After posting lots of photos from our trip to Crested Butte this summer many of you said you’d be interested in a blog post about traveling there. I am certainly not an expert on the town (I’ve included some resources who are) but I’ve been to Crested Butte many times over the last 5 years. Here are my top summer recommendations across several categories – General Tips (basic info that could be helpful to you and your family), Where to Stay, Where to Hike, What to Do, and Where to Eat.

*This is a completely unsponsored post – I received no compensation for any of these recommendations.

General Tips

1. Getting There/Transportation – The reason why many people like Crested Butte is because it has kept it’s mining town charm partly because it’s more remote than the I-70 corridor mountain towns. Below, I share with you options to fly and drive. I’ve both flown and driven to Crested Butte and, without a doubt, have found it so nice to make 2 flight connections and be on the Woods Walk trail by 3:00 that afternoon! 🙂
   • Depending on the season, there are direct flights on United into Gunnison. From Gunnison, it’s only a 30-minute drive to Crested Butte and there are mountain shuttle companies who can bring you there or you can rent a car.
   • You can also check out flights to Montrose – it’s an hour and a half drive to Crested Butte from there.
   • If you’re without a car in Crested Butte, no problem. There is a free shuttle that will take you around – from the town of Crested Butte up to Mount Crested Butte and many stops in between.
   • You will find people who visit Crested Butte from all over the country but especially Texas and Kansas because it’s driveable (although a long drive) and gets them out of the summer heat and humidity. From Houston to Crested Butte, it’s about 16 hours 30 minutes and from Dallas to Crested Butte, it’s about 13 hours. From Kansas City to Crested Butte it’s about 12 hours.
2. Groceries – We try to stop at City Market in Gunnison before driving on to Crested Butte. City Market is larger, with more options, and more affordable prices. There is a Clark’s Market in Crested Butte and we always go there to pick up small things we’ve run out of or forgotten. There’s also a small organic grocery store in CB – Mountain Earth Whole Foods. It’s like a super small Whole Foods.
3. Elk Avenue – The main street of Crested Butte. Take time to stroll (or bike) this beautiful and historic downtown, shop, grab dinner, and then eat some ice cream afterward! Every good vacation includes ice cream – my favorites are Third Bowl and Nicky’s Donuts.
4. Crested Butte Is Home Podcast – If you’re into podcasts, this is one to check out before you go or on your way there. A local real estate agent created the podcast and, while it’s a way for him to advertise, you really get a feel for the locals, the town, and some of its history.

Where to Stay

1. Hotel – Elevation Hotel & Spa – this is the largest hotel in Crested Butte. It’s up at Mount Crested Butte, which has great views of the town and ski lifts. I haven’t personally stayed here but know people who have and they say good things about it. It also has a nice gym and spa (that I will try someday)! If you stay on the mountain, you can always walk, run, or bike the paved “rec path” into Crested Butte. Here’s more info about the rec path.
2. Historic Lodge – Elk Mountain Lodge – a historic and cozy inn, right near Elk Avenue, the main street of town. It’s close to everything and they offer a complimentary breakfast during high tourist seasons.
3. Vacation Rentals – there are LOTS of options on VRBO and Airbnb. If you’re traveling with friends or family, staying for a longer period of time, or would prefer having your own place, there are so many options to choose from to fit your budget and location preference. You will want to determine if you’d like to stay in the town of Crested Butte or at Mount Crested Butte. Do you want a modern condo or a rustic cabin? You can find all sorts of styles and options on VRBO and Airbnb. Check out my family’s place on VRBO if you’re interested.

Where to Hike

One of the reasons we love Crested Butte is because of the beautiful trails right out your front door. Crested Butte is a mountain bikers’ paradise (hikers and runners beware) and there are lots of phenomenal trails! Just make sure you share the trail and BRING WATER no matter how short or easy you think the hike will be.

1. Woods Walk – If you stay in the town of Crested Butte, you can walk west to the Woods Walk trailhead and stay on it for as long as you like. I trail run this almost every day we’re in town. It will take you to the Lower Loop trailhead with beautiful views of the town, Peanut Lake, and Slate River.
2. Snodgrass Trail – I love this trail because of the beautiful views, wildflowers, and aspen along the way. The trailhead is at the top of Mt. Crested Butte, along Gothic Road. We will often drive 1 car to the end of the trail off Washington Gulch Road and then drive over to the trailhead on Gothic – this is a good way to do the whole trail and not have to do an “out and back” hike. One-way, this hike is 3.6 miles.
3. Judd Falls – This is a 1-mile hike up to a gorgeous waterfall. It’s one of the most popular hikes and easy to drive to up Gothic Road. The trailhead parking area can get busy so I recommend you get there early and are back to your car before lunchtime!
4. Dollar Lake – This is out Kebler Pass and is about a 45-minute drive from CB but worth it for the views! We’ve hiked to Dollar Lake twice now and have so enjoyed it each time. Below is a drone video my brother took and that’s my husband fly fishing.

What to Do

I put hiking into its own category because most people come to Crested Butte to get out into nature and that’s the easiest way to do it.

1. Mountain Biking – As already mentioned, CB is a haven for mountain bikers. I personally don’t mountain bike but there are lots of places in town to rent bikes and get advice on trails. I’ve linked to a great resource above.
2. Horseback Riding – There’s a stable at the top of Mt. Crested Butte and near the Snodgrass Trailhead called Fantasy Ranch and there’s another place outside Almont, Harmel’s Ranch. We went to Harmel’s Ranch a few years ago and had a blast trail riding!
3. Shopping – Elk Avenue has some cute local shops that are perfect for picking out a souvenir to bring home, home decor, or gifts. Each time I visit, I swing by and check out the following spots: Favor the Kind CB (home decor & clothing), Chopwood Mercantile (outdoor clothing & lifestyle), The Alpineer (bike rental & outdoor clothing), Scout’s General (a little bit of everything) and Studio West (home decor).
4. Stand Up Paddle Boarding – This is another great way to get outside and view the mountains from a different angle. I tried SUP for the first time this year and really enjoyed it!

Where to Eat

After getting in a good hike or mountain bike, you will be starving! I’m always more hungry in the mountains. Crested Butte is full of tasty, local places to eat (another reason we love it)!

1. Secret Stash Pizza – Our tradition has become getting Secret Stash Pizza the first night we get into town. Check out the Notorious F.I.G. and Woodward pizzas – they are unique and delicious!
2. Teocali Tamale – The perfect place for a quick bite after a long hike or mountain bike. My favorite item on their menu is their red-chili pork tamale platter.
3. Slogar – We tried Slogar for the first time in 2019 and had such a nice sit-down family dinner. They serve family-style fried chicken in a historic Crested Butte building. Due to COVID-19, their menu looks to have changed this summer but no doubt they’re still serving up some delicious fried chicken. I don’t eat fried chicken often, so when I do, it better be good! 🙂
4. Soupcon – A high-end French restaurant down an alley of Crested Butte. The restaurant is in an old miner’s cabin and now serves both lunch and dinner. We went this year and had a phenomenal 5-course dinner that we’re still talking about! This is the most pricey restaurant on the list for dinner but their lunch is a more affordable way to try out what they have to offer!

I hope you can see why I love this cute, quirky mountain town in the summer. There is so much to do outdoors, gorgeous weather and beautiful views everywhere you look! This blog post barely scratches the surface, but is hopefully enough to get you started planning your own trip to Crested Butte… If you need additional information or recommendations, feel free to reach out!