Crested Butte is more than worth the four-and-a-half-hour drive from Denver.
Not to rip on any ofColorado ’s better - known ski towns(we’re depend at you Vail , Breck , and Aspen ) , but Crested Butte is kind of the best . It ’s quiet — the four - and - a - half - hr drive from Denver keeps the bunch out — full of independent eating house , shops , and bar , and , oh yeah , it ’s jaw - droppingly gorgeous . And while it may be most democratic in the winter calendar month for the slopes , Crested Butte is decidedly worth visiting when it ’s not track in snow , too .
The town is super quaint , with Elk Avenue serving as your hub for eating and imbibition and your home base for all that outdoor frolicking . There ’s not even a traffic light in town to slacken down your fun . Here ’s why you postulate to get Crested Butte onto your to - sojourn list , from a noteworthy distillery to a distant new backcountry inn to all the stunning vistas and views you could handle .
Travel time:
From Denver:4 hours , 20 minutesFrom Grand Junction , Colorado:2 hours , 50 minutesFrom Albuquerque , New Mexico:6 hour
If you don’t do anything else:Frolic among the wildflowers or hop on the ski lift
Between late June and July , Crested Butte add up alive in a way unlike any other in Colorado ; swathes of vivid yellows , purples , and nigh every other people of colour of the rainbow bloom in the surface area of fields at the Rockies ’ base . There ’s even aCrested Butte Wildflower Festivalevery July dedicated to hundreds of workshops on everything from pollenation to photography and even cooking eatable wildflower . Of course you ’ll find the Columbines , the state ’s flower , among the blossoms , but other varieties to talent scout for include lupin , paintbrushes , fireweed , lesser - known orchidaceous plant and sunflower varieties , and many more . Just be sure to wedge to the grade trails as you explore — trampling or picking the delicate beauties is a major no - no .
We ’d be neglectful not to mention the chance for all ski and snowboard enthusiasts call in CB;Crested Butte Mountain Resorthas top - notch trails , from the steepest ( at a 55 - degree pitching ) to the lengthiest ( 2.6 - miles ) routes that pop the question risky venture for everyone at every skill level . And with an annual snowfall of 236 inches , there ’s always unused powder to wake up to and shred .
Fill your days:
Spring and Summer Recreation in Crested Butte
In the warmer calendar month , Crested Butte is an adventurer ’s paradise , even out of doors of wild flower gaze . quite a little rockers can trek more than 750 mile of singletrack , with bike lease in Ithiel Town for tiro . The all - levels - favorable Lupine Trail propose alone opinion and easy equitation , while experienced riders might choose for challenging route via Doctor Park Trail , Avery , and Teocalli Ridge Trail # 557 .
visitant can take reward of the death chair lift on Mt. Crested Butte even in the summer while hike the miles of trail in the area or summit the mass itself . Popular trail admit the eight - mile Rustler Gulch lead , which shoot a line view of Maroon Bells , Mt. Bellevue , and Mt. Baldy , and the founder - friendly hike on the Judd Falls trail direct you to a stunning waterfall . As forscenic drives , there ’s the West Elk Loop Scenic Historic Byway , which winds its way through Carbondale , Paonia , Hotchkiss , and Gunnison . A pivot from the byway will take you to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park or to the Penny Hot Springs natural geothermal puddle .
Festivals and Events in Crested Butte
In improver to the annual Wildflower fete , Crested Butte hosts more than a dozen large - shell events every yr . Fromfilm , literary , music , andartsfestivals to three magnetic declination ofThe Grand Traverse , there is , quite literally , something run on every time of year in CB . Celebrate the rich chronicle of Western ranching atCattlemen ’s Daysor sampling the fine fare and brew in the region at theChili & Beerfestival — no matter what , Crested Butte make love how to party and celebrate its the great unwashed , history , and culture .
There ’s also theFeast in the Fielddinner , a farm- and vinery - to - table experience held every summer at the idyllic Red Dog Ranch . A picturesque , locally source , multi - course dinner benefitsMountain Roots , a nonprofit commit to donate fresh , organic nutrient to mob in need .
Art in Crested Butte
If you fancy yourself a Clarence Day explore town , you should cut up out time for some of Crested Butte ’s many secret art galleries . At TheCrested Butte Fine Art Gallery , you ’ll rule petroleum painting and photography by three local artists , whereas theOh Be Joyful Galleryattracts a plethora of painters , printmakers , and statue maker from across the country , resulting in a wide-ranging showing of oeuvre .
to boot , there is theCenter for the Arts , which hosts concerts , live performances , and extra event of all form on a even basis . Guests can immerse themselves in speech and talks , visual and culinary arts , and a full variety of resilient amusement in the stunning , 28,000 square - foundation multi - use space , which include a 350 - seat field of operations , two artistic production studio , dance studio , a visual arts heading , and bar .
Eat, drink, and sleep:
Restaurants and bars in Crested Butte
It might come as a surprise to newcomers just how many eminent - quality restaurants there are in Crested Butte . The Slogaris regarded as one of the best in town , serving up comfortableness food in a prudish - geological era atmosphere , with French restaurantSoupçona close secondly . TheBreaderyis where you ’ll carbo - burden before hitting the slopes ( or anytime you want deliciously flossy , homemade bread ) , andJoséMexican restaurant inside the Elevation Hotel & Spa boast regional Guadalajara dishes like enchilada and carnitas tacos ( plus an outdoor patio ) .
As for libations , take your choice . bring down the female - owned and operatedMontanya Distillers , with its tasting room on the main retarding force of Elk Street and impeccable rummy bottle and concoctions . Beer lover will enjoy Irwin Brewing Co. , which expend mountain snow melt to craft its honor - winning brewage , as well as The Eldo Brewery , which has served up hazy IPAs and a fan - favorite sour serial since 1996 .
Where to stay in Crested Butte
Campfire Ranch Washington Gulchis located just north of Mt. Crested Butte , primarily approachable only by a four - mile ski , snowshoe , snowmobile , or boost in , unless you drive up during the acme of summertime . It offers 15 beds and a full kitchen , plus all the necessities like running body of water and flushing toilets — so rustic without beingtoorustic .
For those looking for a slight more everyday interaction , Christian Bible a stay at theNordic Inn , a sorcerous seam and breakfast with multiple rooms and letting for the perfect home - away - from home mountain experience .
Photo by Danica Bona - Sweet Tea Studios Danica Bona
Photo by Danica Bona
Feast in the Field|Photo by Nolan Blunck
Photo courtesy of Campfire Hut
