Free Activities in Breckenridge for 2024
Do you know that there are many FREE activities in Breckenridge? Yes- absolutely FREE! Every activity below is available all winter for free. All activities are available year round with the exception of sledding and all are highly recommended by our staff.
The Breckenridge Gondola:
Even if you’re not going to ski or snowboard or partake in Epic Discovery activities in the summer, you can hop on the BreckConnect Gondola at no cost and enjoy the best ride in Breckenridge. In the winter, plan to go in the afternoon between 1-4:30pm and you can likely have a gondola cabin all to yourself! In the summer, the best time to ride is morning or before around 1pm when the likelihood of rain is higher. From the Gondola, you’ll have a bird’s-eye view of the Ten Mile Range, the entire town of Breckenridge, Baldy Mountain, and the peaks to the east of Summit County. Be sure to look for moose as the gondola glides over the Cucumber Gulch wildlife preserve. You can unload at either the base of Peak 7 or Peak 8, both of which have dining options and spots to soak up the sun. Pose with the giant Ullr statue on Peak 8. You can also choose to not unload and just stay in your gondola seat and make a loop back to downtown. If you miss the last gondola down at the end of the day, you can ride the Breck Free Ride shuttle back to town via the Gold Route Express which stops at Peak 7 and Peak 8 every half hour.
The gondola runs 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day June 14, 2024 through Labor Day weekend. It will reopen after the fall closure on Breckenridge Ski Resort opening day in early November 2024. NOTE: The gondola does occasionally close during inclement weather (high winds or lightning). Each cabin carries 8 passengers, rises 391 vertical feet, and takes approximately 22 minutes to loop up and back down the mountain. Ride once or multiple times- it’s always FREE.
The gondola is great for all ages and even dogs can ride too. For those needing extra assistance loading or unloading, just let the lift operator know. They can easily start and stop the gondola to allow extra time so that passengers of all abilities can ride the gondola.
Isak the Troll:
Likely one of the most beloved works of art in the state of Colorado, Isak Heartstone is here to steal your heart and imagination. He sits tall at 15 feet and is constructed of recycled wood. You’ll find him tucked back in the woods, down a short and easily accessible path just east of the ice rink (the back corner on the left side of the ice rink). NOTE: The path is very slippery in the winter so tread carefully.
Sapphire Point:
The most spectacular spot in all of Summit County that is easily accessible for almost everyone. Sapphire Point is easily reached via a very short/easy walk, even in the winter, and is handicap accessible on days when the path is not muddy or covered in snow. The overlook offers amazing views of the Ten Mile Range, Gore Range, and the Dillon Reservoir. The chipmunks and Steller’s jay birds will be hungry so be sure to pack some sunflower seeds! NOTE: Sapphire Point is a popular spot for weddings and a ceremony may be happening during your visit, but the trail does not close and you may still take a walk along the trail.
Directions: From Breckenridge, travel south on Hwy 9 towards Frisco. At the intersection of Hwy and Swan Mount Road, turn right onto Swan Mountain Road. Follow the winding road 1.8 miles up to the parking lot at the summit on your left.
Summit Ski Museum:
The Summit Ski Museum celebrates the first 100 years of skiing in Summit County and provides a colorful look into the history of skiing. Visitors can have fun with photo ops, watch a ski documentary with local experts, see vintage ski equipment and clothing, and learn about the iconic 10th Mountain Division.
Sledding Hills:
Breckenridge has two free sledding hills, Carter Park and Runway Sledding Hill. Carter Park is located four blocks east of Main Street in Breckenridge on the south end of High Street. In addition to the free sledding hill, there is also a fully fenced dog park, heated restrooms, and the Breckenridge Elementary playground. This hill is the oldest and most well known in Breck and parking is limited. Guests at our High Street Chalet can make the short walk just down the street.
The newest free Breckenridge sledding hill is on Airport Road and parking is ample. If you’re short on time and don’t want to hassle with not being able to find parking, we recommend heading to Runway Sledding Hill on Airport Road. NOTE: You may find a sled at the hill to borrow and then leave behind for the next person. A sled is not guaranteed, however, as both hills are BYOS (bring your own sled). Both hills require a short walk up the hill in order to sled down, but we guarantee this is some of the most fun you will have during your stay in Breck. Sledding is fun for all ages!
Hiking/Snowshoeing:
You won’t need snowshoes on the most popular trails in town, all you need is a good pair of waterproof snow boots. Boreas Pass and Sawmill Reservoir are our favorites. You can also walk along the plowed rec path around Lake Dillon or take a short road trip to Mayflower Gulch for one of the most beautiful hikes in Summit County.
Highline Railroad Park:
Photo ops and charm galore can be found at the Highline Railroad Park. Icons of Breckenridge’s mining history are on display including Engine No. 9 which was one of the first locomotives used to navigate the high and dangerous mountain terrain of Colorado. Engine No. 9, represents the community life blood from the late 1800s and early 1900s. There is also a boxcar, a replica C&S caboose and flatcar exhibit, as well as railroad-themed playground. This park isn’t just for kids; adults of all ages will love it. Highline Railroad Park is on Boreas Pass Road by the Breckenridge skating rink. You’ll spot Engine No. 9 right away, you can’t miss it!
Breckenridge Welcome Center/Blue River Plaza
While you’re strolling Main Street Breckenridge, stop into the Welcome Center in the heart of downtown Breckenridge at 203 S. Main Street. The Welcome Center is both an information center and historical museum. The current exhibit displays relics of the past from Breckenridge Ski Resort, celebrating 60+ years of local ski history. Visitors can get information on everything from dining and shopping, to local events and activities. Several historical tours also headquarter at the Breckenridge Welcome Center. The Blue River and Blue River Plaza are just out the door. December through the end of March, the holiday lights at Blue River Plaza are spectacular and too beautiful to be missed.
Prospector Park and Edwin Carter Discovery Museum:
Edwin Carter came to Breckenridge in 1868 seeking gold, but when he saw the devastation mining had on the environment, he became a taxidermist and collected Rocky Mountain animal specimens in his museum. His collection of 3000 specimens became the nucleus of the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. The Edwin Carter Discovery Museum here in Breck features interactive exhibits, a hands-on taxidermy workbench, a children’s room and a theatre. Just across the street in between the museum and Main Street, children can play at the Prospector Park which features rock-themed playground equipment and a large sculpture of the legendary Tom’s Baby.
Self-Guided Public Art Tour:
The Breckenridge public art collection appeals to all ages, inspiring conversations that are quintessentially Breckenridge. Pieces in this permanent collection are thoughtfully placed throughout town and include mediums of bronze, steel, rock and wood.
There’s even more free activities in Breckenridge! Check out the Barney Ford Victorian House, the Breckenridge Sawmill Museum, and Blue River Plaza in downtown Breck.
Lastly, don’t forget the VERY best part of Breckenridge is always FREE!- the atmosphere and views from anywhere in town, not to mention the countless year-round hiking and walking trails, and star gazing at night. The Rec Path is plowed year round so no matter the season or the temps, a stroll taking in the sights and sounds is always good for the mind and soul.