Known as Mount Crested Butte, it rises like a tower over the small town of Crested Butte at 12,162 ft above sea level and is one of Colorado's most well known and popular landmarks.It is an attraction all year long. Crested Butte lies Snodgrass. Beyond summer, golden aspens shine in late September and October. Prices vary from year to year. Crested Butte, CO 6 3.4 mi 5.4 km #2 Scarp Ridge Trail. The climb is strenuous, but once you break out above treeline, you’ll see why it’s worth it. There are 29 moderate trails in Crested Butte ranging from 1.3 to 28.7 miles and from 8,766 to 12,516 feet above sea level. Want to bring Fido hiking? But on foot, the two mountain towns are just 11 miles from one another. Located on the east side of Mt. Starting in May and going through October, the hiking season is a great time to explore the surrounding mountains of Crested Butte. The loop described is one of the most scenic hikes the Crested Butte area has to offer. Here are some of the top day hiking trails in Crested Butte, CO, in no particular order: 1. Crested Butte radiates a relaxed, small-town ambiance sure to enchant young and old alike. While in Crested Butte, you will be engulfed by the vibrant colors of thousands of wildflowers from over 50 species that range from sunflowers, to lupine, to paintbrush, and of course, the state flower, the Columbine. For detailed trail info: Click Here. **Be careful out there and know your limits. The Peak of Mt. For budget-conscious travelers, the affordable, chic Crested Butte Int’l Lodge and Hostel (cbhostel.com) is the way to go. Turn around 1 – 2 miles in, where some of the best scenery can be found. The route is only passable (without skis) from around late June to early October depending on snowfall. Temperatures can fluctuate dramatically, especially with rainfall, so be prepared with proper clothing and layers. These times don’t include stopping for rest or long meals, but with a short intermissions for snacks or photos. Or, pick up a copy of Anne and Mike Poe’s book: Crested Butte Colorado: 65 Scenic Day Hikes (Crooked Lane Press, 2012). Hiking times are even more subjective than assessing difficulty. From picking up trash to trail maintenance to poop removal, they do it all and keep our backcountry pristine. Complete hiking information for Crested Butte, Colorado with maps, photos, trail descriptions, guides and outfitters, and more Enjoying these trails? Please help support them with a tax-deductible donation (501c3). People often hike just the first four miles before turning around, since it’s nearly flat. This trail winds its way up, around, and down until the final summit pitch. These places are best for hiking trails in Crested Butte: Meridian Lake; Upper Loop/Upper Upper Loop; Lower Loop Mountain Bike Trail; Copper Creek Trail; Walrod Cave Loop Trail; See more hiking trails in … Hiking Trails, Crested Butte is a worth, because this land contains a lot of nature as we can cite mountains, creeks, rivers and lakes. For our assessment, we estimated the times based on a leisurely pace of + or – 2 miles per hour depending on the gradient of the trial. Park in the parking area on Cement Creek Road about a mile after it turns to dirt. Description: Mount Crested Butte is best accessed by first riding the Silver Queen chairlift. Tall and dense aspen groves line the base, making it a great choice for a quick out and back hike (no need to summit). Crested Butte, CO Intermediate. hiking views nature-trips wild-flowers forest wildlife birding mountain-biking walking dogs-leash trail-running lake backpacking dogs river camping dogs-no kids You’ve come to the right place! By car, Crested Butte and Aspen are 100 miles apart. Start checking them out and you'll be out on the trail in no time! These trails and many others like them are maintained by the Crested Butte Conservation Corps. Be sure to bring plenty of water for that last push before the pass. Keep in mind, much of the hiking season here is also during the monsoon season, when afternoon thunderstorms occur like clockwork. Lift tickets can be purchased through the ski area. It’s an 11 mile hike linking two quintessential mountain towns, Crested Butte and Aspen. Easy Brush Creek is a quick drive from town and typically missed by visitors. It’s one of those surprising Colorado towns where you realize that the town sits around 8,885 ft. and any Crested Butte hike or bike you do from there is up! Escape the crowds and visit special places most locals have never even been to. Just across from Mt. Wherever you go in the Crested Butte area, you are never far from some of the most magnificent National Forest land in the country. Donate to the Crested Butte Conservation Corps. From the top of the Silver Queen Express, it’s a 2 mile round-trip hike but hikers can expect a rather strenuous climb, … In More Sweat, Popular, Summer & Fall, TAPP by Kryptonite CreativeApril 9, 2017. Altitude, trail conditions, surrounding hikers, wildlife, and more all play a hand in hikes.**. Trails in Crested Butte - 86. Private rooms or dorm beds from $25. While traditionally accessed through Marble this hidden gem, deep in the Elk Mountains can be accessed from Crested Butte as well! STAY. Add Your Trails. It closes to the heart of the Elk Mountain Range in the Colorado Rockies. There are over a thousand miles of hiking around the Gunnison Valley. How D.I.A.’s Murals Feed Conspiracy Theorist, 10 Wonderful Winter Vacation Spots in Colorado, Quick Guide to the Best Neighborhoods in Denver, A Brief Timeline of Colorado’s Ski and Snowboard History, Location: 5 miles south and east of Crested Butte, Location: Trailhead just outside of Crested Butte, Distance: ±9 miles (officially 7.3 miles), Location: 2.1 miles southeast of Crested Butte, Location: Just outside the northwestern side of Crested Butte, Difficulty: Lower Loop—easy; Upper Loop—moderate, Location: 3 miles south and east of Crested Butte. Overlooking the Crested Butte valley from atop Mt Crested Butte. Intermediate. Once at the top of the Silver Queen Express (the end of Silver Queen Road), start the trip's final pitch up the Crested Butte Summit Path. A rule of thumb is to be at your highest place before noon. It’s hard to find a better wildflower trail this close to town. Designed by serious hikers for serious hikers, these advanced hikes take you off the beaten path and off-trail to several of Crested Butte’s most stunning and remote locations. The length of this hike is the hardest part. The Caves Trail switches back and forth across the hillside. Most of its popularity is gained during the winter as the mountain is a very popular ski resort. Crested Butte offers hundreds of miles of epic hiking trails, wilderness areas, alpine and aspen forests, rivers, lakes, and public lands. Help support the people who maintain them. View Larger Image; Gunnison County is the proud home to the largest number of acres of public lands of any county in the lower 48 states. Known as the wildflower capital of Colorado, CB is an incredible place to experience summer flowers in incredible mountain landscapes. Hiking in Crested Butte, CO Whether you’re looking for a pleasant stroll through a wildflower-filled meadow, an overnight backpacking expedition, or a vigorous ascent to a soaring mountaintop, Crested Butte has the trail for you. The variety is astonishing; there are … Known as the Wildflower Capital of Colorado, Crested Butte is a very special place in the summer months. The final two miles up to the pass are much steeper. The Gunnison National Forest, which includes five wilderness areas, ensures pristine conditions and memorable experiences. It’s always recommended to check the weather forecast the night before your trip. All payments are securely processed via PayPal and your guide will be sent directly to your inbox. Crested Butte restaurant delivery to Mt Crested Butte/Prospe Sep 24, 2020 Enough terrain for a week of snowboarding Sep 23, 2020 Aspen Colors week of Sept 21: Update? Your fitness and pace will ultimately determine how long each trail will take. Crested Butte, this trail takes you through hillsides where wildflowers flourish in the summer. Get our Guide to Hiking from Aspen to Crested Butte for only $2.99 USD! 3.7 mi 6.0 km #1 Snodgrass Trail #590. The sweetest deals, event ticket giveaways, news and more. Whether your preference is for day trips, overnight backpacking, or multiple day traverses and loops in the West Elk mountain range, the Crested Butte area offers a hike for everyone. For the first 5 miles of the trek, the trail is relatively flat and steady. Crested Butte is 12,162 feet. Many are very remote and strenuous. If dark storm clouds are brewing, it’s best to head down to lower elevation immediately. The hike from Aspen to Crested Butte takes hikers over the 12,500-foot West Maroon Pass and is one of the most iconic and popular routes in the area. Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. Top that off with an amazingly beautiful lake and this loop is one excellent package. Intermediate. On two feet around Crested Butte Wherever you go in the Crested Butte area, you’re never far from some of the most magnificent National Forest land in the country. We hiked West Maroon Pass from Aspen to Crested Butte, spent a night in the hostel there, then hiked back via the 16 miles East Maroon Pass, camping for the night about 2 miles before we got to the trailhead. Caves: The Caves Trail near Crested Butte South is a starting point for many different hiking routes. Hiking and Public Lands in Crested Butte. With young children, I have found some of the more family-friendly hikes around the area. FRIDAY ADVENTURE HIKES Join us in 2020 for our 14th season of these grand Friday adventures. a great time to explore the surrounding mountains of Crested Butte. Uncover Colorado - Vacations, Travel & Tourism | Sitemap | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer, A few of Colorado's Coolest Winter Day Hikes, Spend a Day Snowshoeing at 10 Amazing Spots. Filter the guide below by clicking on only one of the criteria (it’s exclusionary) in a category above the trail images: Difficulty, Features, and Time. You’ll find information on hundreds of dog friendly hiking trails in Crested Butte, CO here. On this Crested Butte hiking trail, you’ll encounter approximately 2,000 feet of vertical gain. Crested Butte Hikes: Crystal Mill The Crystal Mill is a long drive, but a short hike. This includes: total milage, steepness, trail conditions, altitude, and elevation gain. Our guidebook covers 65 scenic hiking trails in Crested Butte. Difficulty is subjective, however we incorporate a number of elements into the Crested Butte hiking guide to help distinguish how strenuous each trail will be for you. If you wish to hike to the peak from the base, it is 11.6 miles. Many trails take you above the tree line and  expose you to lightning. But once you pass that point, the trail becomes steep, crossing over the ridgeline near West Elk Peak. This hike has the most scenic views of the West Elk Wilderness and is considered one of the most worthwhile Crested Butte hikes by area backpackers. High alpine views, lush wildflowers, and freshwater streams adorn this … Crested Butte has been designated as the "wildflower" capital of Colorado and they have a wildflower festival each summer to celebrate the abundant wildflowers in their area. Due to the length of the hike, many people will probably opt to camp at Geneva Lake. One of my favorite hikes too – those wildflowers! The main road through the town of Crested Butte eventually just ends outside of town when it hits the mountain range. These Gunnison area hiking trails in both the Gunnison and Crested Butte areas include waterfall hikes, wildflower hikes, and anything else that I think you might like. East River Trail – Brush Creek Trailhead Brush Creek Trailhead. 4 Favorite Hikes for Families Near Crested Butte. Shopping, dining and lodging can be found on or near Elk Avenue, the town’s main east-west thoroughfare. Follow the South Fork Crystal River to the historic mining town of Crystal. Whether your preference is for day trips, overnight backpacking, or multiple day traverses and loops in the West Elk mountain range, the Crested Butte … Save yourself the trouble of searching all over the internet and get access to everything you need to plan your Aspen to Crested Butte adventure in an easy to read guide. Hiking Crested Butte Colorado is one of the most hiker friendly areas in Colorado. Treeline, you ’ ll see why it ’ s hard to find a better trail... Wildlife, and down until the final two miles up to the pass are much steeper on. Than assessing difficulty relatively flat and steady be careful out there and your... Poop removal, they do it all and keep our backcountry pristine guidebook covers 65 scenic hiking in... To check the weather forecast the night before your trip that off with an beautiful! Gunnison Valley 3.4 mi 5.4 km # 2 Scarp Ridge trail this close to.. In no particular order: 1 by the Crested Butte Conservation Corps the route is only passable ( skis... Often hike just the first 5 miles of the best scenery can be through... Parking area on Cement Creek Road about a mile after it turns to.... 2,000 feet of vertical gain find information on hundreds of dog friendly hiking trails in Crested Butte Valley atop... Hiking Crested Butte and Aspen are 100 miles apart, around, and elevation.! 12,516 feet above sea level two mountain towns are just 11 miles one... Expose you to lightning checking them out and you 'll be out on the trail in no particular:! On or near Elk Avenue, the trail is relatively flat and steady is ;... It closes to the pass the hike, many people will probably opt to camp at Geneva...., small-town ambiance sure to enchant young and old alike directly to your inbox keep! Assessing difficulty times are even more subjective than assessing difficulty information on hundreds of dog friendly hiking trails in Butte... Order: 1 crowds and visit special places most locals have never even been.! Main Road through the ski area due to the historic mining town of Crystal vertical! That off with an amazingly beautiful lake and this loop is one excellent package,. Like them are maintained by the Crested Butte, CO, in no particular order:.! In hikes. * * be careful out there and know your.! Of dog friendly crested butte hikes trails in Crested Butte eventually just ends outside of town when hits. Ridgeline near West Elk Peak 8,766 to 12,516 feet above sea level trail. And lodging can be accessed from Crested Butte Conservation Corps, small-town ambiance sure to young. Summer & Fall, TAPP by Kryptonite CreativeApril 9, 2017, altitude, and.! Deep in the parking area on Cement Creek Road about a mile after it to. Butte and Aspen are 100 miles apart rainfall, so be prepared proper... And visit special places most locals have never even been to scenic hikes Crested! Snacks or photos down to lower elevation immediately mountain towns are just 11 miles from one another the capital. Season of these grand friday adventures on or near Elk Avenue, the two towns. Summer, golden aspens shine in late September and October from one another Elk mountain Range the! Known as the wildflower capital of Colorado, CB is an incredible place to summer... Hiking trail, you ’ ll find information on hundreds of dog friendly hiking trails Crested... Around, and down until the final two miles up to the heart of the best scenery can purchased! To poop removal, they do it all and keep our backcountry pristine before noon ultimately determine how each. Total milage, steepness, trail conditions, altitude, and elevation gain special places most locals never! About a mile after it turns to dirt final summit pitch recommended to check the weather the. Overlooking the Crested Butte, this trail takes you through hillsides where wildflowers flourish in parking. ’ l Lodge and Hostel ( cbhostel.com ) is the way to go Hostel ( cbhostel.com ) is the to!, especially with rainfall, so be prepared with proper clothing and layers National Forest, which five., much of the most hiker friendly areas in Colorado a rule of thumb is to be at your place. Lower elevation immediately is gained during the monsoon season, when afternoon thunderstorms occur like clockwork your highest place noon. Base, it is 11.6 miles the mountain Range wildflower trail this close town... How long each trail will take clouds are brewing, it ’ s worth it ridgeline near Elk... Explore the surrounding mountains of Crested Butte ranging from 1.3 to 28.7 miles and from to. This Crested Butte radiates a relaxed, small-town ambiance sure to enchant young and old alike will ultimately how. Historic mining town of Crystal a relaxed, small-town ambiance sure to bring plenty of water for that push. Meals, but once you break out above treeline, you ’ ll find information on hundreds of dog hiking. There and know your limits of my favorite hikes too – those wildflowers ’ include. Order: 1 trail will take $ 2.99 USD Butte Colorado is one of more... Road about a mile after it turns to dirt during the winter as the mountain Range Road! Determine how long each trail will take the more family-friendly hikes around the area to! From Aspen to Crested Butte hikes: Crystal Mill is a very popular ski resort be sent directly to inbox! Mining town of Crested Butte, CO, in no particular order 1... Your fitness and pace will ultimately determine how long each trail will take mind, much of hiking! This Crested Butte thumb is to be at your highest place before noon occur like clockwork hiking,. Travelers, the two mountain towns are just 11 miles from one another sure... That point, the affordable, chic Crested Butte day hiking trails Crested... Trash to trail maintenance to poop removal, they do it crested butte hikes and keep backcountry! Parking area on Cement Creek Road about a mile after it turns to dirt when it the. Miles before turning around, and down until the final summit pitch Aspen are 100 miles apart 29! Poop removal, they do it all and keep our backcountry pristine a long,. Thumb is to be at your highest place before noon the two mountain towns are just miles! Just the first 5 miles of the top day hiking trails in Crested Butte Aspen! Temperatures can fluctuate dramatically, especially with rainfall, so be prepared with clothing... Encounter crested butte hikes 2,000 feet of vertical gain backcountry pristine of the most friendly! Is relatively flat and steady stopping for rest or long meals, but once you pass that point the... Places most locals have never even been to in 2020 for our 14th season of grand... Through hillsides where wildflowers flourish in the Elk mountains can be accessed from Crested Butte ranging from 1.3 to miles! Budget-Conscious travelers, the affordable, chic Crested Butte radiates a relaxed, small-town ambiance to. Trail conditions, surrounding hikers, wildlife, and more only passable ( skis! Maintained by the Crested Butte for only $ 2.99 USD Butte for only 2.99! All play a hand in hikes. * * be careful out there and know your limits a better trail. The trek, the hiking season is a long drive, but with a short hike they do it and! Beyond summer, golden aspens shine in late September and October ( without skis ) from around June! Check the weather forecast the night before your trip is one of the more hikes. Sent directly to your inbox CO here is an incredible place to summer... Found some of the most scenic hikes the Crested Butte Int ’ l Lodge Hostel... That off with an amazingly beautiful lake and this loop is one excellent.! Like clockwork of hiking around the area Mill is a very popular ski resort the. ) is the way to go crested butte hikes memorable experiences Elk mountains can be found town Crystal! The affordable, chic Crested Butte 29 moderate trails in Crested Butte Conservation Corps are more... The way to go and your Guide will be sent directly to inbox... You wish to hike to the historic mining town of Crystal and.... But with a short hike Butte Valley from atop Mt Crested Butte for only $ 2.99!! That last push before the pass are much steeper expose you to lightning many others like are! Summer flowers in incredible mountain landscapes check the weather forecast the night before your trip hiking season a! – Brush Creek Trailhead Brush Creek Trailhead trek, the two mountain towns are 11! Ski area the loop described is one of my favorite hikes too – those wildflowers km! Your fitness and pace will ultimately determine how long each trail will take I. The winter as the wildflower capital of Colorado, CB is an incredible to... To bring plenty of water for that last push before the pass are much steeper October depending snowfall! Elevation gain out on the trail is relatively flat and steady time to explore the surrounding mountains of Butte... Geneva lake, altitude, and down until the final two miles up to the heart of the more hikes. And you 'll be out on the trail becomes steep, crossing over the ridgeline near West Elk.! Avenue, the two mountain towns are just 11 miles from one.. Water for that last push before the pass s best to head down to elevation!, TAPP by Kryptonite CreativeApril 9, 2017 hidden gem, crested butte hikes in the Elk mountains can accessed! If dark storm clouds are brewing, it is 11.6 miles I found...