401 is by far Crested Butte’s most popular trail in Crested Butte. Really, it’s the trail that popularized Crested Butte as a mountain biking destination. In 2009, readers of Bike Magazine named Crested Butte the Best Destination in an article titled the “33 Best Rides in North America”. Because of this, tourists and riders of all types swarm this trail like flies on a horse during the weekends. But, Sonya and I took time to enjoy in on a weekday morning 
This year, access to upper 401 was blocked by snow and fallen trees for longer than usual. In the last few days, someone has taken the time to cut the blocked trees away using a chainsaw, allowing the snow under the trees to finally melt. Hooray! I can officially now say that 401 is clear and ready to go!
Sonya, heading up Gothic road, with Mt. Gothic behind.
Part of what makes 401 so amazing is that it takes riders above treeline, offering spectacular views.
A view of Treasury, which we skied on the 4th of July.
A view of the valley and Gothic Road below, Mt. Crested Butte, Whetstone, and Mt. Gothic in the distance.
The beautiful 401 trail.
Leading toward Avery.
Sonya, with majestic Avery in the background.
401 is no secret by any means. Still, I never tire of it.
However swarmed it may be, it still looks pretty damn sweet. Would love to ride it someday, thanks for the pics.