Summit County Trails and Open Space east of Breckenridge provides miles upon miles of natural surface trail for hiking and biking. Many of these trail explore areas where Colorado’s mining history has been preserved.  These trails always seem like great trails for my kids, they love going to see mining ruins, maybe its a Minecraft thing, maybe its just something interesting to see that makes the hike more fun for them.  Whatever the reason, these trails are wonderful to explore, for kids and adults as well.

The B&B and Minnie Mine Trails make for a nice 2 ½ mile hike through history, aspen groves (great in the fall!), and mountain sides.  Start your hike at the B&B Trailhead and head north along the B&B Trail.  This first mile is an easy walk through the pine and aspen forest but the highlights are some great views of the Tenmile Range to the west and the Reiling Dredge, a well preserved mining dredge that sits in a picturesque pond.  

As usual, here is my quick warning about hiking through mining areas. It is extremely important that you stay on the trail and stay away from abandoned mining features.  There are open shafts along the trail here and they can be very dangerous, never enter an abandoned mine shaft or climb on potentially unstable mining equipment or structures…stay safe Colorado!

After the dredge, cross French Gulch Road, and head uphill along the Minnie Mine Trail.  This trail is lined with aspens and should form an impressive golden tunnel in late September.  When there are breaks in the trees (and there are many) you are treated to even more impressive views of the Tenmile Range and you’ll pass through the impressive ruins of the Minnie Mine complex.  

When you reach the junction with the Side Door Trail, turn a sharp right to stay on the Minnie Mine Trail and head downhill along a wide set of switchbacks with the X10u8 Trail. The switchbacks cross through even more aspen forests before returning you to French Gulch Road and the B&B Trailhead on the far side.