Fall Into Breckenridge: Leaf Peeping, Festivals, and Outdoor Adventures Await!

Falling leaves, cool and crisp temps, and an abundance of festivals and events make fall the perfect time to book a Breckenridge retreat. Whether you’re in town to leaf peep, take advantage of the teeming waters to fly fish, or take part in the town’s many festivals, you can curate the ideal fall stay to appeal to everyone in your group. 

Leaf Peeping (by foot, car, and air):

Mid-September marks the change from warm summer days to cooler temps–cue the aspens! Greens transition into warm golds, oranges, and reds. Hike or bike French Gulch to see the piney greens play with the aspens’ yellows. The B&B Trail hosts more pines than aspens and other fall changers, but its views looking out to the aspen groves offer spectacular leaf peeping. Incorporate a little mining history into your fall hike when you’re on the X10U8 Trail. Across from the B&B Trailhead, this trial features aspens nestled against historic sites. Spy more mining sites and the 10 Mile Range by setting off on the Minnie Mine Loop. 

Maybe your dogs are barking and you want to gas up instead. Make a fall day of it by traveling along French Gulch Road. The trees blaze and you can make pit stops at abandoned town sites and mines from the past. Dense aspen forests make this a fall must-see. History lovers–be sure to take a tour of the Country Boy Mine. The trees aren’t the only things bringing the gold–this gold mine invites visitors to tour and explore. Maybe even try your luck panning for gold. Reservations recommended. 

Special Events and Festivals:

Breckenridge Film Festival

USA Today called the Breckenridge Film Festival one of the country’s Top 20 Film Festivals, and from September 21-24, see why. Independent filmmaking comes alive and you can choose your own film adventure with tickets and passes ranging from taking in a few movies to all-access passes including VIP Lounge and party access. 

Breckenridge Strings, Ciders, and Sours

Bluegrass and brews pair up from September 29-October 1. With a focus on ciders and sours enjoyed by the backdrop of Breckenridge’s changing season and bluegrass beats, this event also hosts local food vendors to round out the event. Ticket options range from tastings to full VIP access. 

Breckenridge Craft Spirits Festival

The perfect merger of spirits, both of the historical nature and distilled variety. From October 6-8, follow the event’s schedule and tour key historical Breckenridge sites and then enjoy some of the area’s finest cocktails and foods. Tastings, multi-course dinners, and tours make this weekend the perfect fall Breckenridge getaway. 

Halloween Haunts and Fall Favorites:

Breckenridge Ghost Tours and Haunted History

Do you dare try to encounter the ghosts of Breckenridge past? The Breckenridge Ghost Tours highlight spine-chilling tales of the past and strange events that still captivate. If you want something a little less spooky, check out the English Tea Tour to step back into what life was like in 1910. The perfect kickoff to spooky season. 

The Haunting of Breck Theater

Prepare for a multi-sensory Halloween experience! The Haunting of Breck Theater sets the chilling tone with tales from Edgar Allen Poe, an interactive haunted house, in-person storytellers. Did we mention there are cocktails and other treats (and maybe some tricks thrown in for good measure? Tickets are available to reserve times from October 12-28. 

Tombstone Tales Tour

Take a tour through Valley Brook Cemetery and glimpse Breck’s past through the stories of its people. This site, a site on the National Register of Historic Places, highlights the history and stories of the town’s former inhabitants coming from all walks of life. With its park-like setting, this tour leans heavily into stories and history. The tour runs on Thursdays. 

Bawdy Breckenridge Tour

Take a walk on the edge and learn Breckenridge’s hidden past. Tales from saloons, crimes that shocked the townspeople, and general mischief pepper this tour’s stories. This tour mixes indoor and outdoor stops with a chance to taste one of the local distillery’s finest. This 21+ tour happens every Wednesday from 4:30-6:00.

Getting Outdoors:

Fly Fishing

With access to five major rivers–Blue, Colorado, Eagle, Arkansas, and South Platte–within an hour’s drive, Breckenridge plays host to guided fishing tours, as well as providing abundant areas to cast a line by your lonesome. Check out The Upper Colorado River and William’s Fork for plentiful brown and rainbow trout or cast off at the South Platte River, where fall tends to mean calmer water conditions. 

Hiking and Biking

Pair Rocky Mountain majesty with challenging hikes (that welcome dogs!) when you visit McCullough Gulch Trail, Mohawk Lakes Trail, Peaks Trail, or Spruce Creek Trails. Cucumber Gulch Wildlife Preserve offers easier, family-friendly hikes to more moderate outings. Breck’s trails and paths make the area one of the country’s best mountain biking destinations. Venture out of town and along The Blue River Paved Recreation Path. Catch the fall beauty of the Ten Mile Range along this family-friendly route.