Trekking in Breckenridge

Breckenridge is a town in the Rocky Mountains that’s a haven for skiers during the winter. Fans of the outdoors know that there are a number of other things to keep us occupied here too. This little town is also a good base to check out some of the trails to hike in the mountains. The difficulty varies from a relatively easy hike to 12-hour endurance treks. If this is something that interests you, check out the Breckenridge vacation rentals and make your way up here. This article describes why you should go trekking from this little town and reviews three trails of varying levels of difficulty.

Why Should You Go Trekking in Breckenridge?

The first reason is that the scenery in this part of the country is absolutely breath-taking. You’ll get amazing views of the snow-capped mountains in every direction and have the chance to unwind in nature. Regardless of the level of fitness you’re at, there’s sure to be something for you.

Some of the trails are easy and require a basic level of fitness to enjoy and experience. On these trails, you’ll find yourself walking up a path that gently rises up the hill. The more difficult ones for experienced hikers or those looking for a challenge can reach altitudes of up to 14,000 feet. You can find pretty much everything else in between.

Tips for Hiking in Breckenridge:

Before we look at and review some of the trails, it’s important to mention a few essential things that you should be aware of. The first is the altitude. Some of the trails do go up pretty high and the effects of altitude sickness can come on suddenly. For this reason, it’s not advisable to do anything too strenuous in the first few days of arriving in Breckenridge. Unless your body is used to being in this environment. Your best bet is to relax on the first day and attempt some of the easier trails until your body is acclimatized. .

The next tip is to arrive early in the morning. Parking is limited at the foot of some of the popular trails and you want to make sure that you get a space. Also, make sure that you bring enough food and water for the hike. If you’re driving, keep some of the essentials in the car for when you get back. This may be extra water of sports drinks for quick rehydration. It’s more important than ever to keep properly hydrated when hiking at these altitudes. If you don’t, you’re more likely to suffer from sickness. This isn’t ideal if you’re six hours into a difficult hike and far away from help.

An Easy Hike in Breckenridge:

Spruce Creek Loop is one of the easiest treks that's just a few miles from Breckenridge. The trail follows a gentle rise through the forests and you’ll pass two lakes and a waterfall. This is quite easy and covers about four miles with amazing views from almost every angle. Don’t overestimate your ability - it may be a lot more difficult than you first imagine. This is a popular place to hike during the summer months to escape the heat from below. And you’ll still see snowcapped mountains at almost any time of the year.

A Moderate Hike in Breckenridge:

If you’re looking for something that’s a little tougher, the Blue Lakes-Mont Cristo Gulch is a perfect trail for you. This starts higher up the mountain at around 12,000 feet and takes you around the old mining area. You can see what life was like for the gold miners who lived in these mountains in the late 19^th century. The trail also passes a few lakes, plenty of streams and the views are almost certainly going to blow your mind.

The great part about this trail is that you go deeper into the mountains.This means you’re more likely to encounter some of the wildlife. It’s not uncommon to see mountain goats grazing on the steep slopes. You may come across the odd bear trail too, but it’s unlikely that you’ll encounter any. Some of the climbs are quite steep and you may need to take lots of breaks. There are also a lot of loose rocks on the ground, so be careful when you’re hiking.

A Difficult Hike in Breckenridge:

This is the daddy of hikes for the experienced climbers and endurance junkies. The Wheeler National Recreation Trail is 11 miles of challenging trail that includes steep climbs at over 12,500 feet. You’ll pass over a few peaks and will be rewarded with the 360-degree views of the surrounding mountain tops. Later, the trail goes through a smaller mountain village before you’re faced with a steep climb that lasts for a grueling five miles. There are several switchbacks as you gain altitude on the loose scree and it’s sure to push any athlete to their limits.

In my experience, the best time to go trekking is during the summer months as the trail gets buried beneath the snow in the winter. You should also aim to start as early as possible because you’re going to be out for most of the day. Being stranded when it’s getting dark is far from ideal.

Concluding Remarks:

If you want to go trekking in some of the most beautiful mountains in the United States, consider coming to Breckenridge. You can find lots of trails that vary in difficulty and time needed to finish them. And, it’s a certainty that you’re going to be rewarded with the amazing scenery.