5 Ways to Discover Nature in Breckenridge
Where to Go to Discover Nature in Breck
No trip to the mountains is complete without seeing a bit of the local flora and fauna. From alpine birds to ground-dwellers like prairie dogs, Colorado is overflowing with animal species to discover on your next visit, and no place will you find better opportunities to view that wildlife than in the mountains of Breckenridge. Home to recreation all year round, Breck is also filled with majestic and serene wildlife that will help you forget your cares.
Join us as we explore some of the top 5 ways to discover wildlife and nature in Breckenridge.
Pay a Visit to Cucumber Gulch Wildlife Preserve
Visiting Breckenridge during the summertime comes with a host of benefits, but none will seem more advantageous to wildlife enthusiasts than a visit to Cucumber Gulch Wildlife Preserve. While outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, and foraging are not allowed on this Wildlife Preserve, there’s more than enough species to discover and enjoy.
With wetlands totaling over 52 acres, this fragile ecosystem is protected from human incursions and allowed to thrive in its natural state, preserving the habitats of local species like the boreal toad and others including moose, elk, deer, and beavers. Not only that, but the preserve is also home to over 47 species of birds. Free guided hikes of Cucumber Gulch are available during its open season in the summertime, and it’s one of the easiest and most thrilling ways to discover the nature of Summit County.
Spot Some Moose Near Breckenridge Nordic Center
If you’re looking to spot some moose and visit a unique Breckenridge landmark in the process, it’s time to pay a visit to Breckenridge Nordic Center. While the Nordic Center is a great spot for snowshoeing and cross country skiing during the wintertime, year round you will find that the hiking trails around it are home to families of elusive moose that you might spot during a hike.
These woods are also home to another unique denizen–Isak Heartstone, a giant troll sculpture created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo out of found wood materials. Take a walk down the trail to Trollstigen, where you’ll spot the troll sculpture and might even see some moose, if you get lucky.
Drive Boreas Pass Road for a Bird Watching Adventure
Up for bird watching out in the best of Breck’s natural areas that’s been designated as a Colorado Birding Trail? From June to October, take a drive down Boreas Pass Road, which stretches from just outside Breck to the small town of Como.
This trip is a fantastic way to get a glimpse of the birds and other wildlife that make this area their home, with the opportunity to see species like yellow-bellied marmots and mountain chickadees with ease. An offroad vehicle is recommended for this route, which can get a little rough in places, but the bumpy drive is more than worth it to see the array of Colorado species that can be spotted along the pass.
Take a Bike or Snowmobile Tour to View Local Breck Wildlife
For those who aren’t interested in discovering local wildlife without a guide, there are plenty of local experts to defer to when it comes to guided biking or snowmobiling tours in the Breck backcountry. Because these experts spend all of their time roaming the Rocky Mountains, they know all of the best areas to spot local wildlife, and leaving the finding to them makes it more likely you’ll see the species you’re hoping for.
Among the many guided adventure companies in Breckenridge, Good Times Adventures is usually mentioned as being one of the best, and their snowmobiling tours are perhaps the most perfect place to spot a few moose, elk, or even a mountain lion if you’re lucky.
See Some Alpine Birds on Blue Lakes Road
Located only about 8 miles from Breckenridge is another Colorado Birding Trail: Blue Lakes Road. Found on a side road that might seem unsuspecting on the surface, this route will take you through ever-changing landscapes and afford you the opportunity to spot plenty of mountain wildlife.
Pikas, small rodent-sized mountain animals, can be found in abundance along this road, as can birds like sparrows, Wilson’s Warblers, and American Pipits. For those who enjoy bird watching and natural mountain landscapes, a drive down Blue Lakes Road will be one memory that you’ll remember forever.
Find Even More Opportunities for Adventure in Breckenridge
It’s no wonder that the mountain vistas and abundant wildlife in Breckenridge make it a ripe spot for adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts to visit. With places like Cucumber Gulch, Boreas Pass Road, and Blue Lakes Road so nearby, it’s easy to spend a day hiking and discovering the serene nature available at your fingertips.
Want to find even more adventures in Breck? Check out some of our favorites, such as our guide to the best places for photography in Breckenridge or our recommendations on the best adrenaline-pumping activities in the area.