TR: To the top of the Peak, Crested Butte

(Last Updated On: July 12, 2017)

My dad has visited every summer since I’ve lived here in Crested Butte. But, he usually comes early – too early to do some of the higher elevation hikes, including the peak at Mount Crested Butte. Since his visit this year was scheduled for late July / early August, we knew the Peak was a priority. So, the day after our hike over West Maroon Pass, my parents, their two friends Barb and Diana, and I all started heading up the the area, hoping to reach the peak.
Hike to the top of the Peak, Crested Butte.

Instead of taking the Silver Queen lift up nearly 2000 feet, we chose to walk. The ski areas has a series of excellent trails and roads. Hikers can access any road and any trail that is not designated for downhill mountain biking. The exact distance depends on the route you chose, but our hike to the top of the Silver Queen was about 4.5 miles. As we hiked, the views kept getting better and better.
Hike to the top of the Peak, Crested Butte.

We enjoyed munching on raspberries and the sights of wonderful wildflowers, like this lupine.
Hike to the top of the Peak, Crested Butte.

Tansy Yarrow.
Hike to the top of the Peak, Crested Butte.

Top of the Silver Queen lift.
Hike to the top of the Peak, Crested Butte.

The sign relates this important information.
Hike to the top of the Peak, Crested Butte.

After a short break at the top of the Silver Queen to re-group, we began the 1.3 mile climb (650+ vertical feet) to the top.
Hike to the top of the Peak, Crested Butte.

My dad, hiking through the forest.
Hike to the top of the Peak, Crested Butte.

We quickly found ourselves emerging above treeline.
Hike to the top of the Peak, Crested Butte.

These look like chipmunks, but they area actually ground squirrels. They begged for food and too many people were feeding them. Admittedly, they were very cute.
Hike to the top of the Peak, Crested Butte.

Hike to the top of the Peak, Crested Butte.

My dad and Barb.
Hike to the top of the Peak, Crested Butte.

Susan.
Hike to the top of the Peak, Crested Butte.

My dad with the town of Crested Butte and surrounding valley below.
Hike to the top of the Peak, Crested Butte.

Getting closer to the top of the peak!
Hike to the top of the Peak, Crested Butte.

Dad.
Hike to the top of the Peak, Crested Butte.

Diana.
Hike to the top of the Peak, Crested Butte.

Me on the summit.
Hike to the top of the Peak, Crested Butte.

Barb, and Diana signing the register.
Hike to the top of the Peak, Crested Butte.

The views from the top are always amazing. Pyramid and the Maroon Bells can only be viewed within the ski area from the peak.
Hike to the top of the Peak, Crested Butte.

Close up of the Bells.
Hike to the top of the Peak, Crested Butte.

Looking down the famed Guide’s Ridge.
Hike to the top of the Peak, Crested Butte.

My dad and I enjoying the summit.
Hike to the top of the Peak, Crested Butte.

After summiting we worked our way back. We followed the trail back to the top of the Silver Queen where I opted to take the lift down (free to anyone who hikes up, lift tickets up are currently $16 for one ride) instead of thrashing my knees walking downhill on the road.

I always enjoy the peak of Crested Butte and I hope to have many more climbs there in both summer and winter. Thanks to my parents and friends for yet another fantastic day in our amazing mountains hiking to the top of the Peak, Crested Butte!

If you want to know how to do this hike yourself, check out my Crested Butte Hiking Guide!

It may be summer now, but it’s still not long before the snow flies!

Brittany Walker Konsella

Aside from skiing, biking, and all outdoorsy things,Brittany Walker Konsella also loves smiles and chocolate 🙂 Even though she excels at higher level math and chemistry, she still confuses left from right. Find out more about Brittany!

Summary
To the top of the Peak, Crested Butte
Article Name
To the top of the Peak, Crested Butte
Description
The beautiful laccolith that stands at the end of the valley is as iconic as they come. Here's how to hike to the top of the Peak, Crested Butte!
Author

Brittany Walker Konsella

Aside from skiing, biking, and all outdoorsy things, Brittany Walker Konsella also loves smiles and chocolate :) Even though she excels at higher level math and chemistry, she still confuses left from right. Find out more about Brittany!

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