Mount Crested Butte ColoradoATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Mount Crested Butte, Colorado.
1. Kebler Pass
SCENIC MOUNTAIN DRIVE
Kebler Pass offers one of the most breathtaking scenic drives from Crested Butte to Paonia, passing West Beckwith Mountain. The area boasts 50 square miles of golden aspens, making it the best spot in Colorado to view fall foliage. Visitors consistently rate this scenic drive highly, giving it a 4.8 out of 5 rating.
2. Schofield Pass
CHALLENGING SCENIC ROUTE
Schofield Pass is a difficult mountain road connecting Crested Butte and Marble with narrow, steep passages. The drive offers spectacular mountain vistas that draw adventure seekers looking for challenging terrain. Despite its difficulty, it maintains a solid 4.5 rating from visitors who appreciate its rugged beauty.
3. Crested Butte Mountain Resort
PREMIER SKI DESTINATION
Crested Butte Mountain Resort is a highly-rated ski destination featuring a charming Victorian aesthetic and diverse terrain for all skiing ability levels. In summer, the resort operates the Silver Queen chairlift, offering access to hiking trails including the 1.25-mile Summit Trail. The resort serves as both a winter sports hub and summer recreation center with a 4.5 visitor rating.
4. Upper Loop/Upper Upper Loop
MODERATE SCENIC TRAIL
Upper Loop/Upper Upper Loop is a moderately difficult hiking trail known for its exceptional scenery. The trail offers accessible conditions for most hikers while providing spectacular mountain views. With a 4.7 rating, it's consistently ranked as one of the top hiking experiences in the Crested Butte area.
5. Crested Butte Nordic Center
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING PARADISE
Crested Butte Nordic Center is a non-profit organization that maintains 55 kilometers of meticulously groomed Nordic trails around town. The center has established Crested Butte as Colorado's premier Nordic Town with extensive winter recreation opportunities. Highly rated at 4.7, the center offers complete ski rentals and services for cross-country enthusiasts.
6. Trail 403
PREMIER MOUNTAIN BIKING
Trail 403 is one of Crested Butte's most celebrated mountain biking paths, offering technical challenges and stunning scenery. The trail attracts cycling enthusiasts from around the country seeking the area's legendary single-track experience. With a 4.7 rating, it's considered an essential ride for mountain biking aficionados visiting the region.
7. Elk Avenue
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN STREET
Elk Avenue is Crested Butte's main street, lined with colorful historical buildings, mountain views, and unique local businesses. The pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare offers visitors a chance to shop at non-chain stores and experience the authentic character of this mountain town. Strolling down Elk Avenue is considered a must-do activity for first-time visitors to Crested Butte.
8. Elk Ave Prime
TOP-RATED STEAKHOUSE EXPERIENCE
Elk Ave Prime is renowned as the best steakhouse in Crested Butte, offering premium cuts and fine dining in the heart of town. The restaurant exemplifies the surprisingly excellent culinary scene found in this small mountain community. Visitors to Crested Butte often include this dining establishment in their itinerary for a memorable meal experience.
9. Tin Cup Ice Cream & Desserts
SWEET MOUNTAIN TREATS
Tin Cup Ice Cream & Desserts satisfies sweet cravings at the mountain base area of Crested Butte Mountain Resort. The shop offers a selection of ice cream and dessert options perfect after a day of mountain activities. It's a popular spot for families and visitors looking to indulge after hiking, biking, or skiing.
10. Crested Butte Wildflower Festival
ALPINE BLOOM CELEBRATION
The Crested Butte Wildflower Festival celebrates the area's reputation as the Wildflower Capital of Colorado with guided hikes and educational events. This summer festival showcases the spectacular alpine meadows that burst with color during peak bloom season. Visitors can experience the natural beauty of the region while learning about the diverse wildflower ecosystems.
11. Hartman Rocks
DESERT MOUNTAIN BIKING
Hartman Rocks is a Bureau of Land Management area just outside Gunnison featuring 40 miles of singletrack and 33 miles of open roads for mountain biking. This unique high alpine desert landscape offers routes ranging from technical challenges to beginner-friendly paths suitable for children. The area's sage brush fields and distinctive rock formations create a one-of-a-kind riding experience.
12. Crested Butte Museum
LOCAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Crested Butte Museum preserves and shares the rich mining, biking, and skiing history of the town. Located on Elk Avenue, the museum offers visitors insight into the community's evolution from mining camp to renowned outdoor recreation destination. It serves as a cultural anchor for understanding the authentic mountain heritage that shaped present-day Crested Butte.
13. Montanya Distillers
MOUNTAIN RUM EXPERIENCE
Montanya Distillers offers popular distillery tours showcasing their mountain-crafted rum production process. The facility, rated 4.7 by visitors, combines educational elements with tasting opportunities of their award-winning spirits. This attraction provides a unique indoor activity option that complements the outdoor adventures typically associated with Crested Butte.
14. Meridian Lake
TRANQUIL MOUNTAIN WATERS
Meridian Lake offers a peaceful water experience surrounded by stunning mountain scenery near Crested Butte. The lake attracts visitors seeking fishing, swimming, and relaxation away from more crowded destinations. With a consistent 4.5 rating, this natural attraction provides a serene complement to the region's more adrenaline-focused activities.
15. Main Street Gunnison
HISTORIC VALLEY HUB
Main Street in Gunnison serves as the cultural and commercial center of this mountain valley town. Visitors can explore local restaurants, shops, coffee houses, and breweries that showcase the authentic character of this Western Colorado community. The Gunnison Arts Center on Main Street offers classes, gallery exhibitions, and opportunities to purchase local artwork.