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Crested Butte

City Guide


Parks

Rainbow Park

This vibrant community space offers a blend of recreation and natural beauty. The park features a soccer field, a playground, a climbing boulder, and picnic areas, making it ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts . The Rainbow Pavilion, equipped with picnic tables, barbecues, and electricity, provides a perfect setting for gatherings and events . Visitors can also enjoy the serene Rainbow Pond, which offers scenic views of Mt. Crested Butte . Open daily from sunrise to sunset, Rainbow Park serves as a cherished spot for both locals and visitors.

Pirates Park

The new pirate-themed playground steals the spotlight in Town Park! With its snazzy play equipment fit for all ages, it’s a treasure trove of fun. Meanwhile, the Yelenick Pavilion is ready for your picnic party, boasting six picnic tables, two trusty charcoal grills, and all the trash and recycling goodies you need. Plus, with a baseball field, sprawling grassy area, basketball goals, swings, and a hammock nook, it’s the ultimate hangout spot for your crew to chill and soak in the stunning sights of Crested Butte! We often pick up coffee from Camp for Coffee or breakfast from Daily Dose and then walk to the park for the kids to play while we ease into our day.


Summer Activities

Slate River

The Slate River is a 23.7-mile tributary of the East River in Gunnison County, Colorado, flowing south from the Raggeds Wilderness to its confluence southeast of Crested Butte. The river is renowned for its recreational offerings, including whitewater kayaking, paddleboarding, fly fishing, and scenic drives. We like to put in by the new fire station in the Aperture subdivision and paddle board to The Clubs at Mt. Crested Butte. (We drop off a car at both ends.)

Three Rivers Resort Rafting

Three Rivers Resort in Almont, Colorado—just 20 miles south of Crested Butte—offers a diverse array of rafting experiences suitable for all ages and skill levels. Guided trips on the Taylor and Gunnison Rivers range from scenic floats to exhilarating whitewater adventures. For a unique evening experience, the resort's "Float 'n Dine" package includes a 10-mile scenic float down the Gunnison River to Garlic Mike’s Italian Restaurant, followed by a delicious dinner. This popular dinner cruise is available seven nights a week with a minimum of four participants and offers a memorable way to enjoy the river and local cuisine .

Alpenglow Concert Series

The Alpenglow Concert Series is a cherished summer tradition in Crested Butte, Colorado, offering free outdoor concerts every Monday evening from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at the Center for the Arts Outdoor Stage. Set against the stunning backdrop of Crested Butte Mountain and Paradise Divide, this series showcases a diverse lineup of musicians, creating a vibrant community gathering for locals and visitors alike.

Admission: Free and open to the public.
Seating: Bring low-profile lawn chairs or blankets.
Refreshments: Local food vendors and a bar are available on-site.
Restrictions: No outside alcohol, pets, or glass containers allowed.

Crested Butte Mountain Resort

Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR) is a premier ski destination located in Mount Crested Butte, Colorado, renowned for its challenging terrain and vibrant mountain culture. In the summer, families can enjoy the Adventure Park, which includes activities like rock climbing, bungee trampolines, and gem panning at the Tin Cup Mining Co., honoring Crested Butte's mining history.
The 10-3 @ CB Disc Golf course, ranked among the top ten in the nation, offers both long and short courses, providing fun challenges for players.
A 20-plus-target 3D archery course is available at the mountain's summit, offering a unique experience for archery enthusiasts of all levels.
The Crested Butte Mountain Bike Park features over 30 miles of lift-served singletrack trails suitable for all skill levels. Riders can enjoy both downhill and cross-country trails, with the Red Lady Express lift providing easy access to the network.
From the top of the Silver Queen lift, hikers can embark on trails leading to the summit of Mt. Crested Butte or explore paths adorned with wildflowers, as the area is known as the Wildflower Capital of Colorado.

Colorado Adventure Rentals

Colorado Adventure Rentals is a premier outdoor outfitter based in Crested Butte, Colorado, offering self-guided ATV, UTV, and snowmobile rentals for year-round mountain exploration. Their downtown location at 201 Elk Avenue provides direct access to some of Colorado's most scenic off-road and snowmobile trails, including Gunnison, Taylor Park, Almont, and the Grand Mesa. With no trailers needed, you can pick up your vehicle and ride straight from the trailheads.

The Cattlemen’s Days Rodeo

The Cattlemen’s Days Rodeo in Gunnison, Colorado, proudly celebrates its 125th consecutive year in 2025, solidifying its status as the longest-running rodeo in the state and one of the oldest in the nation . This iconic event, often referred to as the “Granddaddy of Colorado Rodeos,” offers a rich blend of tradition, community spirit, and Western heritage.

Cattlemen’s Days is more than just a rodeo; it's a celebration of Gunnison's rich ranching history and community resilience. From its humble beginnings in 1901, the event has grown into a nationally recognized festival, featuring top-tier rodeo athletes, 4-H exhibitions, and family-friendly entertainment .

*Check the website for event dates. Each evening's PRCA rodeo begins at 6:45 PM at the Fred Field Western Center.

The Club at Crested Butte

Golfing at The Club at Crested Butte offers a premium mountain golf experience in the heart of Colorado’s Elk Mountains. Designed by Robert Trent Jones II, this championship 18-hole course blends scenic alpine views with challenging play, featuring rolling fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and fast greens. At 9,000 feet elevation, your ball flies farther, and the mountain vistas—especially of Mt. Crested Butte—are stunning. The club also includes a full-service pro shop, practice facilities, and upscale amenities, making it a top-tier destination for golf enthusiasts.
To inquire about tee times call 970.349.8617.


Hikes

Long Lake (Lake Meridian)

Hiking to Meridian Lake, also known as Long Lake, offers a scenic and accessible adventure suitable for various skill levels. There are two primary routes to reach the lake: an easy route and a more strenuous, but shorter option. We prefer the shorter, steeper way up for carrying our SUPs to the lake.

Easier Route:
Distance: Approximately 2.4 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: About 280 feet
Estimated Time: 1–2 hours
Difficulty: Easy

Strenuous Route:
Distance: Approximately 0.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: About 515 feet
Estimated Time: 1–2 hours
Difficulty: Strenuous

Tips:
The lake is a popular spot for swimming and stand-up paddle boarding during the summer months.
Be mindful of private property signs and stay on designated trails to respect landowners' rights.
Dogs are welcome but should be kept on a leash, and owners must clean up after them.
There are no restrooms at the trailheads, so plan accordingly.

Oh Be Joyful Trail & Campground

Oh Be Joyful Trail & Campground is a scenic outdoor destination located approximately 5 miles north of Crested Butte, Colorado, in the Slate River Valley. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), this 600-acre recreation area offers a 30-site campground along the Slate River, featuring 12 vehicle-accessible sites, 18 tent-only sites, and a group campsite accommodating up to 30 people. The campground provides picnic tables, fire rings, bear boxes, and vault toilets; however, there is no potable water, so visitors should plan accordingly.

Woods Walk

Woods Walk is a scenic, easy-access trail located just west of downtown Crested Butte, Colorado. This 2.8-mile round-trip trail offers a gentle, family-friendly hike through aspen groves, with views of Mount Crested Butte, Gothic Mountain, and Peanut Lake. It's a popular spot for wildflower viewing in summer and vibrant fall foliage. The trailhead is situated on the north side of Kebler Pass Road (County Road 12), between Treasury Road and Trappers Way. Parking is available on the left side of the road, opposite the trailhead.

Three Lakes Loop via Lost Lake

The Three Lakes Loop via Lost Lake is a scenic 2.8-mile loop trail located approximately 16 miles west of Crested Butte, Colorado, along Kebler Pass Road. This moderate hike offers a gentle ascent through lush forests, leading to three picturesque alpine lakes: Lost Lake, Dollar Lake, and Lost Lake Slough. Hikers can enjoy views of the Ruby Range and Marcellina Mountain, as well as a waterfall along the trail. The loop is suitable for families and can be completed in about 1.5 to 2 hours. Parking is available at the Beckwith Pass Horse Parking area, with a $6 day-use fee at the lake.

Brush Creek Trail

The Judd Falls Trail is a popular 2.2-mile out-and-back hike that offers a moderate challenge suitable for families and hikers of all skill levels. The trail meanders through aspen groves and evergreen forests, leading to a scenic overlook of the 20-foot Judd Falls. The hike provides panoramic views of the surrounding Elk Mountains and is especially beautiful during the summer months when wildflowers are in bloom.

Lower Loop Trail

This 7.3-mile loop trail is close to town and is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, and mountain biking. This is an easy trail for kids and adults of all ages and it's usually one we do our first day when we are still adjusting to the altitude. This hike offers mountain views as you follow the Slate River through the valley. Lower Loop connects with a few other trails, providing alternate routes such as Woods Walk and the Budd Trail along the way.
The StoryWalk is a unique, family-friendly hiking experience located on the Lower Loop trail off Peanut Lake Road. It combines outdoor adventure with a children's story, as pages of a picture book are displayed sequentially along the path. The book changes each year, and the posts featuring the story are decorated with whimsical drawings.

Beaver Ponds

This easy walk is a great choice in the fall, as it is entirely through aspen groves. The forest floor is covered with ferns and wildflowers in the warmer months as well. Follow the dirt trail all the way up to the ponds, where the view opens up to reveal mountains of the Anthracite Range. There are a number of short and less obvious trails around the ponds on the west side. This is also a great spot for picnics or camping, with many quiet sites to enjoy. You'll see a couple of domelike beaver homes called lodges in the ponds, which are made of branches and mud. These can only be reached by underwater entrances.

Caves Trail

This trail is short and steep, with numerous switchbacks climbing the hillside. Follow the well-defined path up and catch views of the caves off to the right side. There is a distinct tunnel in the rock, which you can peer into from this angle. A mix of sagebrush, aspen, and conifer trees greets you along your climb. The trail starts to level out as you make your way toward the caves. As you approach the rock formation, there is a faint path offering the chance to get a closer look at the tunnel (at your own risk). The remaining hundred feet of the main trail will reveal spectacular views of Red Mountain, directly across from CB South and Cement Mountain (on the left). Look directly ahead when on top of the caves and see where the first chair lift in Colorado was built on the Pioneer Ski Area back in 1939. There aren't any trails that access the other side of the main cave, but it can be approached with a little bit of bushwhacking on steep, loose ground. Hikers should plan accordingly.

Emerald Lake

Check out this 1.7-mile out-and-back trail near Crested Butte, Colorado. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 32 min to complete. This is a very popular area for camping and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are June through October. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
This easy trail starts from the parking area and curves around the right side of the lake for less than half a mile. Many canoes and kayaks put in on the far side, with easy access to the water. On the far side of the lake, a trail heads back up toward the road. We recommend hiking up to get another vantage point, where you can really see the emerald color shine in the sun.

Upper Upper

This short hike is popular with local residents who live nearby. The trail ascends steadily through a dense aspen grove from the start. Follow the trail across the private road and continue for nearly a mile until you reach the junction for the Upper and Upper Upper trails. Take a right at the junction and continue ascending on the dirt and rock trail. At the high point, you can venture off trail to the right for about 20 yards and get a nice overlook of Whetstone Mountain and the valley. Continue back on the somewhat steep descent to Brushcreek road. This is where the best wildflowers are seen in the summer. Take a right at the road and follow it 0.8 miles back to the trailhead.


Breakfast

Gas Cafe One Stop

This unassuming gas station houses a beloved local deli known for its hearty and flavorful breakfast offerings. Favorites include the "MC Stop"—an English muffin layered with a fried egg, American cheese, and your choice of ham, bacon, or sausage—and the indulgent "Triple Bypass," which adds all three meats for a satisfying start to your day. For those seeking a unique twist, the "Paul Harvey" combines a BLT with a fried egg, ham, and hash brown, all nestled between slices of bread.

*Open daily from 6:30 AM to 9:00 PM, the deli serves breakfast until 11:30 AM.


Restaurants

Sunflower

Sunflower is a celebrated farm-to-table restaurant nestled in the heart of Crested Butte, Colorado. Located at 214 Elk Avenue, this intimate eatery offers a seasonal supper menu crafted from locally sourced ingredients, ensuring a fresh and vibrant dining experience. The ambiance is cozy and rustic, featuring reclaimed barn wood interiors and an exhibition-style kitchen where guests can watch the culinary team at work. A reservation here is a must.

The Slogar

The Slogar is a beloved family-style restaurant in Crested Butte, Colorado, renowned for its skillet-fried chicken dinners served in a historic 1880s Victorian building. Established in 1983, The Slogar offers a nostalgic dining experience with generous portions of comfort food, including mashed potatoes, creamed corn, biscuits, and ice cream for dessert. The restaurant's ambiance reflects its rich history, providing a cozy and inviting atmosphere for guests.

The Hideout Bar & Kitchen

The Hideout Kitchen + Bar is a vibrant dining spot in Crested Butte, Colorado, offering a fusion of American and Asian-inspired dishes in a cozy, rustic setting. Located at 208 Elk Avenue, this restaurant is known for its creative menu, featuring items like the Pow Hound Burger, bao buns, kimchi fries, and the Local Gem salad with fried chicken. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, with a dog-friendly patio, making it a great choice for families and groups. The Hideout does not take reservations, encouraging spontaneous visits. It's open daily from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with extended hours on Fridays until 10:30 PM.

Ryce Asian Bistro

Ryce Asian Bistro is a popular Pan-Asian restaurant located at 120 Elk Avenue in downtown Crested Butte, Colorado. Known for its diverse menu that blends flavors from China, Thailand, Vietnam, and Japan, Ryce offers a range of dishes including Thai Drunken Noodles, Pad Thai, Mongolian Beef, and Orange Chicken. The restaurant features a cozy riverside dining room with roll-up doors that open to a patio, providing a relaxed atmosphere complemented by the sounds of Coal Creek.


Dessert + Bars

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

The Company is based in the charming historical town of Durango located on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains in southwestern Colorado. From its 53,000 square foot factory, the Company manufactures an extensive line of premium chocolate candies and other confectionery products to supply its many franchise locations, delivered fresh by its fleet of refrigerated trucks. Fine chocolates, such as the Company’s signature piece, the Bear™, a paw-sized concoction of chewy caramel, roasted nuts and a heavy coating of chocolate.

Bruhaus

Brühaus Mountain Tavern, located at 223 Elk Avenue in downtown Crested Butte, is a warm and inviting “beer hall meets mountain tavern” offering a modern twist on alpine comfort . With rustic wooden beams, a cozy fireplace, and vintage ski-inspired décor, it's the kind of spot where both locals and visitors gather to unwind after an outdoor adventure. The menu features elevated pub fare—including burgers, flatbreads, elk meatloaf, Peri‑Peri chicken, and Bavarian pretzels—all designed to pair beautifully with an extensive selection of craft beers (20+ taps), rotating seasonal brews, wines, and cocktails. Brühaus is also known for fun events like weekly après‑ski specials ($3 pints, $6 wines, $7 cocktails) and themed beer dinners with local breweries, such as tap takeovers, taco nights, and prix‑fixe multi-course pairings with Crooked Stave or Irwin Brewing. Open daily from around noon through the evening, it's a perfect choice for hearty food, good drinks, and community‑centered mountain vibes.


Shopping

Favor the Kind

Favor The Kind, located at 322 Elk Ave in downtown Crested Butte, is a bright and uplifting home, gift, and apparel boutique dedicated to spreading joy through thoughtfully curated, sustainably produced items. The store showcases a cheerful mix of women’s clothing, artisan jewelry, unique home décor, stationery, and fun board games—all sourced from makers whose values align with the boutique’s mission of kindness and conscious living . Nestled in a historic mountain town, Favor The Kind offers a welcoming space filled with colorful, feel-good finds—perfect for gifting or treating yourself, while supporting small-scale creators .

Need hours, gift ideas, or directions? Just say the word!

Casa Bella

Casa Bella is an elegant, thoughtfully curated boutique nestled in a historic yellow house at 321 Elk Ave in downtown Crested Butte. This stylish shop specializes in everything kitchen, bed, and bath—featuring premium cookware (Staub, Zwilling, USA Pan), luxury bedding lines (Scandia Down, Pine Cone Hill, Sferra, Peacock Alley), and a sumptuous bath-and-body selection with candles, French soaps, lotions, and more . The inviting atmosphere, scented with artisanal products, welcomes you to browse for beautiful home accents or find that perfect gift, whether it’s cozy linens or gourmet kitchen gadgets . Open daily with varying hours (typically 10 AM–5 PM) and offering complimentary gift wrapping, bridal registry services, and free shipping over $300, Casa Bella delivers both quality and charm in a warm, mountain‑town setting.

Pooh's Corner

Pooh’s Corner, located at 302 Elk Avenue in downtown Crested Butte, is a charming, family-owned toy and gift shop that’s been delighting locals and visitors since the late 1970s. Known as Gunnison Valley’s unofficial Lego headquarters, it stocks a playful and creative mix of toys—from classic Legos and Melissa & Doug sets to games, puzzles, dress-up items, art supplies, snow toys, stuffed animals, and candy
gunnisoncrestedbutte.com
. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, offering complimentary gift-wrapping and shipping services—ideal for finding the perfect birthday present or souvenir . Open daily in winter (10 AM–6 PM) and year-round, Pooh’s Corner remains a beloved Crested Butte staple for bringing smiles to children (and the young at heart)

Artisan Rug Gallery

Artisan Rug Gallery, nestled at 311 Elk Avenue in downtown Crested Butte, is a distinguished rug showroom that has been enhancing homes with luxury hand-woven pieces since 1990. Founded by Jeff and Tiffany Deutsch—who source exquisite wool and silk rugs from their global travels—it offers a curated selection ranging from tribal and vintage finds to modern, classic, Moroccan, and contemporary designs . Though the Crested Butte space is intimate, it's brimming with unique, one-of-a-kind treasures that reflect high craftsmanship and authenticity . The knowledgeable staff provides personalized consultations, whether you’re choosing an off-the-shelf piece or designing a custom rug, and offers guidance on care, cleaning, and repair . Open daily from 10 AM–6 PM (Sundays 11–3), this gallery is a must-visit for anyone seeking to add warmth, character, and world-class artistry to their space.

Willow

Willow Mercantile & Willow at Home is a charming pair of specialty shops in downtown Crested Butte led by owner and principal designer Sally Hughes Johnson. Located at 326 Elk Ave (mercantile) and 330 Elk Ave (home goods & furnishings), they offer an inspired blend of hand‑picked home décor, textiles, accessories, and unique gifts infused with warmth, color, and style . Every item—from throw pillows and decorative accents to furniture pieces—is curated with core values of quality, creativity, comfort, and joy in mind .
For your shopping pleasure, there are two Willow retail locations in Crested Butte - one is the "modern-day mercantile" and the other is the home goods and furnishings shop. Both are full of treasures for you and your home!

Crested Butte Angler

Crested Butte Angler, located at 229 Elk Avenue in downtown Crested Butte, is both a full-service fly shop and a seasoned guide operation catering to anglers of all skill levels. Their well-stocked retail space offers top brands like Orvis, TFO, Winston, Rio, YETI, Costa, and Under Armour—alongside gear for fly tying and outdoor apparel. Beyond gear, they specialize in guided trips year-round: options include float trips on the Gunnison River, wade trips on local creeks and the Taylor River, private-water adventures (e.g., Bar ZX Ranch), Gunnison Gorge excursions, and even ice fishing in winter—all with flies and equipment provided. Half‑day outings run about four hours, full‑day around six to seven hours . Operated by professional, insured guides, Crested Butte Angler is praised for its friendly service and commitment to quality. They’ve earned respect in the fly‑fishing community:

Mountain Earth Organic Grocer

Mountain Earth Organic Grocer is a beloved natural foods store located in the heart of Crested Butte at 405 4th Street, just across from Camp 4 Coffee. This cozy yet impressively stocked shop offers a wide selection of organic and specialty items, including fresh produce, bulk foods, plant-based milks, vegan cheeses, tofu, and tempeh. Known for its homemade kitchen offerings, the store features daily fresh soups, grab-and-go salads, gluten-free muffins, raw treats, sandwiches, cookies, and power snack balls. With a clean, modern layout and a community-oriented vibe, it serves as a go-to spot for locals and visitors seeking healthy, high-quality groceries. Open daily from 8 AM to 8 PM, Mountain Earth also accepts credit cards and provides convenient street and bike parking.

BIG AL’S BICYCLE HEAVEN

In the heart of historic downtown Crested Butte, Colorado. Our convenient location lends to the ease of renting bikes, getting out on the town trails or simply dropping a bike for a repair and heading to lunch while we work on getting you fixed up. Our service area is fully equipped and staffed with knowledgable mechanics to meet your needs. Need to rent a bike? We’ve got you covered. Our fleet is top notch and offers many options from basic Mountain bikes, full suspension Trail bikes, and some gravel bikes too!


Kids

CB Babysitters

We know how important it is to find the perfect sitter while you're on vacation. That's why CB Babysitters has taken the legwork out of researching local babysitters. Based out of Crested Butte, Colorado, CB Babysitters is a babysitting referral service and has screened and background checked every sitter on the list to ensure the utmost level of professionalism and safety. Book a babysitter or have them plan a private day camp with special activities just for your group!

Rotary Duckie Race

A fantastically fun event for kids and adults alike, the Great Rubber Duckie Race sends hundreds of small and adorable rubber duckies down Coal Creek every summer.

Hosted by the Crested Butte/Mt Crested Butte Rotary Club, this is an aquatic race like no other, and it’s a “Daffy” sight you won’t forget.

Join us at the Post Office every Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM to grab your tickets and support a great cause. For just $10 a ticket, you can contribute to scholarships, grants for non-profits, and empowering our incredible youth.
-Aug 4, 2024
-2:00 pm - 5:00 pm


Winter Activities


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