Grits doesn’t have a specific connection to history but grits and flapjacks were common campfire foods for prospectors, and I just think the names are full of humor. This run is a black diamond in Peak 10 that juts out from Crystal. It’s a short tree run that lands on Upper Lehman and is worth a visit. I recommend only advanced riders attempt Peak 10.
Map of Breckenridge’s Peak 9 and 10
Gibson Hill
This area in Breck was home to Gold Run Placer over 100 years ago. Gibson Hill had valuable gold, like many of the mines in the area. A lot of the photographic evidence we have of this area is from the J. Frank Willis Collection, which makes sense because they owned property on Gibson Hill, but information is fragmented. You can read more about Breckenridge’s general mining history here.
View from the Willis property on Gibson hill, 1000 ft above town, showing Breckenridge in the distance: View of Breckenridge and the snow-covered peaks of the Tenmile Range looking southwest from Gibson Hill. The location of the Willis family property is indicated by a pink color tint on the building’s roof. Original creator: circa 1880s-1903 (Creation); Westerman, Otto. J. Frank Willis Photograph Album. Breckenridge History, Colorado.
View of the Willis Property, as seen from Breckenridge: North end of Breckenridge, Colorado with the Willis property above on Gibson Hill. The property is indicated with a pink color tint. Original creator: circa 1880s-1903 (Creation); Westerman, Otto. J. Frank Willis Photograph Album. Breckenridge History, Colorado.
View of Breckenridge with Gibson Hill in the background: View of Breckenridge, Colorado, looking northeast with Gibson Hill in the background. On the right is the 1882-built frame schoolhouse on Harris Street. Other false front and frame buildings are in view, including the Breckenridge Masonic Lodge on Washington Avenue and Main Street, and Barney Ford’s home on the opposite corner. A tall lodgepole tree stands in the left foreground. Original creator: Circa 1896–1900; Unidentified . Summit Historical Society Collection. Image created by Breckenridge History, Colorado.
Hydraulic mining crew at Gold Run Placer on Gibson Hill near Breckenridge, Colorado: Hydraulic mining at Gold Run Placer on Gibson Hill, near Breckenridge, Colorado. Circa early 1900s. Men from the pit crew stand by while a “Giant” (a high pressure nozzle fitted on a hydraulic pipe) directs a powerful jet of water towards the base of a gravel bank. Original creator: Circa early 1900s; Unidentified . Summit Historical Society Collection. Image created by Breckenridge History, Colorado.
Breckenridge, Colo, from Gibson Hill: View of Breckenridge, Colorado, looking southwest shows dwellings and commercial buildings of the town. Landmarks include two churches, false fronted structures and, in the foothills, numerous mining facilities. A frame, gable roofed structure is in the left in the foreground, and in the background, snow covers the peaks of the Ten Mile Range. Original creator: [1890–1899?]; Westerman, Otto. Denver Public Library Special Collections, X-1951.
J. Frank Willis with his bicycle outside his house on Gibson Hill, east of Breckenridge: J. Frank Willis’ one and half story front gable frame house on Gibson Hill, east of Breckenridge, Colorado. Outside, Willis holds his bicycle by the handle as he props his left foot on the bike pedal. A second bike leans against a tree by a dirt path. He wears a cap, coat, and knickers with stockings. Original creator: Circa 1880s-1903; Unidentified . Summit Historical Society Collection. Image created by Breckenridge History, Colorado.
A modern touch
At Wedgewood Lodge, we want to give you a distinctive look into the past history of Breckenridge. Each photo in your historical gallery is unique to your stay and took countless hours to curate. There are stories to tell about Breckenridge and Summit County today as well, and the following photos have been shot by Julia Anna Moore.
Winter 2010
From aerial imagery, you can see the vast expanse of the White River National Forest. Can you point out Breckenridge and Copper Mountain?
From aerial imagery, you can see the vast expanse of the White River National Forest. Can you point out Breckenridge and Copper Mountain?
Summer 2020
In the midst of the pandemic, historic wildfires hit the state of Colorado. Most of my photos during my short walk on Boreas Pass had a hazy red undertone, representative of how my lungs felt even just going a short distance. The air quality was terrible, I’m surprised you could even see these mountains at all.
Duo of the Colorado Rockies framed by Evergreens. You can see the haziness as these photos were taken during the historic 2020 wildfires.
Duo of the Colorado Rockies framed by Evergreens. You can see the haziness as these photos were taken during the historic 2020 wildfires.
More hazy photos of the landscape on fire.
More hazy photos of the landscape on fire.
More hazy photos of the landscape on fire.
More hazy photos of the landscape on fire.
More hazy photos of the landscape on fire.
Summer 2022
Storms in Summit County roll in like clock work during the summertime, so you better do all your fun outdoor activities before lunch. Sometimes the rain blows over quickly, sometimes it lasts until sunset, creating a beautiful pattern in the sky.
The sun sets in July after a thunderstorm kissing Bald Mountain with alpenglow.
The sun sets in July after a thunderstorm kissing Bald Mountain with alpenglow.
The sun sets in July after a thunderstorm kissing Bald Mountain with alpenglow.
The mountains below are some of the same mountains you saw in some of my above photos from the 2020 wildfires. Notice the clarity in the air as the sun sets, lighting the mountains up with alpenglow. 2022 was a very wet year, a large contrast from the year of COVID-19.
A panoramic view of the White River National Forest.
Autumn 2022
A small snowstorm turned the peaks white in September, and I ran out of my front door to get the clouds leaving the mountains as the sky cleared. The excitement of ski season set in.
The first snowfall in September, the aspens on Peak 8 already ready to drop their leaves for wintertime.
The first snowfall in September, the aspens on Peak 8 already ready to drop their leaves for wintertime.
The first snowfall in September, the aspens on Peak 8 already ready to drop their leaves for wintertime.
Winter 2022
The picturesque Hoosier Pass in dark greens and grays as snow falls, creating yet another perfect powder day for Summit County.
A hazy snowstorm blows over the mountains, creating the atmosphere of cozying up at home with a cup of tea.
A hazy snowstorm blows over the mountains, creating the atmosphere of cozying up at home with a cup of tea.
Winter 2023
A fluffy snow had fallen all day, and as the sky cleared up in time for sunset. The alpenglow lit up the mountains before the sun sank behind the mountains creating a hazy blanket of darkness over White River National Forest.
Loveland Pass is the perfect place to take in the view, just be sure that you have 4WD if it’s been snowing and park off the road in the parking lot.
A hazy sunset paints over Loveland Pass
Strings of alpenglow touch the Pali Lift at Arapahoe Basin
Strings of alpenglow touch the Continental Divide
The alpenglow disappears and the blanket of darkness settles.
During the storm you see below in Summit, conditions were windy, rough, and cold. While most people chose to stay in, I ran up the mountain with my camera.
Imperial Express Chair during a white out at Breckenridge.
Want to take a piece of Summit County home with you? We will ship any of the prints from Julia’s gallery straight to your house. We offer different sizes and framing options. Reach out here.
This run is a black diamond below Lake Chutes on Peak 8. It’s a great trail to lap on 6-Chair or finish your run from Imperial Bowl. It’s usually bumped out, as everything is in this area, and finishes out in Boneyards, which is the connector to 6-Chair. I love boneyard because of all the small trees, but be careful to not wreck your skis or board on the rocks sticking out.
Map of Breckenridge’s Peak 8
Cardboard Derby
This spring event was popular among resorts in the 90’s and early 2000’s, one being in Arapahoe Basin, the advanced mountain on Loveland Pass. Cardboard derbies have one rule: all sleds have to be made of only cardboard and tape to get sent down a hill with the creators inside. Some of these designs are absolutely insane and probably took hours of work to only be destroyed in seconds on the snow.
Smokey and the Bandit: Just like the old Burt Reynolds movie, there was the Bandit driving his Trans-Am, Smokey in the police cruiser, and a beer truck somewhere behind the both of them. Original creator: 2000; A-Basin Ski Area — Knick Knack. A-Basin Ski Area — Knick Knack.
Grateful Sled 5: The fifth annual Grateful Sled. This time it was a VW Microbus, jacked up with some monster tires. On the way down the hill the tires came off and actually beat the bus down. Original creator: 2001; A-Basin Ski Area — Knick Knack. A-Basin Ski Area — Knick Knack.
The Empire State Building: They also performed a skit, where a man dressed as a woman actually climbed to the top and screamed, Also note the plane stuck to the the side of the building. Original creator: 2000; A-Basin Ski Area — Knick Knack. A-Basin Ski Area — Knick Knack
A-Basin Scenery: I doubt you could find a nicer day or a better location for such madness. Original creator: 2001; A-Basin Ski Area — Knick Knack. A-Basin Ski Area — Knick Knack.
Chipotle Burrito: Considering the drinking going on that day, I’m sure more than one person wished this was real. Original creator: 2001; A-Basin Ski Area — Knick Knack. A-Basin Ski Area — Knick Knack.
A modern touch
At Wedgewood Lodge, we want to give you a distinctive look into the past history of Breckenridge. Each photo in your historical gallery is unique to your stay and took countless hours to curate. There are stories to tell about Breckenridge and Summit County today as well, and the following photos have been shot by Julia Anna Moore.
Winter 2010
From aerial imagery, you can see the vast expanse of the White River National Forest. Can you point out Breckenridge and Copper Mountain?
From aerial imagery, you can see the vast expanse of the White River National Forest. Can you point out Breckenridge and Copper Mountain?
Summer 2020
In the midst of the pandemic, historic wildfires hit the state of Colorado. Most of my photos during my short walk on Boreas Pass had a hazy red undertone, representative of how my lungs felt even just going a short distance. The air quality was terrible, I’m surprised you could even see these mountains at all.
Duo of the Colorado Rockies framed by Evergreens. You can see the haziness as these photos were taken during the historic 2020 wildfires.
Duo of the Colorado Rockies framed by Evergreens. You can see the haziness as these photos were taken during the historic 2020 wildfires.
More hazy photos of the landscape on fire.
More hazy photos of the landscape on fire.
More hazy photos of the landscape on fire.
More hazy photos of the landscape on fire.
More hazy photos of the landscape on fire.
Summer 2022
Storms in Summit County roll in like clock work during the summertime, so you better do all your fun outdoor activities before lunch. Sometimes the rain blows over quickly, sometimes it lasts until sunset, creating a beautiful pattern in the sky.
The sun sets in July after a thunderstorm kissing Bald Mountain with alpenglow.
The sun sets in July after a thunderstorm kissing Bald Mountain with alpenglow.
The sun sets in July after a thunderstorm kissing Bald Mountain with alpenglow.
The mountains below are some of the same mountains you saw in some of my above photos from the 2020 wildfires. Notice the clarity in the air as the sun sets, lighting the mountains up with alpenglow. 2022 was a very wet year, a large contrast from the year of COVID-19.
A panoramic view of the White River National Forest.
Autumn 2022
A small snowstorm turned the peaks white in September, and I ran out of my front door to get the clouds leaving the mountains as the sky cleared. The excitement of ski season set in.
The first snowfall in September, the aspens on Peak 8 already ready to drop their leaves for wintertime.
The first snowfall in September, the aspens on Peak 8 already ready to drop their leaves for wintertime.
The first snowfall in September, the aspens on Peak 8 already ready to drop their leaves for wintertime.
Winter 2022
The picturesque Hoosier Pass in dark greens and grays as snow falls, creating yet another perfect powder day for Summit County.
A hazy snowstorm blows over the mountains, creating the atmosphere of cozying up at home with a cup of tea.
A hazy snowstorm blows over the mountains, creating the atmosphere of cozying up at home with a cup of tea.
Winter 2023
A fluffy snow had fallen all day, and as the sky cleared up in time for sunset. The alpenglow lit up the mountains before the sun sank behind the mountains creating a hazy blanket of darkness over White River National Forest.
Loveland Pass is the perfect place to take in the view, just be sure that you have 4WD if it’s been snowing and park off the road in the parking lot.
A hazy sunset paints over Loveland Pass
Strings of alpenglow touch the Pali Lift at Arapahoe Basin
Strings of alpenglow touch the Continental Divide
The alpenglow disappears and the blanket of darkness settles.
During the storm you see below in Summit, conditions were windy, rough, and cold. While most people chose to stay in, I ran up the mountain with my camera.
Imperial Express Chair during a white out at Breckenridge.
Want to take a piece of Summit County home with you? We will ship any of the prints from Julia’s gallery straight to your house. We offer different sizes and framing options. Reach out here.
CJ’s Cabin is a really fun glade area on Peak 9 for kids and adults alike who are feeling adventurous. It gets a lot of sun, so it can get a little melted, but you can do pretty big turns in between the trees. It’s a harder blue, only because there are trees, but is a good step up for those trying to learn tree skiing on a little more difficult terrain. I couldn’t find exactly how CJ’s was named but a long time local and Olympian CJ Muller helped with naming loads of runs in the earlier days of Breck, so I’m assuming that CJ’s was named after him. This tree run is best accessed by staying left on Upper Lehman and turning onto the catwalk before dropping the trees to the right. The trees start off tight, so take it easy until it opens up, and be on the lookout for the secret cabin.
Map of Breckenridge’s Peak 9
Ten Mile Range
The Ten Mile Range, recently protected as a National Monument by President Joe Biden, softly undulates along Breckenridge’s western horizon, marking the Upper Blue River Valley boundary. Iconic Peak 8 towers above Breckenridge, related to the Matterhorn in Switzerland or Mount Rainier in Washington state. Early explorers like Rufus Sage and prospectors during the Pikes Peak gold rush mapped the region, noting its significant yet mysterious terrain. Historic maps and accounts from the 19th and early 20th centuries highlight the peaks’ names and the area’s mining history. Despite few mining claims along its eastern face, the range largely retains its historic appearance, now preserved for its cultural, historical, and natural resources, including the training grounds of the 10th Mountain Division and its significance to Native American tribes.
Ten Mile Peaks from Dillon: View of snow covered Tenmile Peaks with possibly the Snake River and Colorado & Southern railroad tracks, Dillon, Summit County, Colorado. Original creator: [1882–1890]; Jackson, William Henry, 1843–1942. Denver Public Library Special Collections, WHJ-536.
The Washington mine, showing ten mile Range: The Washington Mine near Breckenridge, Colorado, with the Tenmile Range in the background. Original creator: circa 1880s-1903 (Creation); J. Frank Willis Photograph Album. Breckenridge History, Colorado. J. Frank Willis Photograph Album. Breckenridge History, Colorado
Ten Mile Range from Rocky Point: View of snow covered river basin with Tenmile Range and mountains from Rocky Point, Summit County, Colorado. Original creator: [1882–1900?]; Jackson, William Henry, 1843–1942. Denver Public Library Special Collections, WHJ-538.
Ten Mile Peaks. Blue River valley: View of shallow bed of Blue River with Tenmile Peaks and one-story log building, Summit County, Colorado. Original creator: [1882–1900?]; Jackson, William Henry, 1843–1942. Denver Public Library Special Collections, WHJ-534.
View of Ten Mile Range from Ore Bucket Lodge, Breckenridge: View from Ore Bucket Lodge over Breckenridge residences, Summit County, Colorado, shows the Ten Mile Range in the distance under cloudy skies. Original creator: [1940–1966]; Wolle, Muriel Sibell, 1898–1977. Denver Public Library Special Collections, X-5552.
Breckenridge, Colo: View of Breckenridge (Summit County), Colorado. Shows the schoolhouse, the belfry of the Fireman’s Hall, the Denver Hotel, and the Arlington House, a frame building with a curvelinear false front and a wide cornice. The Methodist Church and the Ware-Carpenter Concentrator sheds are on the rise to west; behind them are deforested land and the Ten Mile Range. Original creator: [1892–1895?]; Westerman, Otto. Denver Public Library Special Collections, Z-1866.
A modern touch
At Wedgewood Lodge, we want to give you a distinctive look into the past history of Breckenridge. Each photo in your historical gallery is unique to your stay and took countless hours to curate. There are stories to tell about Breckenridge and Summit County today as well, and the following photos have been shot by Julia Anna Moore.
Winter 2010
From aerial imagery, you can see the vast expanse of the White River National Forest. Can you point out Breckenridge and Copper Mountain?
From aerial imagery, you can see the vast expanse of the White River National Forest. Can you point out Breckenridge and Copper Mountain?
Summer 2020
In the midst of the pandemic, historic wildfires hit the state of Colorado. Most of my photos during my short walk on Boreas Pass had a hazy red undertone, representative of how my lungs felt even just going a short distance. The air quality was terrible, I’m surprised you could even see these mountains at all.
Duo of the Colorado Rockies framed by Evergreens. You can see the haziness as these photos were taken during the historic 2020 wildfires.
Duo of the Colorado Rockies framed by Evergreens. You can see the haziness as these photos were taken during the historic 2020 wildfires.
More hazy photos of the landscape on fire.
More hazy photos of the landscape on fire.
More hazy photos of the landscape on fire.
More hazy photos of the landscape on fire.
More hazy photos of the landscape on fire.
Summer 2022
Storms in Summit County roll in like clock work during the summertime, so you better do all your fun outdoor activities before lunch. Sometimes the rain blows over quickly, sometimes it lasts until sunset, creating a beautiful pattern in the sky.
The sun sets in July after a thunderstorm kissing Bald Mountain with alpenglow.
The sun sets in July after a thunderstorm kissing Bald Mountain with alpenglow.
The sun sets in July after a thunderstorm kissing Bald Mountain with alpenglow.
The mountains below are some of the same mountains you saw in some of my above photos from the 2020 wildfires. Notice the clarity in the air as the sun sets, lighting the mountains up with alpenglow. 2022 was a very wet year, a large contrast from the year of COVID-19.
A panoramic view of the White River National Forest.
Autumn 2022
A small snowstorm turned the peaks white in September, and I ran out of my front door to get the clouds leaving the mountains as the sky cleared. The excitement of ski season set in.
The first snowfall in September, the aspens on Peak 8 already ready to drop their leaves for wintertime.
The first snowfall in September, the aspens on Peak 8 already ready to drop their leaves for wintertime.
The first snowfall in September, the aspens on Peak 8 already ready to drop their leaves for wintertime.
Winter 2022
The picturesque Hoosier Pass in dark greens and grays as snow falls, creating yet another perfect powder day for Summit County.
A hazy snowstorm blows over the mountains, creating the atmosphere of cozying up at home with a cup of tea.
A hazy snowstorm blows over the mountains, creating the atmosphere of cozying up at home with a cup of tea.
Winter 2023
A fluffy snow had fallen all day, and as the sky cleared up in time for sunset. The alpenglow lit up the mountains before the sun sank behind the mountains creating a hazy blanket of darkness over White River National Forest.
Loveland Pass is the perfect place to take in the view, just be sure that you have 4WD if it’s been snowing and park off the road in the parking lot.
A hazy sunset paints over Loveland Pass
Strings of alpenglow touch the Pali Lift at Arapahoe Basin
Strings of alpenglow touch the Continental Divide
The alpenglow disappears and the blanket of darkness settles.
During the storm you see below in Summit, conditions were windy, rough, and cold. While most people chose to stay in, I ran up the mountain with my camera.
Imperial Express Chair during a white out at Breckenridge.
Want to take a piece of Summit County home with you? We will ship any of the prints from Julia’s gallery straight to your house. We offer different sizes and framing options. Reach out here.
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