Everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip to Breckenridge
🏔️Where to Stay
Grand Colorado on Peak 8
When we walked into Grand Colorado on Peak 8, my jaw dropped a little. We stayed in a spacious condo-style suite that was perfect for our family of 5 and had a balcony looking out at the mountains.
My kids loved the indoor and outdoor heated pools with a water slide and kiddie pools, and I loved the multiple hot tubs and the grotto (21+ which I snuck off to one night after my kids went to sleep). They even provided cozy robes, which was a nice little touch!
One of the best parts of staying here is the free shuttle that will take you to and from town and pick you up in multiple spots. It was easy to use and no more than a 10-minute wait. There is also a free gondola you can ride for free into town, which my kids love. You go over a nature preserve and we spotted a moose!
Plus, it’s where Breckenridge Peak 8 Fun Park is! Even if you don’t stay at Grand Colorado, you need to go here! (Check out all the details in things to do!)
✈️ How to Get There
We flew nonstop from Kansas City to Denver, then took a private shuttle into Breckenridge, but you can also take a group shuttle or bus.
The drive from Denver is about two hours, but the mountain views start almost immediately.
I loved that we didn’t have to rent a car. I think this would be particularly nice in the winter if I didn’t want to drive on snowy mountain roads.
Between the free gondola, free buses, the hotel shuttle, and the walkable downtown, we explored the entire trip without paying for a single Uber. As someone who usually spends half a vacation figuring out parking, I absolutely loved that.
Or DRIVE!
If you’re all about road trips (which is how we typically travel), Breckenridge is a day’s drive from Kansas City (about 10 hours). Email me if you want some great stops along I-70 in Kansas! I have some great recs.
☀️ Best Time to Visit
Summer in Breckenridge completely won me over. Late June through July brings wildflowers, cool mountain temperatures, outdoor concerts, farmers markets, and every adventure on Peak 8 is open.
It's the perfect escape if you're trying to beat the Midwest summer heat.
Most people think of Breckenridge being a winter town because it is famous for having world-class skiing.
I have seen pictures of the beautiful aspens in the fall, heard of the Christmas charm around the holidays, and dreamed about taking one of the horse-drawn sleigh rides in the winter. Really, any time sounds like a great time to go, except for perhaps May, which can be muddy from the melting snow.
🎢 Our Favorite Adventures
🛷 Peak 8 Adventure Park
This was hands down our kids' favorite stop. We got the unlimited wristbands and arrived early and stayed until it closed.
The Adventure Pass includes:
- Alpine Slide
- Gold Runner Alpine Coaster
- Scenic chairlift
- Climbing wall
- Mini golf
- Bungee trampolines
- Ropes course
- Gemstone panning
My personal favorite? The Alpine Slide.
Roller coasters sometimes leave me feeling dizzy, but the alpine slide had all the excitement without the nausea. Did I ride it about 10 times? Yes, yes, I did.
The alpine coaster, on the other hand, left me feeling just a little discombobulated. 😂But my kids and husband loved it!
🐎 Horseback Riding at Breckenridge Stables
This felt like the ultimate Colorado experience. We rode through forests, crossed streams, climbed into the mountains, and finished the evening with dinner in the mountains. They brought dinner out to a field near the stables, and it felt like a fancy picnic with horses.
I wasn't sure how the kids would feel, but they absolutely loved it and weren't nervous. I didn’t know this until we were there, but this was David’s first time on a horse too! It ended up being one of the most memorable experiences of the trip.
🥾 McCullough Gulch
This hike completely lived up to the hype. It’s about a mile to an epic waterfall and another .2 miles to an alpine lake. It is steep and at a higher elevation than I am used to, so I moved slowly, but it was so so worth it!
Be sure to reserve parking in advance through hikequandary.com before you go, or you can take a cheap shuttle from downtown.
⛏️ Country Boy Mine
This was such a fun mix of history and adventure. You tour a real mine, learn what life was like during the mining era, and then pan for gold and look for other rocks. We found gold, but they were teeny tiny flakes. I found a ton of other cool rocks like onyx and dalmatian jasper, which we got to keep too.
Both mining for gold and touring the mine were completely unique and new experiences for us.
🚂 High Line Railroad Park
This is a quick stop, but it's worth it if you're traveling with kids.
They loved climbing around the historic locomotive. Plus, it's close to the Breckenridge Troll and an alpine Marble Run made from trees, making it easy to combine into one fun afternoon.
🛍️ Explore Downtown Breckenridge
Downtown Breckenridge was adorable, with cute, local shops, a weekly farmers market, and free community events. It felt like walking through a Hallmark movie. There are historic buildings, a small downtown playground, biking trails and the Blue River winding through town.
🍴 Where to Eat
⭐ Tin Plate Pizza
I'm still thinking about this meal.
It was, without question, the best gluten-free pizza I've ever had. The watermelon burrata salad alone is worth the trip, and if you eat gluten free, do not leave without ordering the warm gluten-free cookies for dessert. It was pure bliss.
Other restaurants we loved:
- Robbie's Tavern - They had a gluten free brownie I loved.
- Quandary Tequila Bistro - The chicken was delicious, and my kids kept eating my meal because it was so good.
- Higgles Ice Cream - They make fresh and warm waffle cones right in front of you (not gluten free) that the kids were amazed by.
- Clint's Bakery - I had a gluten free blueberry muffin.
