Enjoy Plenty of Fall Activities in Breckenridge
Fall in the mountains is a truly magical time. The changing aspen trees paint the peaks with
vibrant yellow hues, the mountain air gets crisper, and there’s no shortage of fun events and
activities to partake in. As locals of the area, we know all the best spots to visit, and we’ve
rounded up a list of the best fall activities in Breckenridge (and even some winter activities, too!)
If you’re ready to experience the beauty of the mountains, now is the time to plan your fall and
winter getaways to enjoy all these attractions.
Fall Festivals In Breckenridge
Breckenridge Oktoberfest September 13-15, 2024
The annual Oktoberfest makes a return for its 28th year this September. Presented by
Breckenridge Brewery, the festival will feature several styles of the brewery’s best pours,
including a signature Oktoberfest brew. Enjoy traditional German food as well as classic festival
eats from local vendors. And if you want to start the weekend on an active note, you can
register for the 5k trail run, allowing you to get on the trails and among the beautiful changing
leaves and mountain scenery.
Breckenridge Film Fest September 19-22, 2024
Enjoy a weekend fully dedicated to the art of filmmaking. The Breck Film Festival showcases a
unique selection of independent films at three local cinemas – The Eclipse Theater, The
Riverwalk Center, and the Breck Backstage Theater. True cinephiles and film novices alike will
appreciate this event, with opportunities to view short and feature films and attend panels,
parties, awards ceremonies, and more.
Leaf Peeping Hikes Near Breckenridge
One of the best ways to enjoy the fall foliage in Breckenridge is to get out on foot to see it up
close and personal. There are countless hiking trails in the area that take you through stunning
aspen groves illuminated with their signature yellow leaves. There’s truly no experience quite
like seeing these vibrant hues against the blue skies of a brisk autumn day. Even if you’re a
novice hiker, we encourage you to get out on the trails and enjoy the views.
Easy Autumn Hikes
For those looking for low-effort views, there are plenty of easy hikes in the Breckenridge area. These hikes allow you to get out, explore, and experience the beauty of the mountains without strenuous climbs. We suggest you check out these easy hikes during your stay:
Trollstigen Trail: This trail is located close to town and leads you to Isak Hearthstone (the Breckenridge troll). It’s a great option for families with kids, as the hike is short and ends at the 15-foot tall, wooden troll sculpture created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo. This sculpture has become a popular destination, and it’s a great spot to get a selfie with the whole family.
Rainbow Lake Trail: To get to this trail, you’ll have to take a drive to the small mountain town of Frisco, but once there, the trail takes you to a gorgeous mountain lake. At just 2-miles round trip and with minimal elevation gain, this hike is great for all experience levels, providing great views with low effort.
Moderate Autumn Hikes
For those craving a bit more of a challenge, there’s plenty of moderate hikes to get your heart
pumping. Just be sure to use caution when hiking at higher elevations – bring plenty of water
and take breaks when you need them. These are our favorite options for the best autumn views:
Aspen Alley: Appropriately named for the aspen trees along this trail, this hike offers you a
great chance to see them in all their glory. This trail is about 3 miles and has slightly more
elevation gain, which means you’ll ascend steadily on the way out. But the extra work is most
definitely worth the views.
McCullough Gulch: For those craving even more adventure, we suggest this nearly 7-mile trail
that takes you past lakes and waterfalls to a final elevation over 12,500 feet. You’ll start the hike
meandering through beautiful aspen groves and be rewarded with stunning views of the fall
colors across the valley at the trail's highest point.
Scenic Leaf Peeping Drives near Breckenridge
Beyond hiking trails, there are also plenty of other ways to take in the fall colors. The mountain
roads surrounding Breckenridge take you on a winding journey of breathtaking views, allowing
you to enjoy the beauty from your car. Perhaps the most popular drive in the area is the 20-mile
Boreas Pass that starts right near town and takes you through the mountains. This scenic
stretch of road is partially unpaved and is popular among tourists and locals, so we recommend
starting early and being prepared to encounter others on the roadway.
Another scenic drive option a bit further from Breckenridge is Guanella Pass. This road is fully
paved and climbs to high elevations, taking you above treeline for spectacular views. We
recommend starting this drive in the town of Grant and ending in the charming mountain
community of Georgetown. Here, you can explore the historical downtown area and even take a
ride on a steam engine train. It truly makes for the perfect fall day.
Don’t Forget the Winter Activities
If you’re visiting us later in the year, there are plenty of winter activities to enjoy in Breckenridge
as well – and it’s never too early to start planning. Though skiing and snowboarding are
obviously one of the most popular winter attractions, you can also find things to do off the
slopes. Take a picturesque sleigh ride through the mountains at Breckenridge Stables. Rent
snowshoes and explore popular trails. And for a free, family-friendly experience, both Carter
Park and Runway Sledding Hill allow you to sled at no cost.
Plan a Vacation to Breckenridge
Are you ready to experience fall in the mountains? If so, now is the time to start planning your
getaway. Fall colors peak in mid-September, which is just around the corner. If you need a
place to stay, our vacation rentals allow you to fully experience the mountain lifestyle. You’ll be
right at the center of some of the most picturesque alpine views, making for a memorable trip
with your loved ones.