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Biking in Breckenridge is one of the best ways to experience the Colorado Rockies from a completely different perspective. Once the snow begins to disappear from the lower elevations and the mountain trails become accessible, Breckenridge turns into a destination for road cyclists, mountain bikers, families looking for an easy ride and visitors who simply want to explore the scenery on two wheels. The combination of paved recreational paths, mountain roads, dirt routes and extensive singletrack gives cyclists an unusual amount of choice, whether you’re looking for a relaxed afternoon ride or a much more demanding mountain adventure.

Hiking in Breckenridge is one of the best ways to experience the Colorado Rockies beyond the ski slopes. During the warmer months, the landscape around town opens into a network of trails surrounded by evergreen forests, alpine meadows, wildflowers, mountain streams and dramatic views of the Tenmile Range. In autumn, the scenery changes again as the aspen groves turn brilliant shades of gold. Even in winter, when snow covers the landscape, hiking remains possible with the right equipment and an understanding of mountain conditions.

There are few times of year when Breckenridge looks quite like it does in autumn. The green landscape of summer gradually gives way to brilliant shades of gold, yellow and orange as the aspen trees begin their brief seasonal transformation. Against the dark green of the evergreens and the dramatic peaks of the Tenmile Range, the contrast is spectacular, and for a few weeks each year, the mountains surrounding Breckenridge become one of the most memorable places in Colorado to experience fall foliage.

One minute you’re thinking about ski clothes and snow boots, and the next you’re wondering whether you need two jackets, how many pairs of socks to bring, what to wear to dinner, whether your luggage can accommodate ski equipment and what you’ll actually need once you arrive in the mountains. Breckenridge is a different environment from a typical winter destination. The town sits at approximately 9,600 feet above sea level, winter conditions can change quickly, and visitors may experience cold temperatures, snow, dry air and strong sunshine during the same trip. The official Breckenridge tourism information recommends preparing with layers, warm clothing, sun protection, hydration and footwear with good traction.

There is something about a Colorado dude ranch that makes you slow down. Maybe it is the sound of horses moving through the morning mist. Maybe it is sitting on a porch with a cup of coffee while the mountains begin to light up with the first rays of sunshine. Or maybe it is the simple pleasure of spending a few days without worrying about traffic, meetings, emails or what time you are supposed to be somewhere.

Denver, Colorado, is one of the best places to experience winter in the Rocky Mountains. The city combines the attractions, restaurants, museums, neighborhoods, and entertainment of a major urban destination with easy access to some of the most spectacular snow-covered landscapes in Colorado. For travelers planning a winter vacation, that combination creates an important advantage: you do not have to choose between a city getaway and a mountain adventure. You can experience both.

Grand Lake, Colorado, has a very different personality when winter settles over the Rocky Mountains. The town sits beside the largest natural lake in Colorado and serves as one of the western gateways to Rocky Mountain National Park, creating a destination where snow, frozen lakes, mountain forests and wide-open landscapes become part of the experience. While many travelers associate Colorado’s mountain towns primarily with downhill skiing, Grand Lake offers a much broader range of things to do in winter and spring, including snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing and winter recreation in and around Rocky Mountain National Park.