and businesses.
- Research Local Authors: Before your trip, research authors from the region you're visiting. Look for novels, short stories, or poetry collections that capture the essence of the destination. Reading works by local writers can provide a deeper understanding of the culture and landscape.
- Find Inspiring Spots: Seek out scenic spots where you can immerse yourself in a good book. Whether it's a cozy café or a peaceful park, finding the perfect reading spot can enhance your vacation experience.
- Try Audiobooks for Convenience: If you prefer an alternative medium or want to multitask while traveling, audiobooks are a great option. Download audiobooks onto your smartphone or portable device to enjoy while sightseeing, during long journeys, or maybe as you take a long hike up the mountains.
- Embrace Digital Books: You can also opt for digital books while traveling to save space and weight in your luggage. Plus, you'll have a wide selection of titles at your fingertips wherever you go!
How can you make your trip to Breckenridge even better?
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.