Plan your perfect Breckenridge and Summit County getaway with this adventure-focused guide from Great Western Lodging, featuring the best experiences and activities in the heart of the Colorado Rockies.
Summit County, Colorado, is a four-season playground where adventure takes center stage.
In winter, world-class ski resorts like Breckenridge, Keystone, and Copper Mountain define the landscape, while snowshoeing and Nordic trails offer quieter escapes.
As the snow melts, the region transforms into a haven for hikers and bikers, with trails leading to alpine lakes, wildflower meadows, and panoramic peaks. Warm months bring even more ways to explore, from scenic mountain drives and tranquil fly-fishing on the Blue River to local shopping streets filled with small-town character.
The culinary scene thrives too, with cozy cafés, hearty steakhouses, and craft breweries that capture the county's laid-back spirit.
In this blog, we'll bring you a full adventure guide to Breckenridge and beyond, covering everything from the top things to do to places to stay and everything in between.
TL;DR
Here's a quick glance at what's inside:
- Winter in Summit County: Where the Slopes Steal the Show
- Hiking Trails and Summer Adventures: The Rockies in Full Bloom
- Biking in Summit County: Two Wheels, Infinite Views
- Fly Fishing in Blue River and Beyond: Tranquility Meets Technique
- Scenic Drives Through the Rockies: The Road to Breathtaking Views
- Local Shops and Mountain Finds: Small Towns, Big Character
- Restaurants to Savor: Flavors as Rich as the Scenery
- Craft Breweries: Raise a Glass to Summit County
1. WINTER IN SUMMIT COUNTY
Where the Slopes Steal the Show
Winter in Summit County feels like stepping into a snow globe that's come to life. This is one of the world's premier winter destinations, home to three alpine giants: Breckenridge, Keystone, and Copper Mountain.
- Breckenridge blends Old West character with world-class skiing across five peaks and nearly 3,000 acres of terrain.
- Keystone is the ultimate family-friendly resort, with long runs and even longer nights — it's one of the few places in Colorado where you can ski under the stars.
- Meanwhile, Copper Mountain challenges advanced riders with thrilling steeps, bowls, and snow conditions that stay superb all season.
If downhill isn't your thing, there's no shortage of other ways to enjoy the snow. Try snowshoeing through pine forests, gliding along cross-country trails, or simply strolling through downtown Breckenridge, where twinkling lights and mountain air create a scene straight out of a winter postcard.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Breckenridge's five-peak ski terrain and historic charm
- Keystone's night skiing and family-friendly runs
- Copper Mountain's steeps and deep powder
- Snowshoe and Nordic trails for quiet winter adventures
2. HIKING TRAILS AND SUMMER ADVENTURES
The Rockies in Full Bloom
When summer returns, the snow melts into a network of hiking trails that reveal a completely different side of Summit County — one filled with alpine meadows, glassy lakes, and wildflower-studded hillsides.
Rainbow Lake Trail (Frisco) offers a gentle route through pine forests to a peaceful alpine lake, perfect for families or those looking for a quick escape.
For a steeper challenge, Mount Royal Trail (Frisco) climbs sharply before unveiling sweeping views of Dillon Reservoir and the Tenmile Range — a payoff that makes every step worthwhile.
In Silverthorne, Lily Pad Lake Trail combines accessibility and beauty, winding through wildflowers and forest glades before opening onto a still, reflective lake.
Buffalo Mountain Trail, also in Silverthorne, rewards seasoned hikers with rugged climbs and cinematic vistas of the Gore Range.
Prefer something lighter? Old Dillon Reservoir Trail is short, serene, and ideal for a peaceful stroll, while Ptarmigan Peak Trail strikes the perfect balance between effort and reward with its vast mountain panoramas.
And for those looking to climb one of Colorado's legendary "14ers," Quandary Peak Trail near Breckenridge tops out at 14,265 feet — a breathtaking summit in every sense.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Trails for every level, from family strolls to expert climbs
- Alpine lakes and wildflower meadows in full summer color
- Sweeping views from Buffalo Mountain and Ptarmigan Peak
- The unforgettable challenge of Quandary Peak
3. BIKING IN SUMMIT COUNTY
Two Wheels, Infinite Views
When the trails dry out, it's time to trade skis for spokes. Summit County's biking scene is as diverse as its landscape, blending forest rides, open-air loops, and rugged mountain routes.
At the Frisco Peninsula Recreation Area, a web of well-maintained trails winds through pine forests and open clearings, offering options for beginners and pros alike.
For something longer, the Dillon Reservoir Bike Path forms an 18.5-mile loop linking Frisco, Dillon, and Keystone — one of Colorado's most scenic rides, with mountain peaks reflected in the water beside you.
Adventurous riders gravitate to Breckenridge's Golden Horseshoe Trail System, where winding paths weave past relics of the area's mining past — a ride through both history and nature. Short on time? Try Sapphire Point Overlook Trail near Dillon for quick, unforgettable views of the lake below.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Beginner-friendly trails at Frisco Peninsula
- The iconic Dillon Reservoir loop ride
- Historic mining routes in the Golden Horseshoe system
- Easy scenic rides at Sapphire Point and beyond
4. FLY FISHING IN BLUE RIVER AND BEYOND
Tranquility Meets Technique
For anglers, Summit County is pure heaven. The Blue River, which runs right through Breckenridge and Silverthorne, is famous for its crystal-clear waters and thriving trout populations. Rainbow, brown, brook, and even cutthroat trout make every cast an adventure.
Whether you're wading into the current for the first time or perfecting your technique, local guides can help you find the best spots and conditions. It's as much about the quiet as the catch — the hush of water, the soft whistle of the line, the mountains watching in silence.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Blue River: home to rainbow, brown, and brook trout
- Local guides available for all experience levels
- Peaceful mountain backdrops for every cast
- Year-round opportunities for anglers
5. SCENIC DRIVES THROUGH THE ROCKIES
The Road to Breathtaking Views
Some of Summit County's best scenery is found behind the wheel. The region's winding passes and byways are legendary, revealing alpine lakes, golden aspens, and peaks that seem to touch the sky.
Swan Mountain Road skirts the edge of Lake Dillon with mesmerizing views that shift at every turn — especially vivid in fall when the aspens blaze gold. Boreas Pass Road leads you above the treeline to wide-open vistas of the Tenmile and Mosquito Ranges, its dirt path a favorite for photographers.
Further afield, Guanella Pass Scenic Byway, Loveland Pass, and Hoosier Pass all promise jaw-dropping panoramas and the occasional wildlife sighting. Bring a camera, a picnic, and no hurry at all.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Boreas Pass and Swan Mountain Road for classic alpine views
- Loveland and Hoosier Passes for high-altitude drives
- Guanella Pass for wild beauty and wildlife sightings
- Year-round routes that showcase Colorado's best scenery
6. LOCAL SHOPS AND MOUNTAIN FINDS
Small Towns, Big Character
Between adventures, take time to wander through Summit County's charming towns. Frisco's Main Street is lined with local boutiques, galleries, and cozy cafés — perfect for a leisurely afternoon stroll.
Sweet tooth? Foote's Rest Sweet Shoppe is a local legend for handcrafted fudge and nostalgic treats.
In Silverthorne, the Outlets at Silverthorne bring a mix of well-known brands and mountain views — a perfect blend of style and scenery.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Frisco's Main Street boutiques and art galleries
- Foote's Rest Sweet Shoppe for handmade sweets
- The Outlets at Silverthorne for shopping with a view
7. RESTAURANTS TO SAVOR
Flavors as Rich as the Scenery
Good food is part of the Summit County experience. From artisan bakeries to lakeside breweries, every town has its culinary signature.
In Frisco, Bagalis serves wood-fired pizzas and handmade pastas in a warm, trattoria-style setting, while The Lost Cajun dishes out soulful Louisiana favorites — gumbo, jambalaya, and beignets that might just ruin you for any others.
Kemosabe at Silverheels brings a creative twist with Colorado-Asian fusion and sushi in a cozy, lodge-like atmosphere.
Start your morning at Butterhorn Bakery and Café, where croissants, cinnamon rolls, and hearty breakfasts fuel full days outdoors.
In Dillon, Pug Ryan's Brewery pairs its famous fish and chips with house-brewed ales and lakeside views.
In Silverthorne, The Mint Steakhouse specializes in perfectly grilled cuts, while Red Mountain Grill adds Tex-Mex zest and a casual family vibe.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Bagalis and The Lost Cajun: two Frisco favorites
- Breakfast bliss at Butterhorn Bakery & Café
- Classic comfort food at Arapahoe Café and Pug Ryan's Brewery
- Steak and seafood perfection at The Mint Steakhouse
8. CRAFT BREWERIES
Raise a Glass to Summit County
If you love good beer and mountain air, you'll feel right at home here. Outer Range Brewing Co. in Frisco crafts bold, hop-forward IPAs in a modern mountain setting, while HighSide Brewing offers great beers and live music with a family-friendly energy.
Dillon Dam Brewery is a local institution, pouring everything from crisp lagers to dark stouts. And in Silverthorne, Angry James Brewery keeps things creative with rotating taps and a relaxed, local crowd.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Outer Range Brewing: modern and hop-driven
- HighSide Brewing: live music and local spirit
- Dillon Dam Brewery: a Summit County classic
- Angry James Brewery: small-batch creativity
Looking for a place that feels like home in the heart of the Rockies?
Book your stay with Great Western Lodging. From slopeside condos to Main Street retreats, our vacation rentals put you close to downtown Breckenridge's shops, dining, and mountain adventure.
When you stay with us, you get more than a rental; you get the full Breckenridge experience, wrapped in comfort, convenience, and a touch of alpine luxury.