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Labor Day weekend, the last celebration of summer, a time for barbecues and back to school shopping. But that’s not the only thing to do. Come to the mountains and enjoy these great events in Breckenridge for your holiday weekend.

Family Activities and Art

Like something out of a dream, as many as 10,000 tiny rubber ducks take over the Blue River in the heart of Breckenridge, transforming the landscape to a sea of yellow in the Great Rubber Duck Race. Spectators line the banks of the river willing their little ducks to move downstream as fast as possible in a race that has become the biggest annual fundraiser for The Summit Foundation. This will be the 30th annual Great Rubber Duck race, presented by Breckenridge Grand Vacations located on Peak Seven mountain side. Banks around the county sell these wacky ducks and this is a great cause so there is not excuse not to enter your duck and join in the fun.

Ducks cost $5 for one or buy a “Golden Flock” of 26 for $100 and really increase your chances. This is a great fundraiser and a fun activity for everyone, but don’t forget, there are prizes. The Grand Prize is $3,000 and there are other great prizes even if yours isn’t the first ducky across the line. Don’t wait though. The race is this Saturday, September 2nd, 2017. The Kids Duck Dash starts at 1pm. The Business Battle is at 2pm and the public Great Rubber Duck Race is at 3pm.

Find out more about what the Summit Foundation does here.

Another local gathering that happens in Breckenridge around this time is The Great Divide Art Festival this year will be the 43rd annual gathering. Approximately 100 artist and craftsmen display their art in a wide range of mediums; from jewelry to glass pieces to wood burning, and digital arts. This is a nationally ranked fine art show (#64 of 200). The festival takes place at N. Main Street at Wellington and runs Saturday and Sunday from 10am-6pm and Monday from 10am until 4pm. Admission is free so stop on by on your way to the Rubber Duck Race.

Local Hikes

There is no better way to end the summer with some amazing hikes around the Summit County area. Some hikes are going to be a little long but with really amazing views at the top. Quandary is the local 14er topping out at 14,265′ in elevation.  With a 4,000′ of elevation gain you are sure to see mountain goats, wildflowers, lakes and the ski resorts in the summer time. Labor day is going to the best time to go out due to all the snow that has to melt to make the trail visible. This is a popular destination so plan to start very early to get a spot in the parking lot. We also tend to see afternoon thunderstorms up here. Its really important to go prepared and plan to be done before those storms roll in.

Mohawk

Courtesy Jack Affleck and the VLMDAC.

Lake is another fantastic and for many, more approachable hike. This in near Quandry, south of Breckenridge. This eight-mile round trip is a beautiful hike rewarding you with a set of lakes along the way. Choose your distance and turn around wherever you feel like it.

 

Both of these hikes are going to give you the views of the whole county and all the Aspens changing colors. Rainbow Lake is a great afternoon option. At only 2 miles round trip and very little elevation gain this trail is more of a nice walk in the woods and is very popular with Frisco residents to get their dogs some exercise. Hiking in the shadow of Mt. Royal and Peak 1 the lake has a great backdrop of the Tenmile Range. You can start at the same trailhead to ascend these more challenging peaks as well. Dogs are allowed on all these trails as long as they are leashed! I would recommend having paw protectors for your furry animals as the rocks due tend to cut their pads which makes for sore puppies in the next morning.

For more info about these and other hikes check out All Trails

For travel inquires getting up to the Breckenridge area from Denver head to our website mountainshuttle.com to get the best WiFi along I70 and spacious seating. Book with us to ensure your trip will be the best.