11 Great Easy Kid-Friendly Hikes in Breckenridge, Colorado
Beautiful, Easy Hikes in Breckenridge for the Family
I grew up skiing every.single.weekend. I’ve been to Breckenridge many times, but I had never really experienced the town and everything it had to offer in the summer. I was surprised how many great options there were for hiking with kids in Breckenridge. I love seeing all the beauty of the area, and allowing the little ones to explore with these easy hikes in Breckenridge.
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If you need some easy hikes in Breckenridge (with or without kids,) here are a few great ones. Whether you have little ones or just want some easy hikes for yourself, these will take you through the woods, on the mountain, into history, and even to a waterfall.
We have taken a few long weekends away up in Breckenridge, and find there’s so much to explore every time. One thing that keeps our trip both FUN and within budget is finding some fun hiking.
Here are a few easy hikes in Breckenridge to take the whole family on.
Table of Contents
Map of Trailheads
You can use this map to get a general idea of where the hikes begin!
1. Burro Trail – moderate (because it ascends)
Distance: varies
Difficulty: Easy-Medium (because it is on the mountain)
Elevation Gain: 915 feet for the whole trail, less for a shortened hike (recommended to shorten)
Surface: natural
Accessibility: Stroller possible for shorter hike, but not recommended
This was our first kids hike in Breckenridge, and it didn’t disappoint.
Burro Trail was a beautiful and easy to moderate hike. It was raining, so we didn’t do the full trail, but it was beautiful and wooded. And the smell! Ahhh, fresh, wooded pine as it rains. It doesn’t get better than that. This trail is definitely a sensory experience!
The entire trail is 6 miles out-and-back, but I don’t recommend the whole thing. You can go a mile or so up, like we did, and really have a great hiking experience without wearing out the kids.
If you do insist on doing the entire 6 miles, then make sure to bring a child carrier for when the little ones want breaks!
The trail went alongside a river and had many great photo opportunities! We had 4 children ages 3-9 that did the trail just fine walking (I would not recommend a stroller). The trail was not flat; definitely inclines. But was not too tough of terrain. This is a great trail for kids in Breckenridge.
How to get to Burro Trail Trailhead
To access: start near the Quicksilver chair. There is a lot we parked in (for a fee) not far from the trailhead, near the Beaver Run Resort and Conference Center (we were the only car in the lot at the time. Again, it was raining and not super busy).
2. McCullough Gulch Trail
Distance: 3.6 miles roundtrip
Difficulty: Medium
Elevation Gain: 951 feet
Surface: natural
Accessibility: Not stroller friendly
The next day we all got a little sore. We really challenged our kids, and they rocked a tricky and sometimes technical hike on the McCullough Gulch Trail. That said, they did awesome and enjoyed it and we saw plenty of other kids on this trail.
According to AllTrails, McCullough Gulch is in the top 10 trails in Breckenridge. It is rated moderate on the app, but it wasn’t anything the kids got too upset about. Regardless, this is more for older kids or younger kids that have some experience hiking.
We hiked this up to the falls at the top, but you have the option to go beyond to a lake. It is about 6 miles roundtrip to continue to the lake. We only did to the falls. Even then, this hike was incredible.
There were beautiful sights along the way. It definitely climbs and there are a couple short but technical parts (going up and across larger rocks where no trail is present. This part is, apparently, really fun for kids). The top is so rewarding.
A few Pictures of the McCullough Gulch Waterfall Hike:
The picture truly doesn’t do it justice
The 3-year-old rode and sang to us in a hiking backpack, while the other 3 pulled their own weight. Definitely not a trail for strollers.
How to Get to the McCullough Gulch Trailhead
To access: this is actually past Breckenridge and right outside of Blue River. Head south on highway 9 and eventually you’ll turn onto Rd 850. Very soon after, turn right on Rd 851 and take that to the trailhead.
There are a few spots to park in a parking lot, but many were parked on the roadside (make sure there’s not a “no parking” sign”.) There is a gate to enter the area, and then a walk down a wide dirt road until you reach the actual trailhead. Then you begin to ascend the mountain.
We were there on a hot day, and much of the trail is within the trees and provide great shade, especially at the bottom part. But definitely wear sunscreen!
Take lots of water and a snack to enjoy at the top when you reach the falls, which is easily one of the coolest waterfalls in Breckenridge. There are great views all along the way and the pictures of the falls at the top don’t do it justice. If you can handle a moderate-to-difficult hike, do not skip this!
That evening, we spent a bit of time relaxing in the hot tub!
3. Iowa Hill Trail
Distance: 0.7 miles roundtrip
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 187 feet
Surface: natural
Accessibility: Not stroller friendly
This is one of the great kid friendly hikes in Breckenridge that isn’t too long, maybe 1 to 1.5 miles in total if you do the whole loop. It’s easy to access, as it’s just off the main highway into Breckenridge along Airport Rd (which runs parallel to CO-9).
Iowa Hill Trail is filled with mining history and mining exhibits. The kids will love seeing mining carts, a cabin, and a great, interactive trail for the kids. It is not too difficult, but does ascend over 150 feet overall. This is definitely a fun trail for kids in Breckenridge.
How to Get to Iowa Hill Trailhead
Iowa Hill is pretty easy to find. Just off highway 9, you’ll turn onto airport road. This road runs parallel to highway 9. If you enter Airport Road from the south end (and are heading north), there will be a road that forks off to the left just past the elementary school. Take that fork and you will be at the trailhead for this easy hike in Breckenridge.
4. Sawmill Reservoir Trail
Distance: 1.3 miles roundtrip
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 236 feet
Surface: packed and natural
Accessibility: Not stroller friendly
Another one of the great kids hikes in Breckenridge, this one was pretty easy and would be great for all ages.
Sawmill Creek Trail is pretty easy, though it does ascend. The terrain starts at a groomed, packed trail, but turns into a typical mountainside trail. It is cleared and easy to follow, but has tree roots and whatnot.
A stroller would be difficult through a few areas and there are a few stairs at the top.
The trail follows a beautiful river and ends at the top at a great lake/reservoir that’s beautiful. The 4 kids hiked it just fine without problems, and we passed lots of other families. I think the trail is just over 1 mile and is not too difficult.
How to get to Sawmill Creek Trailhead
This trail can be accessed at the bottom of Snowflake chairlift off Four O’Clock road. We were lucky to find a parking spot in a make-shift lot that fits maybe 4 cars right where the trail starts.
5. Blue Lakes Waterfall
Distance: 1.1 miles roundtrip
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 82 feet
Surface: natural
Accessibility: Stroller friendly
At only 1 mile total, this is a perfect and one of my favorite kids hikes in Breckenridge (well, a few miles away from Breckenridge). The lake can be accessed just a short walk from the car.
However, if you keep going along the lake (the far side from the car), you can hike about a half-mile more. This will land you at a gorgeous waterfall. You can see the waterfall from a distance when you arrive, but when you take the easy hike to it, it really is incredible to see up close.
There is plenty of large rock to walk around on for different views. It’s a great place to stop and have a snack and get some great photos. This is now one of our favorite kid-friendly trails in Breckenridge!
You can take a good sturdy stroller on this trail over to the waterfall, though once you arrive at the rock area you may have to take baby out.
How to get to Blue Lakes Trailhead
Take highway 9 south to Blue River. Turn west onto Rd 850 (same road you would turn on for McCullugh Gulch). Stay on this road and it becomes Blue Lakes Rd. Take it until it ends.
This is another of our favorite, easy hikes in Breckenridge. We love that it’s easy and we love that it’s beautiful.
👉🏼 Grab a fun Seek-and-Find around Breckenridge for the young ones!
6. Rainbow Lake Trail
Distance: 1.5 miles roundtrip
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 167 feet
Surface: natural, wooden boards
Accessibility: Stroller friendly
This was one of the coolest easy hikes in Breckenridge as it had many elements to it.
This hike is fairly easy for kids to do and well marked. It’s under 2 miles round-trip and has a gorgeous reward at the top.
The trail starts right at the dirt lot and you can follow the signs for Rainbow Lake. You’ll cross a boardwalk over a flooded area, up some rocky parts (not too long or hard), and on some easy dirt sections. I would not recommend a stroller on this trail. However, there were plenty of kids and families, so even little ones will enjoy it!
Eventually you’ll be near a creek, and when you start really hearing the water flow, you’re just about at the top! Rainbow Lake is the perfect, easy hike in (near) Breckenridge.
A sturdy stroller could make it on this one.
How to get to Rainbow Lake Trailhead
This trail is technically not in Breckenridge, but it is Frisco, the town right next door. You can park for free right at 2nd Ave and S. Cabin Green. Head out earlier than later, as the lot will fill up for this awesome, easy hike.
7. Sapphire Point Lookout
Distance: 0.6 miles roundtrip (loop)
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 36 feet
Surface: natural
Accessibility: Stroller friendly
This is another of the easy kids hikes in Breckenridge. It is a loop under a mile and not too tricky. Plus, you get a huge reward for just a little work. Technically it is just outside of Breckenridge in the neighboring town of Frisco, but not a far drive at all.
This is an easy hike for kids and adults alike that gives you some incredible views of Lake Dillon from above. One stopping point has a few picnic tables to relax at.
Another point has a gorgeous lookout over Lake Dillon, though really there are many places along the trail to just stop and admire the scenery. We went a little before sunset and stayed to watch the sky change above the lake and it was incredible.
How to Get to Sapphire Point in Frisco
From CO-9, turn onto Swan Mountain Road. Drive a little over a mile and you’ll come to the parking lot for the Sapphire Point lookout.
👉🏼 Spoiler– If you grab the Breckenridge Scavenger Hunt for families, you’ll end at Sapphire point for a great sunset!
8. Trollstigen Trail (Breckenridge Troll hike)
Distance: 0.5 miles roundtrip
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: minimal
Surface: natural
Accessibility: Stroller friendly
Not feeling up for a long hike or any inclines? This is THE easiest hike in Breckenridge. It’s more of a short stroll down a dirt path!
Isak Heartstone is a famous, friendly woodland troll often visited in Breckenridge. It’s maybe only about a quarter-mile walk to get to him, a perfect hike for little kids! The 15-foot tall troll was created by Thomas Dambo for the Breckenridge International Festival of Arts.
How to Find the Troll in Breckenridge
Find the trailhead for Isak near the Stephen C. West Ice arena parking lot. Make sure to read the parking signs carefully; a lot of the parking lot is for ice area parking only. The far end can be used for the Breckenridge Troll. This is one of the top things to do in Breckenridge with kids!
Make sure to pack a day pack with water, snacks, and other necessities for your hikes.
9. Cucumber Gulch Trail
Distance: 2.3 miles roundtrip
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 229 feet
Surface: natural
Accessibility: Stroller friendly
This trail is under 3 miles, and filled with beauty. It gains less than 300 feet, so nothing too strenuous for the kids. Walk through gorgeous areas and scenery, taking in the ponds and wildlife. It’s known as a home to moose, deer, elk, and other wildlife. You’ll also encouter beaver ponds!
While it sounds cool, take caution that there have been several moose around the trails; beautiful to see, dangerous to approach.
How to Get to Cucumber Gulch Wildlife Preserve
Cucumber Gulch Trail begins near Ski Hill Rd. Take Ski Hill Road about 2.7 miles west from North Park Avenue and you’ll come to Cucumber Gulch.
Note that it does have closings, as it is located on a wildlife preserve. The trail will be closed at times to allow wildlife a breeding season.
10. Minne Mine Loop Trail
Distance: 1.5 miles roundtrip
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 209 feet
Surface: natural
Accessibility: Stroller friendly
We haven’t done this one (yet!) so sorry for the lack of pictures. But it’s a noteworthy hike, so it made the list.
This trail includes a bit of history. At only 1.5 miles, kids will love the ease of terrain and being able to find remnants of old mine cabins. There are great views and even an exhibit explaining the mining of the past and how rocks were sifted through to find the valuable stuff.
How to Get to Minnie Mine Loop
In your maps app, you can enter Minnie Mine trailhead or Reiling Dredge Trailhead parking. These will take you to a parking pull off area off of French Gulch Road.
11. Illinois Creek Low Trail
Distance: 1 miles roundtrip loop
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 118 feet
Surface: natural
Accessibility: No strollers recommended
The Illinois Creek Trailhead starts at the same spot as the trail for the Breckenridge Troll. Head to the Ice Arena and park on the far end. Hop on the trail and head to the right (rather than the left for the troll). You can make a loop out of this trail.
You’ll head up for a bit until you turn slightly to the left. At this point you’ll be able to see the road, but being in the woods is still beautiful. This trail makes a full loop around. You’ll end up coming down behind the troll, which is kind of cool to be as tall as him at one point.
This was one of the kid-friendly hikes in Breckenridge that was fun to just walk around the woods and see where you ended up. And at the same time, you were never too far from civilization.
How to Get to Illinois Creek Trailhead
Getting to the trailhead is the same as getting to the parking for the troll. Head to the ice arena and make sure to park in designated areas (not parking designated for the rink!)
Getting Around- Transportation
Breckenridge is very encouraging about getting around town without a car. You can ride their FREE shuttle. The Breck Free Ride shuttle will get you all over town (yes, even to the troll, trails near snowflake chairlift, and beyond to or close to many of the trailheads within Breckenridge).
As for Frisco, there is a Summit Stage shuttle that gives people free transfers between Frisco and Breckenridge and other summit county areas. It’s a short 15 minute ride to Frisco that you can take advantage of for free.
The Summit Stage can also get you over to the McCullough Gulch trails, but it takes you to the lower area, so you’ll have to add some distance to your hiking. I recommend driving here, but you’ll risk finding parking, so go early.
The shuttle won’t take you directly to Sapphire Point or right to the Rainbow Lake Trailhead, both in Frisco. You could take the bus to the community center and make the .4 mile walk to the trail, but nothing goes right to the trailhead.
Our Favorite Lunch Spot after a hike
To save some money, we brought up most of our own food and snacks. But we did eat out three times. Once at a Mexican place that was good, but a little more expensive than we planned. The other two times, we ate at LoLo’s juice on Main Street. It is a healthy, fresh place with wraps, salads, and smoothie bowls. It’s exactly what we needed during the long days of hiking!
Great Places to Stay in Breckenridge
The house we stayed at was amazing, but no longer available. The best thing about it was the location. When you get to the beautiful neighborhoods atop the mountain in Breckenridge, you’ll immediately be taken to a state of escape.
Even though the specific house we stayed at isn’t available, there are plenty of rentals in the same neighborhood with that same, classic mountain feel.
If you’d like a hotel instead, here are a few recommendations:
The Ranahan
- Beautiful, HIGHLY RATED Mountain hotel
- Indoor and Outdoor Pool (with slide)
- Multi-bedroom villa options
- Game room, library, gym
If you want something a little closer to town, check out these recommendations.
Crystal Peak Lodge sits right at the mountain. With ski-in ski-out access, you won’t have to lug those skis or hiking packs around much. This beautiful property is condo-style, meaning you’ll have plenty of comfort and convenience (like a kitchen) in your room. Plus, you can get anywhere from 1 to 4 bedrooms, making it really easy to accommodate the whole family in one unit!
Residence Inn by Marriott is another great choice for families visiting Breckenridge. This hotel has a modern-mountain feel. The kids will love playing in the pool and the adults will love the option of a 2-bedroom suite. The rooms come with kitchens, some small, some larger.
If you’re looking for something that screams “mountain-home” a little more, check out my post on Awesome Family Cabins in Breckenridge.
Great Easy Kids Hikes in Breckenridge
There’s so many more kid-friendly things to still explore in Breckenridge and we look forward to returning soon! For now, I hope this list of easy hikes in Breckenridge with kid-friendly trails is helpful to you. This should help you plan your next summer visit to Breckenridge while really enjoying the outdoors.
What is your favorite type of hike? Is it to a waterfall, or a lake? Through the deeply scented woods (like on Burro Trail?) Come share your thoughts in the FB group:
Have a hike you love in Breck? Come share it in the Colorado Family Travel Facebook group. We’d love to see it!
Family Scavenger Hunt through Breckenridge
Find the coolest spots around town with this family-friendly scavenger hunt! Solve the clues to find your next adventure!
Have young kids? Use this easy seek-and-find style game to find fun things around Breck!
Check out Awesome Family Cabins in Breckenridge and
Top Ten Things to do in Breckenridge for a fun Family Weekend
Check out the best driving routes and shuttles from Colorado Springs to Breckenridge
This definitely looks like the perfect place for an adventurous weekend getaway with the kids! Will save this post for later!
These kid friendly hikes in Breckenridge look fantastic! I actually love to visit ski towns in the summer. They’re often quieter and always have so much to explore.
These look like some beautiful hiking trails! The Burro Trail looks lovely. I Love a good woodland hike! Thanks for the great guide!
This looks so fun! I’d love to get out west soon… we’ll see what 2021 looks like for travel! Thanks for sharing!
fingers crossed!
I lived in Summit County for 8 years and the hiking and views there are second to none! You found some great trails to enjoy
There are really endless hikes up there! That is cool you got to live there so long!
Wow the views from your holiday home are breathtaking! And so many wonderful hikes as well. Thanks for sharing 🙂
This looks like an incredible area to go hiking around! I hadn’t heard about it before reading your post.
The McCollough Gulch Trail looks awesome, and I’m impressed that your kids stuck with it for six miles 🙂
They seriously did so good! Luckily we had a bunch of snacks (and a LOT of water) that we enjoyed at the top!
Breckenridge looks so beautiful! Now you make me want to book a trip out there. These hikes look awesome too. What a great family getaway. 🙂
The house looks amazing! And your kids did a great job hanging in on those hikes! 🙂
That house was seriously incredible!
I am impressed that you did some of those hikes with your small children. Looks like a beautiful hike. Did they like riding on the gondola?
I was very impressed with them! They do love the gondola and have ridden it in the past. This past time we visited (during early summer 2020) it was closed 🙁
Breckenridge has been on my list for awhile, 2021 might be the year I go. Such an informative post of the hikes to take. Pinning so I have this guide when I make it there.
I still need to visit Breckenridge. It looks like such a cool place to visit. The McCullough Gulch Trail looks like a hike I’d love.
Looks very fun! I was just in Breckenridge the week before Christmas and did some winter hiking. That was gorgeous too. A true winter wonderland. Truth be told I doubt you can go wrong with Breckenridge any time of the year. The nature and views are fantastic. I loved the cool house you stayed at with the big windows!
This is such a beautiful place! Those trails look so amazing!