Blue River ColoradoATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Blue River, Colorado.
1. Mohawk Lakes Trail
ALPINE LAKE HIKING
Mohawk Lakes Trail offers stunning views of beautiful alpine lakes located west of Blue River. The moderately difficult 4.2-mile hike attracts many visitors during warmer months, making early starts recommended. Hikers can enjoy breathtaking mountain scenery and pristine high-altitude lakes as rewards for their efforts.
2. Blue River
GOLD MEDAL FISHERY
The Blue River is a 65-mile high-elevation waterway offering excellent trout fishing with numerous public access points. This Gold Medal fishery is home to abundant rainbow trout and is easily accessible for anglers of various skill levels. In addition to fishing, the river has become popular for rafting, kayaking, and paddleboarding during warmer months.
3. Lower McCollough Gulch Trail
SCENIC WATERFALL HIKE
Lower McCollough Gulch trailhead is located near the south end of Blue River and offers a 6-mile roundtrip hiking experience. The trail features a beautiful waterfall at its end once the snow melts, along with plenty of scenic vistas to enjoy. While technically challenging in sections, the natural rewards make it well worth the effort for prepared hikers.
4. Blue River Recreational Path
SCENIC MULTI-USE TRAIL
Blue River Recreational Path is a well-maintained, easy-to-ride multi-use trail connecting Frisco to Breckenridge. The path is separated from the street, offering safety for cyclists, runners, and walkers. Visitors can enjoy amazing views of the surrounding mountains while traversing this scenic connection between communities.
5. Quandary Peak
ICONIC 14ER SUMMIT
Quandary Peak stands at 14,270 feet near Blue River, offering one of the more accessible Fourteener climbing experiences in Colorado. This iconic mountain provides breathtaking panoramic views of Summit County and beyond for those who reach its summit. Hikers should prepare for high-altitude conditions and start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms common in summer months.
6. Kite Lake Campground
MOUNTAIN BASE CAMPING
Kite Lake Campground is located 35 minutes from Blue River and provides excellent access to Kite Lake Trail, which famously summits four 14ers in one loop. The intimate campground offers only five official tent sites, each equipped with a picnic table and fire pit. Its high-altitude location makes it a perfect basecamp for serious mountaineers and outdoor enthusiasts.
7. Continental Falls
RUSHING MOUNTAIN WATERS
Continental Falls rushes through cracks in the granite mountainsides near Breckenridge, created by snowmelt from the surrounding peaks. The falls offer a spectacular natural display of water power against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. Visitors can experience this natural wonder on their way to Mohawk Lakes when hiking from the Blue River area.
8. Old Town Breckenridge
HISTORIC MINING DISTRICT
Old Town Breckenridge was founded in 1859 by gold prospectors and has preserved much of its historical character from that era. Today, the district primarily attracts skiers and tourists with its charming streets lined with colorful Victorian buildings housing shops, restaurants, and galleries. Various festivals and events are held in Old Town throughout the year, adding to its vibrant atmosphere just minutes from Blue River.
9. Isak the Troll
WHIMSICAL FOREST SCULPTURE
Isak the Troll is a fun wooden statue nestled in the forest near Breckenridge that has become a beloved local attraction. Visitors can sit on the troll's lap for memorable photos, and the sculpture is relatively easy to access. Winter visitors should note that snowshoes may be required to reach this whimsical forest inhabitant during snowy months.
10. Mountain Wave
PREMIER OUTDOOR OUTFITTER
Mountain Wave is a top-rated outdoor recreation shop located in Breckenridge, just a short drive from Blue River. The store offers equipment rentals, sales, and expert advice for outdoor adventures in the surrounding mountains. Visitors appreciate the knowledgeable staff and comprehensive selection of gear for activities ranging from skiing to hiking.
11. Breckenridge Tours
GUIDED LOCAL EXPERIENCES
Breckenridge Tours offers highly-rated guided experiences throughout the historic mining town and surrounding natural areas. Visitors can choose from a variety of tour options including ghost tours, historical walks, and outdoor adventures. These expert-led excursions provide fascinating insights into local history, culture, and natural environment just minutes from Blue River.
12. Mountain Time Escape Rooms
INTERACTIVE PUZZLE ADVENTURES
Mountain Time Escape Rooms offers interactive puzzle-solving adventures for groups seeking indoor entertainment near Blue River. Teams work together to solve clues, unlock secrets, and escape themed rooms before time runs out. This activity provides a perfect alternative for bad-weather days or evening entertainment after outdoor adventures.
13. Harmony Health Massage
MOUNTAIN RELAXATION THERAPY
Harmony Health Massage offers rejuvenating massage therapy services in Breckenridge, just a short drive from Blue River. Visitors can recover from active mountain adventures with professional therapeutic treatments tailored to their needs. The skilled therapists specialize in addressing activity-related soreness and promoting overall wellness for mountain vacationers.
14. Base Mountain Sports
COMPLETE ADVENTURE OUTFITTING
Base Mountain Sports is a comprehensive outdoor equipment shop in Breckenridge offering rentals, sales and services for mountain activities. The store caters to both winter sports enthusiasts with ski and snowboard equipment and summer adventurers with biking and hiking gear. Their convenient location and expert staff make them a popular stop for Blue River visitors preparing for outdoor recreation.
15. Ridden
PREMIUM BIKE SHOP
Ridden is a specialty bike shop in Breckenridge serving cyclists visiting the Blue River area and beyond. The shop offers high-quality rentals, sales, and maintenance services for mountain bikers exploring the region's extensive trail systems. Knowledgeable staff provide trail recommendations and equipment guidance to ensure visitors have optimal cycling experiences in the Rocky Mountains.