TR: To the top of the Peak, Crested Butte
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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.
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.
We enjoyed munching on raspberries and the sights of wonderful wildflowers, like this lupine.
Tansy Yarrow.
Top of the Silver Queen lift.
The sign relates this important information.
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.
My dad, hiking through the forest.
We quickly found ourselves emerging above treeline.
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.
My dad and Barb.
Susan.
My dad with the town of Crested Butte and surrounding valley below.
Getting closer to the top of the peak!
Dad.
Diana.
Me on the summit.
Barb, and Diana signing the register.
The views from the top are always amazing. Pyramid and the Maroon Bells can only be viewed within the ski area from the peak.
Close up of the Bells.
Looking down the famed Guide’s Ridge.
My dad and I enjoying the summit.
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!
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