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Bonus day/night - Where to go?

My family (2 adults, 1 teen) will be in Breckinridge for a week in late July and have one extra day & night to fill. Where should we go? We will have already spent time in Denver at the start of the trip and fly out of there in the afternoon on the last day. Hot springs? Pikes Peak? Help please!

With an extra day and night while based in Breckenridge in late July, you have several excellent options depending on whether you want to stay closer to the mountains or explore further afield. Since you’ll have already spent time in Denver, a mix of scenic drives, light adventure, and relaxation could work nicely for the bonus day.

Here are some options to consider:

  • Hot Springs: A great way to relax after a week of hiking and exploring. You could visit:
    • Glenwood Springs: About 3 hours from Breckenridge, home to the world’s largest hot springs pool.
    • Strawberry Park Hot Springs near Steamboat Springs: More rustic and scenic, but a longer drive (~4.5 hours).
    • Mount Princeton Hot Springs near Buena Vista: About 2.5 hours drive, combines hot springs with a beautiful mountain setting.
  • Pikes Peak / Colorado Springs area: A classic Colorado experience. From Breckenridge, it’s about a 2–2.5 hour drive each way:
    • Drive or take the Cog Railway to the summit for spectacular views.
    • Stop at Garden of the Gods for a short hike and photos of the striking red rock formations.
    • If time allows, a casual visit to Manitou Springs for a stroll and snacks.
  • Day trips in the mountains: If you prefer to stay closer to Breckenridge:
    • Vail or Aspen: Scenic mountain towns with great restaurants, easy hikes, and a bit of shopping.
    • Frisco and Dillon Reservoir: About 20–30 minutes away, offers water activities and a casual mountain town vibe.
    • Hoosier Pass or Boreas Pass: Short scenic drives with stunning views, easy hikes, and great photo opportunities.

Additional tips:

  • If you choose hot springs, plan to leave early to maximize relaxation time and avoid a very long day on the road.
  • Pikes Peak can be busy in summer; booking tickets in advance for the Cog Railway or checking road conditions if driving is recommended.
  • For a teen-friendly experience, combining a scenic drive with a short hike or water activity can make the day feel more interactive rather than just a long car ride.

Overall, if you want relaxation, Mount Princeton or Glenwood Springs are ideal. For iconic Colorado scenery and a memorable summit experience, Pikes Peak combined with Garden of the Gods is perfect. Staying closer to Breckenridge offers flexibility and less driving stress while still providing beautiful mountain experiences.

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