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Cheers to Breckenridge Beers in Summit County!

We love grabbing a local brew after a long hike or great snowshoe. Our first time experiencing Breckenridge beers was in 1999, having just moved to Colorado and ready to explore the mountains.

hiking dillon — Melody and her husband Matt, hiking and exploring breweries in Frisco, CO in the early 2000s.

Over the years, Colorado beer has become part of our adventures, with breweries coming and going but some standout favorites remaining.

A brewery is where the magic of beer-making happens, while a taproom lets you enjoy those brews—often offering a wider selection, including local Colorado beers and a variety of Colorado beer brands.

We’re covering both in this post because we love choices, and taprooms give you the best of all worlds—a chance to taste many brews in one spot!

Whether you’re after the top Colorado breweries or just want to sample some iconic Breckenridge beers, we’ve got you covered!

Come along on a beer run with us – we'll share our five favorite Summit brewery spots and a nearby hike or two.

Dillon Dam Brewery – Colorado Native Beers on Tap!

100 Little Dam St, Dillon, CO 80435

Dillon Dam Brewery, one of the standout breweries in Silverthorne, CO, is a local favorite that boasts an impressive variety of Colorado beer and a cozy atmosphere.

Founded in 1997 by two brothers passionate about craft beer and outdoor adventures, they created a space where locals and visitors could come together to enjoy great Colorado native beers and even better company.

We were originally searching for a happy hour in Breckenridge when we found this gem. The fries caught our eye, but the beers truly won us over.

Must-try Colorado Native Beers

Dillon Dam Brewery in Silverthorne, CO, adds a local twist to its Colorado native beers.

Their Peach Hefeweizen features peaches from Palisade, Colorado.
The Dam Chili Beer uses Hatch chilies, bringing a unique and seasonal spice to each brew.
Both are perfect rewards after hitting the trails!

**Favorite CoHH Hikes to Try *In the Area**

Work off those calories on the Ptarmigan Trail or the Lily Pad Trail, one of our favorite Colorado fall hikes. Both trails are perfect for stretching your legs before grabbing that next brew at a Summit brewery.

Whether you're after an alpine adventure or just want to soak up some mountain views, these trails offer the perfect way to earn that second pint at breweries in Breckenridge.

Breckenridge Brewery – Part of Top Colorado Breweries

600 S Main St, Breckenridge, CO 80424

Founded in 1990, Breckenridge Brewery is one of Colorado’s oldest craft breweries. With a history steeped in tradition, this brewery has become a beacon for craft beer enthusiasts.

Its laid-back vibe and stunning beer garden make it an ideal spot to kick back and relax. And then there's Breckenridge Brewery, the go-to spot for locals, buzzing with families, kids running around, and friends catching up over a pint.

Breckenridge Brewery is the perfect place to unwind, chat about everything from local politics to favorite trails, all while keeping an eye on Isak the Troll.

Whether you’re enjoying a sunny patio or hitting the trails, there’s endless fun and food to be eaten during Breckenridge happy hours.

Must-try Breckenridge Beers to Try

We love stopping by Breckenridge Brewery for a fantastic selection of Colorado-native beers during happy hour in Breckenridge.

They’ve got some delicious Breckenridge beers on tap, like the Palisade Peach Wheat, which is an unfiltered American-style wheat ale made with juicy peaches from Palisade. TIP! If you’re counting calories, check out the Palisade Peach Light, a refreshing 100-calorie option!
We love the Native Land beer, a collaboration dedicated to remembering ancestral land.
With its cozy atmosphere, this spot is perfect for unwinding and savoring local flavors.

Nearby Hikes in Breckenridge

In summer, we love the Crystal Lakes Trail, a more challenging hike with stunning alpine lakes and fewer crowds compared to the popular Mohawk Lakes.

Winter snowshoeing is perfect along the Burro Trail, and fall in Colorado feels magical on the Meadow Creek Trail.

While we won’t commit to the best happy hour in Breckenridge, we often find ourselves at Breckenridge Brewery around 4 pm, ordering beer cheese fries and slinging back a few beers at $2 off!

Prospector Campground is a dream - and close to breweries in Frisco, CO.

Highside Brewing – Frisco Co Brewery

720 Main St, Frisco, CO 80443

Highside Brewing opened its doors in 2015 and quickly made a name for itself in the local brewing scene. This family-friendly brewery focuses on creating high-quality, approachable beers that everyone can enjoy. The name "Highside" reflects the high altitude of the town, reminding you that you’re sipping brews in the heart of the mountains!

Must-Try Colorado Beer at Highside Brewing

At Frisco CO brewery Highside Brewing, the Princess Jasmine is a refreshing 5.3% rice lager, featuring a light body and Sultana hops for a smooth, flavorful finish.
While Highside Brewing Company doesn’t offer Colorado native beers, they do feature plenty of East Coast brews, including the popular Senior Guide IPA.
Highside Brewing boasts three fantastic locations in Fairplay, Frisco, and Breckenridge, where you can enjoy some mean BBQ at the Frisco and Fairplay spots—Melody loves the veggie quesadillas smothered in green chilis, while Matt is partial to the brisket burnt ends!

Frisco Colorado Hikes to Try

Mount Royal is a steep 3-mile hike in Frisco that rewards you with stunning overlooks of Dillon Reservoir. If you're feeling ambitious, you can also tackle Mt. Victoria and Peak 1 for an extra challenge—you'll definitely earn at least one Colorado beer!

For a milder and easier experience, take a leisurely stroll around Dillon Reservoir, starting at the boat dock. Or consider renting e-bikes to tackle the entire 18.7 miles around the reservoir for a fun adventure!

Camping by Lake Dillon is a dream, especially when we're just minutes from the breweries in Frisco CO—perfect for grabbing a local brew after a day by the water!

Broken Compass Brewery Main Street *2 locations

68 Continental Court, Unit B12 Breckenridge,CO 80424

520 S Main St Unit 2V, Breckenridge, CO 80424

Broken Compass Brewery is a must-visit spot in Breckenridge, with two convenient locations: their original taproom and the new Broken Compass Brewery Main Street, which opened in winter 2021. Since opening on May 30, 2014, owners Jason and Jolene Ford have transformed this tiny brewery into a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike, serving up delicious Breckenridge beers.

Check out this Summit county brewery lineup:

Towdo Bien Mexican Lager – This crisp and clean lager will transport you to sunny beaches, with hints of sweet corn and an easy-drinking finish you’ll want year-round.
Ginger Pale Ale – A Great American Beer Festival silver medal winner, this pale ale shines with fresh ginger flavor and aroma, thanks to the addition of brewed ginger tea and raw ginger root.
Fresh Hop Pale Ale – Made with 75 pounds of homegrown Colorado hops from Montrose, this limited-release brew is packed with aromatic hop flavor, so be sure to get it fresh off the tap while you can!

While they don’t serve food, you can bring your own, and dogs are always welcome, making it a perfect spot to relax after a day of exploring.

And don’t forget that their happy hour in Breckenridge is all about what you bring, so it’s a great opportunity to pair your favorites with their amazing brews.

Hikes in Breckenridge to Try *Near BROKEN COmpass Brewery main Street

If you’re near the brewery, you’ve got two great hikes to check out! Start with the Barton Creek Loop, a fun 3.3-mile trek through beautiful forests and alongside a bubbling creek—perfect for spotting some playful wildlife!

Or for a super chill vibe, head over to the Blue River recreation path through town for a leisurely stroll filled with charming views. Both are low key hikes, fantastic ways to soak up the great outdoors and acclimate!

Vail Brewing Company – A Toast to Colorado Beer

41290 US-6 B-2 & B-3, Vail, CO 81657

Vail Brewing Company is dedicated to crafting beers that reflect the spirit of the Rockies. Founded in 2014, this brewery prides itself on using local ingredients and has become a staple in the Vail Valley. With its modern taproom and vibrant atmosphere, it’s a great place to unwind after a day on the slopes or trails.

Colorado Beer to Try at Vail Brewing Company

If you're in the Vail area and love Breckenridge beers, these three Colorado craft beers are a must-try:

Afterglow Hazy IPA: Soft and juicy with hints of melon, strawberry, and peach rings. It’s like a summer fruit salad in a glass!
Pete's Stash Pale Ale: Crisp and refreshing with a blend of citrus and pine. Perfect for a post-hike or ride.
Jam Session Fruited Sour: Tart, refreshing, and loaded with raspberry—ideal for a fruity kick.

Great options to enjoy after a day outdoors!

Nearby Hikes

For a great outdoor adventure before grabbing a Colorado beer in Vail, hit up the Strawberry Lane Trail for a fun 3ish mile uphill hike right near town—it’s the perfect quick climb. Or, if you’re up for a longer trek, the Lost Lake Trail rewards you with breathtaking views of a glassy, mountain-reflecting lake.

Both are fantastic hikes to work up a thirst for some Colorado beers afterward!

RIDING VAIL PASS: Most people tackle Vail Pass from Copper Mountain, with a 4.5-mile climb to the top, but for a bigger adventure (and a reward of Colorado craft beers), try the 8.7-mile ride from Vail! It's the perfect way to earn those Colorado beers.

With so many wonderful options for a quick refreshment or a long sit-and-sip spell, the top Colorado breweries truly reflect what we love about this state—relaxing, enjoying, and chatting with friends.

One of our favorite ways to unwind after an amazing time outdoors is to sit back and soak in the banter of tourists and locals side by side. Whether it’s at Breckenridge beers during happy hour or hitting up local breweries in Frisco CO, enjoying a Colorado beer after a day outdoors, no matter the season, is divine.

Colorado Native Beers Guides

If you love Colorado native beers, we've got you covered! Check out our guides for brews around the state—from top notch Durango restaurants and breweries to Colorado Springs' top Colorado breweries.

Plus, our hiking posts always pair Colorado hikes with local taproom favorites where you can grab a refreshing local Colorado beer.

Happy hiking and hopping!

Best Breweries in Summit County Colorado