Plan your escape to Breckenridge, Colorado home of world-class skiing and year-round events. One of the largest and oldest cities in Summit County, it has over 250 buildings that belong on the National Historic Register. Breckenridge vacation rentals in this picturesque town range from a cozy cabin to spacious homes for large families. Here you can enjoy cycling and golf in the summer, or cross-country skiing and snowboarding in the winter. Here are 12 popular places close by to search for accommodations.
1. Downtown Breckenridge
Breckenridge is a colorful city at the base of the Rocky Mountains. It was established in the mid-1800s when prospectors discovered golf in the area. Vacation rentals include rustic lodge-style residents, cabins, and multi-level homes. When visiting, spend at least a day browsing the downtown shops which dot the main street. YouÂ’ll also find several bars and spectacular restaurants, as well as outfitters and full-service spas. In town, sign up for a day of whitewater rafting on the Colorado River, or head to Granite Mountain for zip lining or a freefall adventure.
2. Blue River
There are plenty of attractions for families in Blue River. Go mining for gold, or take the kids to the Mountain Top ChildrenÂ’s Museum, which has a host of interactive exhibits. In the winter, try your skills at downhill skiing or take a class and go cross country skiing. Warm up at one of the local museums, including the Barney Ford House or the William Briggle House, or you and your family can spend a few hours at the Edwin Carter Discovery Center, which focuses on the history of mining.
3. Breckenridge Mountains
Capped with snow in the winter, the Breckenridge Mountains provide a plethora of winter sports activities including snow skiing, snowboarding, inner tube rides, and snowmobile rides. Take a drive along the Boreas Pass Road for wonderful views of the area. The McCullough Gulch delivers challenging hikes, or bring the kids along on a balloon ride over the mountain range.
4. Frisco
Escape the daily grind when you plan a trip to Frisco. There are plenty of trails for rollerblading, hiking, and biking, or sign up for a canoe trip down one of the canyons along the Colorado River. The Frisco Historic Park and Museum is an excellent place to go to learn about the history of the region, and if you love playing games and solving riddles, the Room Escape Games offers interactive mysteries. Choose vacation rentals directly on Rainbow Lake or opt for a furnished apartment in town to stay close to the action.
5. Silverthorne
Silverthorne is one of the more populated cities within Summit County, Colorado. Here, youÂ’ll find plenty of activities to fill up your vacation days. Stay busy by going indoor rock climbing, or locate the best bargains at some of the shops in town. It is easy to relax in Silverthorne with multiple parks to explore, including the Dillon Reservoir, the marina, and the local farmers market.
6. Copper Mountain
Copper Mountain is approximately 75 miles west of Denver. In the winter, you can enjoy the outdoors by going snowboarding, skiing, and or by going snowmobile riding. A popular spot for weddings and special events, Copper Mountain is the perfect place to bring family and friends year-round. When you get tired of the snow, you can take your skateboard to Woodward Park and learn some new skills, or play a game of racquetball at the Copper Mountain Racquet and Athletic Club.
7. Bald Mountain
Show off your sense of adventure at Bald Mountain. Escape your vacation rental in the morning and spend the day hiking, climbing, or mountaineering. You can also bring your dog along and explore the Colorado Trail or go to the Foothills Community Dog Park and throw the Frisbee around. Bring a book and a picnic and have lunch at the Bald Mountain Scenic area. Here, you can make use of the bike paths, or bring your horse and go trail riding.
8. Keystone
If you are looking for a cycling adventure, Keystone is an excellent place for biking. The Keystone bike park has bike trails for all skill levels, plus you will find paved paths for the casual rider. In the winter, the Keystone Ski Resort offers plenty of runs for the ski enthusiast, and afterward, you can warm up the kids at the Kidtopia Headquarters, which provides plenty of indoor activities to keep children busy.
9. Red Cliff
Most noted by the Red Cliff Bridge, Red Cliff is a tiny town with plenty of history. Try your skills at the 11-mile Shine Pass ski trail in the winter, or head down the trail on your mountain bike in the summer. Climb up to the Mount of the Holy Cross for spectacular views of the valley below, or play a round of golf with friends. Vacation rentals vary from rustic cabins tucked high in the hills to furnished homes near the base of the mountains.
10. Leadville
Relax and enjoy the history of mining and the railroad system in Leadville. The Colorado and Southern Railroad Tourist Train offers several trips throughout the season, or stop by the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum to see artifacts from when the area was first settled. Mount Elbert offers a challenging hike, or relax at the Twin Lakes in the summer and go fishing, swimming, or sunbathing.
11. Alma
Rest and relax and the downtown shops in Alma. Located along Route 9, this tiny town has a variety of restaurants and attractions and provides plenty of vacation rentals close to the Rockies. Stop by the Montgomery Reservoir to watch the birds and other animals in their natural habitats, or lounge on the deck of your cabin and watch the sun go down.
12. Fairplay
If youÂ’ve always wondered what life would be like as a cowboy, the Platte Ranch is the perfect place to start. Rent one of the horses and head out on a trail ride through South Park. The American Safari Ranch is another place to stop and ride the horses. Other hot spots in Fairplay include the South Park Brewing Company, the South Park City Museum, and the South Park Recreation Area.