Although there’s plenty to do right in Breckenridge, we understand that sometimes you need a good day trip to somewhere new. Thankfully, Breck is close to so many amazing spots! Here’s a guide to the best day trips from Breckenridge, each under 2 hours from our beloved town.
Whether you’re seeking quaint mountain towns, vibrant cities, or nature’s grandeur, these destinations offer a perfect day-long escape. Let the adventure begin!
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Table of Contents
Day Trips from Breckenridge
Here are 19 amazing day trips from Breckenridge! I’ve organized them from closest to furthest away for easy planning!
1. Frisco
- Miles from Breckenridge: 9.7 miles
Frisco was one of my favorite places we stopped in during our time in Breck. The main street is charming, and there’s plenty of outdoor fun to be had. Head to the Frisco Adventure Park for family-friendly activities and scenic views of Dillon Reservoir. It’s just a short 15-minute drive from Breckenridge and makes for the perfect day trip!
1-Day Itinerary
- Morning: Breakfast at Butterhorn Bakery & Café and Kayak Tour of the Dillon Reservoir
- Afternoon: Hike or ski at Frisco Adventure Park. Picnic Lunch.
- Evening: Explore Main Street and dinner at Frisco Prime
2. Silverthorne
- Miles from Breckenridge: 14 miles
Shopaholics, rejoice! At just over 20 minutes from Breckenridge, you’ll find Silverthorne’s Outlets where you can have a shopping spree with discounted designer brands. Afterward, enjoy a relaxing stroll around North Pond Park.
1-Day Itinerary
- Morning: Grab coffee and breakfast at Red Buffalo Café
- Afternoon: Shopping at Outlets at Silverthorne
- Evening: Nature walk at North Pond Park (or ice skating in the winter) and dinner at Murphy’s Food & Spirits. Dinner at Sauce on the Blue.
3. Keystone
- Miles from Breckenridge: 17 miles
A trip to Keystone Resort is the perfect day trip from Breckenridge. In summer, enjoy mountain biking, hiking, or take a scenic gondola ride. Visit the Lakeside Village for watersports and lakeside dining. And in the winter, you can of course enjoy the slopes!
1-Day Itinerary
- Morning: Breakfast at Inxpot
- Afternoon: Adventure at Keystone Resort
- Evening: Lakeside Village exploration; dinner at The Goat Soup & Whiskey Tavern
4. Fairplay
- Miles from Breckenridge: 22 miles
Fairplay, aka the real South Park, boasts a historic district with well-preserved buildings. During your day trip, you can visit the South Park City Museum to step back in time. It’s a much quieter day trip than others on the list and perfect for when you are wanting a relaxing day away.
1-Day Itinerary:
- Morning: Breakfast at The Java Moose
- Afternoon: Go fly-fishing at Fairplay River Park
- Evening: Visit South Park City Museum (summer months); dinner at Millonzi’s Restaurant
5. Vail
- Miles from Breckenridge: 36 miles
At just under 1 hour from Breckenridge, Vail feels like stepping into a charming European village. You’ll be able to wander through the cobblestone streets of Vail Village, check out the beautiful Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, and catch a ride on the gondola for some seriously stunning mountain views.
1-Day Itinerary:
- Morning: Breakfast at The Little Diner
- Afternoon: Stroll around the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens
- Evening: Explore Vail village and dinner at La Tour Restaurant & Bar
6. Georgetown
- Miles from Breckenridge: 37 miles
Georgetown’s Victorian charm and historic district make for a picturesque day trip. Be sure to tour the Hamill House Museum and take a ride on the Georgetown Loop Railroad.
1-Day Itinerary:
- Morning: Breakfast at The Happy Cooker
- Afternoon: Hamill House Museum tour; picnic at Georgetown Lake
- Evening: Georgetown Loop Railroad ride; dinner at The Alpine Restaurant & Bar
7. Leadville
- Miles from Breckenridge: 40 miles
Leadville, one of the highest incorporated city in the U.S., boasts mining history and stunning scenery. Explore the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum, and take a scenic drive on Independence Pass.
1-Day Itinerary:
- Morning: Breakfast at City on a Hill Coffee & Espresso
- Afternoon: National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum; lunch at Tennessee Pass Café
- Evening: Scenic drive on Independence Pass; dinner at The Silver Dollar Saloon
8. Idaho Springs
- Miles from Breckenridge: 48 miles
Known for its gold mining history, Idaho Springs offers a glimpse into Colorado’s past. Visit the Argo Mill and Tunnel for a mining tour, hike to St. Mary’s Glacier, and enjoy the hot springs at Indian Hot Springs.
Or, if you are feeling super motivated, you could tackle Gray’s Peak during your day trip!
1-Day Itinerary
- Morning: Breakfast at The Frothy Cup and a stroll along Miner Street (or hike St. Mary’s Glacier)
- Afternoon: Argo Mill and Tunnel tour; lunch at Smokin Yard’s BBQ
- Evening: Soak at Indian Hot Springs; dinner at Tommyknocker Brewery
See 28 other things to do in Indian Hot Springs, CO!
9. Kremmling
- Miles from Breckenridge: 51 miles
Kremmling, situated along the Colorado River, offers plenty of outdoor adventures. Try fly fishing or go rafting on the river. Then, enjoy the scenic views at Wolford Mountain Reservoir.
1-Day Itinerary
- Morning: Breakfast at Moose Cafe
- Afternoon: Fly fishing or rafting adventure; lunch at Grand Adventure Brewing Company
- Evening: Scenic views at Wolford Mountain Reservoir; dinner at Los Amigos Mexican Restaurant
10. Buena Vista
- Miles from Breckenridge: 60 miles
Buena Vista, surrounded by the Collegiate Peaks, offers outdoor recreation and stunning landscapes. Raft down the Arkansas River, and relax in the Cottonwood Hot Springs.
1-Day Itinerary
- Morning: Breakfast at Simple Eatery
- Afternoon: Rafting adventure; lunch at Eddyline Restaurant & Brewery
- Evening: Soak at Cottonwood Hot Springs; dinner at The Lariat
11. Hot Sulphur Springs
- Miles from Breckenridge: 68 miles
Indulge in relaxation at Hot Sulphur Springs. Soak in the geothermal pools at the resort, each with a unique temperature. Take in the peaceful mountain views during this day trip!
1-Day Itinerary
- Morning: Breakfast at Grumpys
- Afternoon: Soak in Hot Sulphur Springs; lunch at Dean Public House
- Evening: Continue pool relaxation; dinner at The Sagebrush BBQ & Grill
12. Golden
- Miles from Breckenridge: 68 miles
Golden, home to Coors Brewery, offers a mix of history and outdoor activities. Tour the brewery, explore the Colorado Railroad Museum, and stroll along Clear Creek.
1-Day Itinerary
- Morning: Breakfast at Sassafras American Eatery
- Afternoon: Coors Brewery tour; lunch at Abejas
- Evening: Visit Colorado Railroad Museum; dinner at Woody’s Wood-Fired Pizza
13. Denver
- Miles from Breckenridge: 80 miles
Denver, the Mile-High City, is perfect for a quick change of pace. Spend the day exploring the Denver Art Museum, wandering through the colorful RiNo arts district, and grabbing a bite at one of the city’s many delicious local spots.
1-Day Itinerary
- Morning: Breakfast at Denver Biscuit Company
- Afternoon: Denver Art Museum or the Museum of Illusions; lunch at Work & Class
- Evening: Explore RiNo district; dinner at Cart-Driver
Have more time? Here’s how I would spend one weekend in Denver!
14. Boulder
- Miles from Breckenridge: 87 miles
Boulder’s outdoor spirit and eclectic charm make for an engaging day trip. Hike in Chautauqua Park (I loved the Royal Arch trail), stroll along Pearl Street Mall, and savor farm-to-table cuisine.
1-Day Itinerary
- Morning: Breakfast at Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
- Afternoon: Hike in Chautauqua Park; lunch at The Med
- Evening: Explore Pearl Street Mall; dinner at Black Cat
15. Rocky Mountain National Park
- Miles from Breckenridge: 93 miles
A must on every Colorado bucket list! Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most beautiful spots int the states and a perfect day trip from Breckenridge. In one day, you can hike to Emerald Lake, marvel at the scenery along Trail Ridge Road, and spot wildlife in this pristine wilderness.
1-Day Itinerary
- Morning: Breakfast at Notchtop Bakery & Café
- Afternoon: Hike to Emerald Lake; lunch at The View Restaurant
- Evening: Drive Trail Ridge Road; dinner at The Grubsteak
16. Glenwood Springs
- Miles from Breckenridge: 96 miles
Glenwood Springs, famous for its hot springs, offers relaxation and outdoor adventures. Visit Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, soak in Iron Mountain Hot Springs, and explore downtown. It’s a super adventurous day trip from Breck!
1-Day Itinerary
- Morning: Breakfast at Daily Bread & Hike Hanging Lake Trail (advance permit needed)
- Afternoon: Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park; lunch at The Pullman
- Evening: Soak in Iron Mountain Hot Springs; dinner at The Lost Cajun
17. Canon City
- Miles from Breckenridge: 98 miles
Canon City is a bit of a hidden gem, but it makes for a fun adventure from Breckenridge! During your day, you can experience the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, take a scenic train ride, and explore the charming downtown area.
Psst: Royal Gorge Park is a fun and unique dog-friendly thing to do!
1-Day Itinerary:
- Morning: Breakfast at Michael’s on Main and Hike Tunnel Drive Trail (pictured above).
- Afternoon: Royal Gorge Bridge and Park; lunch at The Owl Cigar Store
- Evening: Scenic train ride; dinner at Pizza Madness
18. Steamboat Springs
- Miles from Breckenridge: 103 miles
Steamboat Springs, known for its Western heritage, offers a mix of outdoor activities and charming downtown exploration. Visit Fish Creek Falls, stroll along Lincoln Avenue, and relax at Strawberry Park Hot Springs (my favorite hot springs in the USA!)
1-Day Itinerary
- Morning: Breakfast at Creekside Café & Grill
- Afternoon: Fish Creek Falls hike; lunch at Mahogany Ridge Brewery & Grill
- Evening: Relax at Strawberry Park Hot Springs; dinner at Laundry Kitchen & Cocktails
19. Colorado Springs
- Miles from Breckenridge: 106 miles
Another favorite city in Colorado! Best known for the amazing Garden of the Gods park, Colorado Springs is a real gem. Make sure to get an early start for this day trip to have enough time to explore the iconic attractions!
1-Day Itinerary
- Morning: Breakfast at Over Easy
- Afternoon: Garden of the Gods; lunch at The Mason Jar
- Evening: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo; dinner at Shuga’s
Day Trips from Breckenridge Map
There you have it, adventurers! Whether you crave outdoor thrills, cultural experiences, or a bit of both, these day trips from Breckenridge offer a taste of Colorado’s diverse landscapes and attractions. Buckle up, pack some snacks, and let the road trip adventures unfold!
Here’s a map to give ya an easy visual of the day trips from Breckenridge!
Do you have any other favorite day trips from Breckenridge? Come tell me on Instagram!