Breckenridge is a fun touristy mountain town fit for family gatherings year-round. During winter, the fabulous slopes offer prime skiing recreation, but the abundance of snow provides ideal snowshoeing options too. The Blue River Trail is conveniently located but trailhead access is a bit tricky.
From Highway 9 on the south side of town, drive eastward on County Road 10 aka Boreas Pass Road. After about a mile approach a sharp switchback and look for a short road on the right that leads down to a historic sawmill exhibit. This spot provides excellent access to the Blue River Trail, but with the excess of winter snow there may only be a few parking spaces available and four wheel drive is required to get in and out of the lot.
Before breaking trail, take a moment to check out the old sawmill buildings and exhibit. Off to the west a vintage snowbound cabin conjures thoughts of how the tough pioneers managed to survive the winter without electricity and forced-air furnaces.
After soaking in the local history, strap on the shoes and continue past the lot where the road is gated but the signed Blue River Trail begins on the right side of the gate.
Hike southwest along the lower Blue River Trail through an aspen grove then along some open meadows with clusters of willows. Abundant snow along the trail allows hikers to experiment with breaking trail in deep snow, but this endeavor can quickly become exhausting.
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Traffic along the main trail line should produce easier packed trail conditions. A few hundred yards from the trailhead, continue past the intersection for Illinois Creek Trail. After another few hundred yards, Blue River Trail swings southward and follows a lovely stretch through a fairly narrow corridor lined with snow laden conifers.
The landscape occasionally opens up with views of some aspen groves and rocky outcrops and after about another 1.25 miles the trail crosses Indiana Creek Road, the turnaround point for this route.
Enjoy a snack break before retracing the route to the trailhead. For hikers that want to extend the adventure, the upper section of Blue River Trail does continue beyond Indiana Creek Road for about another 1.5 miles where the trail ends in a residential area. Note that parking is not available on this south end of Blue River Trail.
Joe LaFleur is a hiking enthusiast that hits the trails weekly. He has successfully summited over 150 unique 13ers and 14ers in Colorado. Contact Joe with questions or feedback at [email protected]. Hiking is great exercise but can be hazardous. Always be sure to plan well, check the weather, bring a printed map, tell someone where and when you are going and contact them when you return safely.