Whether you're seeking adventure or just want to soak up the natural beauty, Crested Butte is the place to be. Trust me, once you've been there, you'll want to keep going back for more.
Crested Butte is like a hidden treasure nestled in the stunning Rocky Mountains of Colorado. The place is famous for its wildflowers, and during the summer, the entire area bursts into a riot of colors. It's seriously magical! But Crested Butte isn't just about pretty flowers. The town itself has this wonderful old-world charm with Victorian-style buildings lining the streets. The locals are super friendly, and you can feel this warm and welcoming vibe wherever you go. And when it comes to outdoor activities, Crested Butte has it all.
In winter, you've got top-notch skiing and snowboarding opportunities. In summer, you can go hiking, mountain biking, or even try your hand at fly-fishing. Oh, and don't even get me started on the arts and culture scene! The town is buzzing with art galleries, music festivals, and all sorts of local events.
TIPS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
- This town is a place to work out. That means that here you can do different sport activities like hiking, biking, rafting, or walking. So be aware of this before choosing the destination.
- It is cheaper to bring your own sport equipment, in case of bikes and kayaks.
- Hydrate yourself all the time, this land is very dry, and you won't even notice. So, try to drink water constantly. I recommend bringing your own bottle everywhere, since you can refill it anywhere for free. You should also moisturize your skin at least once a day.
- I always carry a bag pack with my bottle of water, sunscreen, Vaseline, and some snack. You are mostly walking around town, so you should have all of these in hand, just in case.
- Grab a map of town and trails in the chamber of commerce to carry with you.
- There are nice places to eat in Mount Crested Butte and in Town. However, I recommend you bring light snacks for lunch, like homemade sandwiches or salads.
Where to stay?
While Crested Butte may not be the most budget-friendly destination, fear not! There are fantastic options for affordable accommodations that don't compromise on quality. If you plan your visit during the summer, you have the perfect opportunity to pitch a tent and camp in the designated areas. This way, you can fully embrace the breathtaking beauty of Crested Butte while keeping your expenses in check. If camping isn't your first options, here you can check some others. And you don't have to worry at all about the distances, because the city offers a free bus service every 20 min.
The Old Town Inn is located in historic Crested Butte (park your car and leave it there), the inn offers Wi-Fi and TV service with HBO.
They offer a continental breakfast and freshly baked cookies in the afternoon -which are amazing-. There is a hot tub, and you can browse the bookshelves while savoring a cup of locally roasted organic coffee.
This pet friendly place has the perfect location to wander into town. Their breakfast is delicious, and everything is organic. It is nearby to rainbow park and rotary park, and they have different services included in their reasonable prices, such as lockers, hot tub, 24 hours wake up.
This mountain-escape place has little features everywhere. It has a full bar onsite and free bikes for guest use. Rooms offer modern lodge décor and free Wi-Fi. The place is full of natural light and has many views of the mountain. Crested Butte Ski Area is 3 miles away.
A hot breakfast is available at the Lodge Elk Mountain. Ski storage, a game room, and a business center are also at the property for guest convenience. A large amount of outdoor activities are available right from the Elk Mountain Lodge, including hiking, fishing, rafting, skiing, and mountain biking.
Downtown Crested Butte is less than 5 minutes’ walk from the bed and breakfast.
Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 9.5 for a two-person trip.
"Little touches everywhere! They thought of everything. Nice hot tub and super clean. The breakfast was amazing. They also had an afternoon sweet snack like brownies and cookies. Such a charming place. Amazing location can walk to everything on Elk. The staff also was beyond friendly. Will stay here again for sure."
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In Mount Crested Butte
Mount crested Butte is 15 min in car to town. Remember!! The city offers a free bus service. Mount crested butte in closer to the base area and to places like the wedding garden and the snowgrass trailhead. All of these properties are close to ski slopes.
The rooms are huge. Lots of room to spread out, and a closet big enough to act as an extra bedroom in a pinch. We had three rooms between six adults, and they weren't all laid out the same way, but all were quite large!
In general, the hotel features an indoor/outdoor pool and a hot tub, The Lodge at Mountaineer Square is a 5-minute walk from Silver Queen Express Elevator and Red Lady Express Elevator. Free WiFi is provided. Guests can also enjoy a bar.
Each air-conditioned accommodations offers a flat-screen TV with a DVD player, a microwave, a refrigerator and a coffee machine. A private bathroom with free toiletries is also provided. Select rooms offer a full kitchen with a dishwasher.
Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and an elevator, along with free Wifi throughout the property. Guests can enjoy mountain views.
All units come with a seating area, a TV with cable channels, and a private bathroom with free toiletries, bath, and shower. Every room includes a coffee machine, while selected rooms are equipped with a fully equipped kitchenette with a dishwasher, a microwave, and a toaster.
Guests at the apartment will be able to enjoy activities in and around Mount Crested Butte, like skiing and cycling.
This Colorado property has ski-in/out access to the Crested Butte Mountain Resort. A large fireplace is located in the lobby and the rooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs and iPod docking stations.
A fully equipped kitchenette with granite counter tops and a microwave is standard for all rooms at the Elevation Hotel & Spa. The rooms have rustic dark wood furniture and access to free Wi-Fi.
Guests can store or rent ski equipment at the seasonal shop or relax in the full-service Elevation Spa. The property also offers a fitness center over looking 2 outdoor hot tubs.
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Remember to reorganize the days according to your preference.
Day 1: through town
On your first day, I highly recommend taking the time to get to know the locals and explore the diverse range of shops in the area. Opting to explore on foot would be beneficial as it allows you to gradually acclimate to the environment. It's worth noting that some people might require a period of adjustment to the altitude.
It is a gorgeous place. Every Monday they have a free concert at 5 right there. On Wednesday, their also have an open performance, but it is on the ski resort. During your stay you could look at their calendar to check one of the many classes they offer on various topics. You should at least go to take a look to their exhibitions.
This is another nice park. You can bring your children, play some soccer, climb the rock and lie down to watch the sky - highly recommended-, or simply walk around it. There's also a lake right behind it.
I don't know if secondhand stuff is your thing, but clothes in this town are very expensive (e.g. clothes above 80 USD). This store takes all the good clothes, games and hats and sells them at very affordable prices. You should visit this place at least to see their products. People who usually come here once a year, come just for vacation and donate their clothes. This town is known for the sustainability it promotes.
This is a really nice place for working. They offer coffee, tea and treats. Their prices are between 4 - 15 USD. If you have a sweet tooth like me, you should try the ice vanilla coffee or the chocolate chip cookie. The place has internet connection. There is a bookstore right next to the café of their own, that you should also check out.
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Day II: Crested Butte Mountain
1. Hiking the peak.
After getting used to the altitude, I recommend you hike the peak in mount crested butte. This is a common activity between the locals and the view is amazing. I have to be honest with you, the final part of the peak is only rocks, which make it a bit more challenging. If you get to the top, don't forget to yell "PEAK", if not, that's ok. It doesn't matter how far you go, the view on every spot is already fulfilling.
All hiking trails are already marked. Please respect them, because this way we protect the wildlife.
For hiking the peak, you have two options.
- Use the chairlift (45 min + fee)
you can pay for a one-day pass in the ski resort (41 USD). The chairlift will take you closer to the peak, and then you would only have to hike for about 45 min up the mountain.
- Hike from the bottom (2h30 free)
... or you can save some money and work out a bit more by hiking the whole mountain. In average it takes 2 hours and 30 min on the way up.
The other option is biking on the mountain, on the trail from the ski area. It is a challenging trail, if you are passionate about adrenaline, you should definitely give it a try. It is free, you only need a bike. If you don't have one you could rent one in either of these places: - prices might be a little bit high, but affordable-.
The Crested Butte River runs all the way to Gunnison. You can rent a paddleboard or kayak and enjoy the cool water, incredible views and adrenaline rush of the river.
If you are a person from United States, you'll probably be used to having a light Lunch, such a peanut butter sandwich. If you are not, I have some suggestions for where to go for food that fills your tummy.
You HAVE to come here if you are in Crested Butte. The place is usually full, but the crowd is completely worthy Their different pizzas are astonishing. The environment is very nice, and it has some vibes from Buddhism. The owner is a very sweet woman.
Let me tell you a secret, 🙊 this place has a secret staircase that leads you to the Indian restaurant.
This is a 30 min flat walk to a lake. However, if you continue for one hour and a half, you'll get to the river. For me, rewards after a long hike are either food or water. So, you could try that. Head up! The water is a bit cold.
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- Snodgrass: in Mount Crested Butte, right after the Wedding garden.
I am not an expert with the bike; however, you could either get a free map for the different trails on the chamber of commerce or you could look for one for free on this website.
