Summer Fun in Breckenridge-Vail-Frisco
During this stop we find fun for the whole family with Colorado’s only lighthouse, incredible views, waterfalls, small European style villages, and an abundance of hiking/biking trails.
Breckenridge
Spruce Creek Trail to Mohawk Lakes
Our first morning in the area we head south for one of the most popular trails in the area: Spruce Creek Trail to Mohawk Lakes. This trail goes through thick woods before heading steadily uphill past some old ruins, two waterfalls, and two alpine lakes while providing expansive views of the surrounding landscape. The linked trail actually begins at the lower trailhead but thanks to the Jeep are able to go to the upper trailhead and cut off ~4 miles and ~600-feet of elevation. Given this trail starts at 10,908-feet (upper trailhead) and ascends to 12,100-feet every little bit helps.
On the way to the upper trailhead, we pass this small fall along the road.
Trail Views
Lower Falls
We invite you to see and hear the falls for yourself by clicking this link to be taken to our YouTube channel.
Ruins
Two of us made it to most of the ruins, both waterfalls, and the lower lake before turning around. The path to the lower falls is fairly smooth and easy to navigate but after that it’s very steep, rocky, and extremely easy to lose the trail.
It’s at the lower falls our party splits with two going to the upper falls & Lower Mohawk Lake and the other one sitting and relaxing before heading back to the Jeep.
Upper Falls
If you would like to see and hear the falls above please click these links: Upper Continental Falls – Lower tiers & Upper Continental Falls – Upper tiers.
Lower Mohawk Lake
BrekConnect Gondola
On the way home we stop in Breckenridge to ride the free BrekConnect Gondola up the mountain to see more of the area and get some pictures.
Historic District
We were also planning to walk down Breckenridge’s Historic District but decide against it after we see the number of people, the paid parking, and realize how tired we are.
Vail
Gore Creek Trail
It’s forecast to be another beautiful day, so we decide to head to Vail and take the Gore Creek Path. This lovely, paved, multi-use trail follows the creek through Lionshead Village and then Vail Village. It’s a great way to experience these pedestrian only villages while also taking in nature and getting some exercise.
Gore Creek Trail Views
Lionshead Village
Resting at the base of the Eagle Bahn Gondola, this alpine village is fun to walk around due to being completely closed off to cars and busses. That being said, you will need to watch out for mountain bikers in the summer and skiers/snowboarders in the winter.
We walk through Lionshead Village on our way to Vail Village in the morning and then stop here for lunch in the afternoon on our way back to the Jeep.
Our chosen lunch spot is Garfinkel’s and the food and service are fantastic.
Vail Village
Although this was a much easier walk than yesterday, we still managed to walk 5 miles so we decide to reward ourselves with dessert at Sundae on our way out of town.
Mountain of the Holy Cross Overlook & Trail
Our next stop is Mount of the Holy Cross Overlook located up a very rough dirt road high up on Shrine Mountain southeast of Vail.
Along the way we stop at Shrine Ridge to get a picture of Jacque Ridge over Smith Gulch.
Mount of the Holy Cross Overlook has a very interesting story behind it and the information board along the short Julia’s Deck trail leading to the overlook tells it best:
There’s no snow on the mountain today but we could faintly see the lines in the top of the mountain where the snow would settle in the shape of a cross.
Frisco
Dillon Reservoir Loop Trail
With rain expected this afternoon, we head out early on the Dillon Reservoir Loop Trail where we see Colorado’s only lighthouse in the Frisco Bay Marina while traversing the perimeter of the reservoir.
This lighthouse is only 26-feet tall but being placed at 9,017-feet in elevation it ironically holds the designation for being the highest lighthouse in the US.
Trail Views
Peak One Campground
We set up our home base in Peak One Campground just outside of Frisco and adjacent to the Frisco Adventure Park. It’s part of the national forest and directly on the reservoir with multiple hiking/biking trail and many other activities onsite.
The sites are roomy with fantastic views and the mature trees block the noise from the highway directly across the reservoir.
Views From Behind Our Campsite
Next stop… Rocky Mountain National Park – Grand Lake Area
