Hike the Sawmill Trail to Fairy Forest

If you brought the family to Breckenridge chances are you're probably not bringing the little ones on your next 14'er summit. Are you looking for an easy hike to let the kiddos experience some nature and run around a bit? Well then this short hike is perfect for you and the family. Plus, it's right in town, so you won't have to venture far! The Sawmill Trail off 4 O'Clock Road follows Sawmill Creek up to Sawmill Reservoir and has plenty to keep you and the kids entertained. The trail officially terminates at the lake, but if you extend your hike just a bit further you can explore the wonders and surprises of the fairy forest.

The fairy forest was started by locals that live near the trail, first with a few small fairies and houses, but soon neighbors and visitors joined in, and now a full fledged fairy village has popped up. Keep your eyes peeled for mushrooms, unicorns, gnomes, and other mythical figures. Some of the houses are quite detailed and intricate, and new surprises are showing up every day. Look and enjoy, but please don't take anything from the forest so that future visitors can enjoy.

Chances are you may have a hard time pulling the kiddos away from this special little secret in Breckenridge, there are just so many houses and figurines to see and find. Finding the forest can be a little tricky, but that's part of the fun and the adventure.

If you aren't interested in finding the forest, the Sawmill Trail still has plenty to offer with great views, excellent wildflowers, and a rushing stream to drown out the distractions. The trailhead can be accessed right in town and starts beneath Snowflake Lift near Four O’ Clock and Kings Crown Roads (note: there's no parking at the trailhead. You can walk or bike from downtown, but the lift is also accessible via the Breckenridge Free Ride‘s yellow route).

To continue to the fairy forest from the end of the Sawmill Trail, take a right at the end of the trail and hike up a bit and take the second right. You'll come to a boardwalk that will take you across the creek. Once across the creek and off the boardwalk, turn right onto Four O'Clock Trail. You'll veer to the left and head up the hill under a ski lift. Keep your eyes peeled for signs, there are some handmade signs that will point you in the right direction. Once you've explored the fairy forest, simply hike back the way you came to get back to town.