Adventures in BRECKENRIDGE

Any day in Breckenridge, is a day well spent!

Coffee and Cheerios in hand, we loaded up the car and were on the road by 7:30am for a family fun day in Breckenridge, Colorado. The impressive mountain town, that never disappoints, is less than a two hour drive – making it the perfect day trip for us.

We rolled into town around 9:00am and fueled our bodies at The Cabin Coffee Co. This quaint coffee shop, voted #1 in Breckenridge by Trip Advisor, has it all. Beyond their adorable mountain cabin decor, the coffee and breakfast was delicious. And their motto, which we embraced fully, is perfect for any outdoor adventure.

Next up, the SHORT hike to see Isak Heartstone, the 15 foot tall wooden troll guarding the woods. We parked at the Stephen C West Ice Rink and followed the troll prints painted on the parking lot to the Trollstigen Trailhead. We were expecting about a 15 minute, easy hike to meet Isak – this was not the case! It was about a 3 minute walk on stone pavers, down a lovely wooded trail. Isak was quite impressive though! Since the Trollstigen walk was so brief, we decided to hike the Illinois Gulch Trail for a bit. This trail is at the same trailhead you take to find our giant troll friend and has a high and low option to fit your groups needs. We explored for a bit, then we were off on our next Breckenridge adventure.

The Peak 8 Fun Park was next on our Breckenridge day trip agenda. The Fun Park only operates in the summertime, as it’s covered in snow most of the year. A few of the attractions weren’t open, but we didn’t mind. We went for the Alpine Slide and it did not disappoint! To get to the Peak 8 Fun Park, we parked in the Breck Connect Gondola lot (Lot F). Riding the Gondola, or the “wobbly lifter” as Keegan calls it, is always a family favorite.

We recommend getting to the Fun Park early, as pretty lengthy lines were forming by 11:00am. We signed our safety waivers, paid our $$, and joined the other thrill seekers in the chair lift line. Keegan wasn’t tall enough to ride alone, nor would he if given the choice, so his ticket was half price. We waited in the chair lift line for about 15 minutes, properly socially distancing and mask wearing, of course. The chair lift provided a welcomed breeze on a warm sunny day. Next stop, the Alpine Slide!

I was anticipating a little pre-ride jitters from Keegan, but he was pumped! After a brief rundown of ride rules with comedic flair from staff, we loaded our Alpine cars and were ready to roll. You won’t find a better view while waiting for your turn to ride down the 2,600 feet of twists, turns and quick dips. Keegan did a great job listening to the ride rules, reminding me on the way down to “not lean into the turns.” The second we got to the bottom, Keegan shouted, “let’s do it again!” His enthusiasm and smile makes for money well spent.

Wrapping up the fun, was the gondola ride back down to town. And, by now we had all worked up an appetite. Keegan was getting hangry so it was feeding time. We headed back to Main Street, which is currently closed to all vehicle traffic. The roads are blocked, restaurants have placed tables in the street, and it feels like a giant block party with hundreds of your closest, well…strangers. I couldn’t have loved it more! If you’re wondering, face masks are mandatory. We grabbed a taco lunch and finished the day with a Mountain Top Cookie Shop ice cream sandwich. Because, no trip to Breckenridge is complete without a trip to the Mountain Top Cookie Shop!