Butte Beta

Crested Butte is actually divided into two main regions: Crested Butte and Mount Crested Butte. Crested Butte is an eclectic town which was been resurrected from it’s coal-mining origins. The elevation of Crested Butte is 8885 feet and it boasts a population of 1635. While the town of Crested Butte has the most dining and shopping options, Mount Crested Butte has more lodging. Mount Crested Butte lies 3 miles up a curvy road on a hill towering above the town. Dominated by the ski area, most buildings are condos and apartments. There are still great dining and shopping options in Mount Crested Butte, though they are limited. Mount Crested Butte is at an elevation of 9375 ft and has a population of approximately 900. A free bus runs between the two towns on a regular basis- every 20 minutes during busy times and every 40 minutes during off-season.

Crested Butte is known for it’s friendly, laid-back atmosphere. Even the fanciest restaurants here have casual attire. And you’ll often have people saying hello to you on the street even if you don’t know them. There are no stoplights and no fast food. The speed limit in town is 15 mph, which reflects the typical Buttian pace of living. Don’t get angry when a car stops in the middle of the road just to talk to someone on the sidewalk. It’s just what we do.

The high altitude of Crested Butte also means that we have less atmosphere protecting us from the sun’s harmful UV-rays. Don’t go outside for more than a few seconds without putting on sunscreen. A minimum of 30 is recommended. Even if it is cloudy, put your sunscreen on. Just this past July, Brittany forgot to put sunscreen on one shoulder while going for a bike ride on a cloudy day. It resulted in a severe second degree burn that blistered and irritated her for over a month. Travelers often realize the potency of the sun after it’s far too late. Hats are wise, as you’ll find that your scalp and ears easily burn in places you’ve never thought of before.

Being located at this elevation also makes Crested Butte prone to severe weather changes. In June, the weather can quickly change from 70 degrees and sunny to snowing. At night, it is not unusual for temperatures to drop into the 30’s and 40’s in the middle of summer, and negative temperatures in the middle of winter. Many visitors underestimate the temperatures, especially in the summer. We warn our summer visitors to pack accordingly. Bring a little bit of everything. Bring shorts, capris and t-shirts, but also pack long-sleeve shirts, sweaters, a rain coat, and even a heavy jacket. A down jacket is NOT out of the question. Brittany even had to wear her down jacket during the 4th of July fireworks this year. If you think we are kidding, that isn’t the case. Pack for warm, and pack for cold. You’ll probably have both.

Flying

Many guests traveling from out-of-state will likely choose to fly. There are a few airports to choose from. The closest airport is Gunnison, which is 30-40 minutes away. The airlines that fly into this airport are frequently changing, but at the time we are writing Delta, American, and United provide service. A benefit of choosing this airport is that you don’t need to rent a car. You can take the Alpine Express directly to Crested Butte. Remember that a free bus operates between the town of Crested Butte and Mount Crested Butte, covering most of our guest’s needs.

An often cheaper airport to fly into is the Montrose Airport, located about 1 hour and 30 minutes away from Crested Butte. This airport is similar in size to the Gunnison airport, so the hassles of a big airport are avoided. Many airlines fly into Montrose, including United, Delta, Continental, and United. Alpine Express and Dolly’s Mountain Shuttle provide shuttle service from this airport to Crested Butte, but you will need to contact them well in advance for reservations (I believe there is a minimum number of people needed to run the shuttle). Guests may find it easier to rent a car.

Usually the cheapest airport to fly into is Denver International. This airport is large and hosts service from every major airline. Although the Alpine Express and Dolly’s Mountain Shuttle also provide shuttle service from this airport to Crested Butte (when reserved with a specific minimum number of people), most people coming from Denver prefer to rent a car.

Driving

First Route: From Denver, take 285 south toward Buena Vista. You will not go directly into Beuna Vista (you will be just a couple of miles away). Near Buena Vista you will make a left turn, following 285 to Poncha Springs. At Poncha Springs, turn right onto 50 heading west. Follow 50 all the way over Monarch Pass to Gunnison. (Monarch Pass has scenic tram rides you might want to check out). In Gunnison, turn right onto CO-135 heading north. This will bring you right to Crested Butte and Mount Crested Butte.

Second Route: This route is closed in winter, generally from November until the end of May. Before to check CDOT to ensure Cottonwood Pass is open! From Denver, take 285 south toward Buena Vista. Near Buena Vista, just past Johnsons Village, there will be a fork in the road. Turn right onto 24. This will take you to Buena Vista. At the only stoplight in Buena Vista, turn left. Follow this road all the way up and over Cottonwood Pass. At the top of Cottonwood Pass, the road will turn to dirt. This is not a problem for most vehicles, even 2-wheel drive. But a low-clearance sports car will have difficulties. As the road descends you will see a lake. This is the Taylor Reservoir. Just before you reach the reservoir you will come to a fork in the road. Turn left and follow this road along the Taylor Reservoir and through the Taylor Canyon to the town of Almont. At Almont, turn right onto CO 135 heading north. This will bring you right to Crested Butte and Mount Crested Butte.

Alternate Route to Buena Vista: In the summer, 285 from Denver can get bogged with slow-travel traffic. This “highway” is mostly 2 lanes, and passing can sometimes be difficult. As an alternative, we often choose to take I-70 from Denver to Copper Ski Area. We exit at the ski area and follow CO-24 west through Leadville and on to Buena Vista. Leadville is one of Colorado’s best old mining towns and is definitely worth the stop if you have time.

Note: Many vehicles are now equipped with fancy GPS devices. In the mountains of Colorado it is best to forego these high-tech devices and resort to a good old map of the state instead. These modern-day devices simply don’t have the common sense of a person and have led many astray- sending them over rugged mountain passes that even some 4-wheel drive vehicles can’t handle, such as Pearl Pass Road. Please be smart. Stick to paved roads, or well-traveled dirt roads.

Kebler Pass Road – There is some camping up Kebler Pass near Lily Lake. But, the best camping is up by Irwin Lake. There is an established campground at Lake Irwin, but it is often full, especially on weekends. If you continue up the road, there are several campsites within the next mile. Most cars with decent clearance can go at least another 1/2 mile past Lake Irwin.

Slate River – The best camping up Slate is at the established campground at Oh-Be-Joyful. If you want to avoid the actual campground, you can turn at the campground, cross the Slate and continue up the Oh-Be-Joyful Road. There are a few campsites within a quarter mile of the campground. The road gets more difficult after that (high clearance 4-wheel drive), but there are campsites for another 3/4 of a mile. Another area to camp on Slate is about a mile past the Oh-Be-Joyful campground. Good camping also exists up Poverty Gulch, although the Slate crossing and road can be treacherous for some cars. Those willing to travel can go further and camp near Paradise Divide.

Washington Gulch – There are several undeveloped campsites between Snodgrass Trailhead and the Elkton cabins. Do not camp near Elkton, as it is private property. This area is nice as it tends to be less traveled than some of the other dirt roads.

Gothic Road – Gothic Road used to be a popular spot for dispersed camping. But, the management plane for the area changed in the summer of 2016. Now, there is limited camping only at the established Gothic Campground, just a couple of miles past the town of Gothic.

Brush Creek – Camping exists past the Canal Trail trailhead. Many people choose to camp just after the road splits to West Brush and Brush, continuing up the Brush branch. There are campsites up either road after the split, but the road becomes fairly treacherous shortly after, and can only be traveled by high clearance 4-wheel drive vehicles.

Cement Creek – This is a very popular area for campers with motorized vehicles (think dirt bikes, ATV’s). But, it can also be a fun area to camp in, especially further up the road. There is an established campground. But, there are also many campsites along the way. The camping possibilities on this road are virtually infinite. This road goes for many miles before a true 4-wheel drive or high clearance vehicle is needed.

• Downtown Crested Butte – The town of Crested Butte has a number of great smaller establishments for visitors to enjoy. Many of them are B & B’s. Visit this website to find out more about Inn’s and Lodges in the town of Crested Butte. While we think all of these establishments are great, we especially love the historic Elk Mountain Lodge. Only two blocks from our main street, Elk Avenue, the location and service can’t be beat!
• VRBO (Vacation Rental By Owner) – Looking for a house or a condo? Check out what VRBO has to offer.
• Nordic Inn – The only inn on the mountain!
• Crested Butte Lodging – Various lodging options, typically on the mountain.

Outdoor Activities

Crested Butte is surrounded by some of the world’s best scenery! Why not get out and enjoy it by hiking or biking in the summer, and skiing in the winter? Below is a list of guides that will help you make the most of our outdoors!

• Crested Butte Mountain Biking Guide – Just like it says, and routes all described by us!
• Crested Butte Hiking Guide – complete with trailhead information, route descriptions, and maps.
• Crested Butte Mountain Resort Biking Guide – You DON’T need to buy a lift ticket if you don’t want to! CBMR has plenty of trails for all levels of riders to enjoy!
• Gothic Area Backcountry Skiing Options – Great for winter travelers in the area.

Festivals & Celebrations

Crested Butte has many various festivals and celebrations! Below, we list some of our most popular events!

• Vinotok – a crazy fall harvest celebration that is a must-see!
• Wildflower Festival – after all, Crested Butte is the wildflower capital…. and for good reason!
• Film Festival – a festival in late September, but they also host a monthly Film Series
• Mushroom Festival – Want to gather mushrooms in the forest? This festival is for you!
• Chili and Beer Festival – Who doesn’t like a good hardy chili and beer fest?
• Flauschink – The spring version of Vinotok
• Farmer’s Market – every Sunday in the summer and early fall
• Arts Festival – one of Crested Butte’s finest festivals
• Music Festival – music periodically, all summer long
• People’s Fair – a smaller version of the Arts Fair, showcasing more local artists

Music, Movies, and other Performances

Crested Butte has a wide range of ways to enjoy music and films. The list below describes some of the opportunities you may wish to take advantage of!

• Music Festival – Music frequently throughout the summer!
• Film Festival – The CB Film Festival usually occurs in late September. But, be sure to enjoy the Monthly Film Series – movies once a month!
• Majestic Theater – Small, but awesome. You can see the latest movies, and grab a beer or mixed drink while you watch!
• Alpenglow Concert Series – Free music on Mondays in the summer at the park by Crested Butte’s Center for the Arts.
• Music on the Mountain – Free music on Wednesdays in the summer at the base of the ski area!
• Center for the Arts – Crested Butte has a great Center for the Arts, whose schedule is jam-packed with films, music, and other performances. Check out their calendar of events!
• Crested Butte Mountain Theatre – For best resource for plays and other theatrical performances!

Crested Butte Real Estate

Frank’s website is where you can find free MLS searches, market reports, and more. Whether you’re buying or selling, let the Crested Butte Real Estate Agent be your first source for information.

Weather in Crested Butte

From flying cracker

Local Radio Station

KBUT – Listen to our Crested Butte Community Radio Station live! This station is financially supported by community fundraisers and drives, and run by volunteer DJ’s from the community. The station not only plays music, but is important in community announcements for transportation, lost-and-found, and events.

Crested Butte Mountain Resort

Check out the ski area. Here you’ll find maps, ski report, lift ticket prices, lodging deals, etc. If you’re visiting in the summer, hike the peak or enjoy hiking and mountain biking on the many trails that CBMR has to offer.

Avalanche Conditions Report

CBAC – Crested Butte Avalanche Center
CAIC – Colorado Avalanche Information Center

Miscellaneous Community & Tourist Information

Visit Gunnison – Crested Butte
Community Info
Crested Butte Chamber of Commerce
All Trips

Mountain Biking

Crested Butte Mountain Bike Association – Provides information on trails, trail conditions, and volunteer opportunities.

Museums

Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum – From the history of mining and skiing in Crested Butte to the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame, they’ve got a lot packed into a tiny space on Elk Avenue.