"Mountains and wildflowers" Crested Butte by goingsolo

Crested Butte Travel Guide: 27 reviews and 24 photos

Many people I spoke to in Colorado touted Crested Butte as a great ski resort, one which wasn't so up scale and upwardly priced as Aspen or Vail. I visited in the almost summer of late May so I can't comment on that. But Crested Butte was a friendly little town, although most shops, restaurants and even hotels were closed in late May. The mountains that bring in skiiers in the winter are fun to hike in the summer and by late June or early July, most of the snow has melted and the wildflowers are in bloom.

Main Street Crested Butte

Originally a mining camp town attracting rebels like Butch Cassidy and Billy the Kid, Crested Butte now draws bikers and skiers from all over the world. On the National Register of Historic Places since 1974, Crested Butte's downtown is an eclectic mix of boldly painted faux-front buildings and miner's shacks. Quaint shops and eateries line Elk Avenue. Include in your visit stops at the Center for the Arts and the Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum; and revisit the unique history of fat-tire riding at the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame and Museum next door.
Three miles up the road from the town is Mount Crested Butte and the base area of the ski resort. Here you'll find world-class skiing, featuring some of Colorado's most extreme terrain. One of state's most unique cross-country trips links Crested Butte to Aspen, 28 miles distant. Its supposed to be a great hike in the summer.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Less expensive than Aspen
Cons:Unpopulated in late spring/early summer
In a nutshell:A quaint ski town with lots of hiking opportunities

Last visit to Crested Butte: May 2003
Intro Updated Apr 27, 2005
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Reviews (16)

mountains in the distance Favorites (4)

It took nearly four hours to reach the summit at just over 12, 000 feet. The first part was a grueling steep uphill... more travel advice

More mountains Favorites (4)

I knew this hike was going to be tough, but I didn't know how much of an understatement the word tough would actually... more travel advice

High above Favorites (4)

Up high I feel like I'm Alive for the very first time Up high I'm strong enough To take these dreams and make them... more travel advice

snow en route to the summit - Crested Butte

Snow Favorites (4)

Crested Butte is at a high elevation- 8800 feet and gets a great deal of snow. Even in late May, trails are still buried... more travel advice

Restaurants (3)
See All Crested Butte Bakery and Cafe
Things to Do (4)
See All View from 12,000 feet
Hotels (2)
See All Hostel

Local Customs (1)
The wildflower capital of Colorado
Off The Beaten Path (2)
See All Banish all the lawyers
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Comments (3)

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Bwana_Brown Mar 20, 2007 at 6:43 PM

An enjoyable page that gave me quite a few laughs, well written and with beaut photos! Great job of conveying the conflicting thoughts of a mountain climber too. City officials have it tough, but a double-decker outhouse above their office...? Loved it!
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NC_Ziggy Apr 4, 2006 at 6:44 PM

You are such a Mountain Person! What are you doing living in the Flatlands? Thanks for your comments which are a great compliment coming from you! Be Well, hang in there, and ALWAYS use the upper floor of the two-story outhouse! ;-)
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GreenMtn.Man Mar 26, 2004 at 11:33 PM

I will be in town on the 17th of April hope will catch an early spring,save me some mud!