What are some of the best things to do between Breckenridge and Denver?
The drive between Breckenridge and Denver greets you with some incredibly scenic views as you wind through the Rocky Mountains. Whether you just have some time to kill before you check in at your lodge or you are just looking to add a few more stops to your trip, we have some great picks to explore.
Distance between Denver and Breckenridge
Overall, with no stops and normal traffic, you are looking at a 1.5 hour trip over 80 miles. The bulk of this drive will be on I-70, Colorado’s major lifeline to the mountains. If you are making this trip in the winter and traction control laws are in effect you need to be prepared with a vehicle that meets the legal requirements. The time can also vary substantially with an accident or winter weather.
Is the drive from Denver to Breckenridge scary?
I-70 makes for a gorgeous drive, but it can quickly become the most frustrating drive if you don’t plan ahead. Always check the weather, even a light snow in the winter can really slow things down. Give yourself a little extra time too, backups are frequent and they periodically close the road at times in the winter. When this happens, you normally just need to sit it out while they clear the roads. This can take a couple hours sometime and that’s when preparation is key. You’re going to want a full gas tank, drinks and maybe snacks, and definitely some toilet paper. When they shut the road down, your options are limited.
What some people view as the “scariest” section is the descent from the top of the Eisenhower Tunnel to Silverthorne. It is extremely common to see drivers in the ditch or or sliding down. Most of the time these are people driving recklessly or vehicles not obeying the traction laws.
A local favorite for I-70 updates, news, and overall humor, is the Instagram account I-70 Things.
Redrocks
First on our list is Redrocks, right outside of Denver in the foothills of the Rockies. Redrocks is a natural open-air amphitheater that has been built into the brightly colored rocks and is one of the most famous music venues in the United States.
When there are no performances or events, the venue is free to enter and explore (mostly). The long seating area and stairs are often used by people looking to get a unique exercise in or just soak in the sun. You can also explore the nearby trails.
Redrocks Trail: This is a 6-mile round trip trail that can take around 3 hours to complete. Its open year round and you can bring your dogs. This trail will take you through Denver Mountain Park & Matthews/Winters Park.
Georgetown
Georgetown is an old mining town now home to just over 1,000 people. I-70 cuts right through the town and makes for an easy stop off point. There are a few main attractions here, the train and the lake. However, there are also some great restaurants, shopping, and wildlife. If you’re looking for food, check out Cooper’s on the Creek.
The Georgetown Train is 3ft narrow gauge, heritage railroad, that runs alongside the highway. This is a train made for tourists that spans the 2 mile gap between Georgetown and Silver Plume. For only $3 you take a trip on this steam-powered behemoth as you chug through the Rocky Mountains accompanied by some must-see views.
The Georgetown Lake is an impossible to miss feature of the town. It’s a great fishing destination in the summer or winter. Once the lake freezes, people set up ice-fishing tents and even race their cars along a separated section of the ice. Take a look at the towns Ice Racing page.
The Georgetown bighorn sheep herd is a popular attraction and source of pride for the town. It’s one of the largest bighorn sheep herds in Colorado, with estimates ranging from 150 to 200 sheep. You can often see them climbing the rocks and just off to the side of the road.
Frisco/Silverthorne
When traveling between Breckenridge and Denver, you are either going to pass through Frisco & Silverthorne, or take the longer but incredible Loveland Pass. When taking the more direct route through Frisco and Silverthorne, you have the chance to stop by these 2 pretty sizable mountain towns connected by the Dillon Reservoir. You can find a ton of great restaurants and shopping, including the Silverthorne Outlet mall. This is also a great time to stock up on anything needed during your trip.
The Reservoir, for Colorado standards, is absolutely huge. If you rent a boat, kayak, or paddle board you can explore the handful of small islands that are scattered across the water.
The Frisco Adventure Park is another great stop where you can hike & bike trails, try a BMX course, play disc golf, and go snow tubing in the winter. If you are new to Colorado Ski resorts, tubbing is a great activity to begin with.
Loveland Pass
Taking Loveland Pass, with good weather, is a rewarding experience with arguable the best views you’ll get on your trip. It makes for a slight detour as you make your way over the top of the peak then start your descent through A-Basin & Keystone Ski Resorts then back into Dillion (Frisco/Silverthorne area). It’s a narrow and winding road, but is very well kept. There are sections with no guard rails, but the road is still very safe in good weather.
At the summit there is a parking lot where people like to get out and take pictures with the view and avalanche blasting signs. You might even be able to spot people who are skiing Loveland Pass. It’s a free to ski backcountry area that is one of the more popular in the state.
Check out this wild video captured from a drone over the pass. This is from snipesfpv
More Adventures
If you find yourself with some extra time and what to explore some of the more unique hidden gems in Colorado, take a look at our post Unique, Off The Beaten Path, Colorado Adventures.
Continuing past your Breckenridge turn off will lead you through Copper Mtn Ski Resort, Vail, and Eagle. If you make it all the way to Eagle, CO and are looking for a truly memorable experience check out the tucked away Fulford Cave. This is an expansive cave that provides hours of exploring.