There are perfect hikes for everyone near Breckenridge, Colorado. Day hikes are a great way to spend family time while soaking up the beautiful natural surroundings. Whenever you decide to go for a hike near Breckenridge, make sure you are prepared with water, food, and plenty of layers of clothing. Another important thing to remember when you go for a hike near Breckenridge is to start out early in the morning. Summer afternoons usually bring thunderstorms that sport lightening, rain, and sometimes hail. Here is a short list of five hikes near Breckenridge that are sure to appeal to all levels of hikers.

1. Summiting Quandary Peak

If you have ever wanted to stand on top of one of the 54 mountains in Colorado that soars into the sky over 14,000-feet, then the hike up Quandary Peak is perfect. This difficult six-mile out and back trek has an elevation gain of over 3,300 feet. Once on top, you will find with huge views of the Ten Mile Range, the Continental Divide, and you might spot some mountain goats.

Location: Access to the trailhead requires a short drive south on U.S. 9 where you will turn right on to C.R. 850 (Blue Lakes Road). Take another right turn when you reach C.R. 851 and follow for 0.1-miles to the trailhead.

2. Hoosier Pass Loop

The Hoosier Pass Loop is an ideal hike near Breckenridge for all skill levels of hikers. The hike will take you through an alpine adventure without having to climb to tree line first. Big views of the Continental Divide, Mount Quandary, and the Ten Mile Range are superb while you are completing this three-mile loop trail. Remember to respect nature anytime you are above timberline. Temperatures and weather can change rapidly. Start your journey early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms.

Location: Access to the trailhead is easy. Drive south on U.S. 9 until you reach the summit of Hoosier Pass. The trailhead is near the Continental Divide sign.

3. Mohawk Lakes

Mohawk Lakes is another hike that is popular with families who are looking for a challenge. The trail is packed with gorgeous features from alpine meadows with picturesque lakes to cascading waterfalls to historic mining ruins. While on the trail you can experience Continental Falls, the largest waterfall near Breckenridge before reaching Mayflower Lake. Once at Mohawk Lakes there is plenty of alpine tundra with beautiful lakes as well as another waterfall between Upper and Lower Mohawk Lakes. The moderate 6.8-mile out-and-back trail is steep in areas with an overall elevation gain of over 2,100-feet.

Location: Access the trailhead by driving south on U.S. 9 until you reach C.R. 800 (Spruce Creek Road). Follow the road to the trailhead.

4. McCullough Gulch

A perfect (if not, challenging) family hike near Breckenridge that has you in the middle of wildflowers, waterfalls, and plenty of nature is the McCullough Gulch hike. Families can relish the natural surrounding during this easy to moderate 6.2-mile hike that has an elevation gain of more than 1,500-feet. Once you have reached your destination you are rewarded with a huge view of the McCullough Gulch Falls which tumble into the mountain valley.

Location: Access to the trailhead can be found by driving south on U.S. 9 until you reach C.R. 850 (Blue Lakes Road). Take a right on C.R. 851 (McCullough Gulch Road) and continue past the Quandary Peak trailhead.

5. Wheeler National Recreation Trail

A superb hike near Breckenridge that takes you over the Ten Mile Range and by numerous alpine lakes is the Wheeler National Recreation Trail. This moderate to difficult 10-mile one-way trek will take you past Wheeler Lakes where you can spot black and gold tiger salamanders before you reach the top of Uneva Pass. Look out for Lost Lake which is hidden from the trail just before you reach the summit of the pass. This alpine lake is pristine with cliffs draped on one side.

Location: Access to this trailhead is best suited for two cars. You can park one car at the Vail Pass/Tenmile Canyon Bikeway parking area and another car at the trailhead off of C.R. 851 (McCullough Gulch).