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46 Best Things To Do In Crested Butte, CO (Year-Round)

Mount Crested Butte

Crested Butte is a small town in the heart of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. It’s known as Colorado’s last great ski town (mainly because it’s harder to get to and a bit quieter than other popular ski resorts). With its striking beauty, it’s no secret that this place is epic and has so much to offer.

The town is named after Mount Crested Butte, a prominent and iconic peak that is visible from nearly everywhere in the surrounding area. It’s equally beautiful in summer with vibrant green colors or blanketed with snow in the winter. The mountain’s north side is home to the Crested Butte ski resort.

Crested Butte is also known as the wildflower capital of Colorado. Therefore in the summer, you can expect to see an abundance of flowers blooming along many of the trails or even along the roadside.

When walking downtown, you will notice it’s not quite as “posh” as some of the other famous Colorado ski towns. The buildings are older and rustic (in a good way)! Colorful buildings and smaller cabin-style homes give Crested Butte its loveable small-town charm. 

As you can tell, we really love this little mountain town and want to share some of the best things to do in Crested Butte no matter the time of year.

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Best Things To Do In Crested Butte Year-Round

Walk Downtown Crested Butte

downtown Crested Butte
Walking downtown Crested Butte

A visit to the historic town of Crested Butte is a must-do activity when you’re in the area. The rustic old buildings covered in various bright colors are a charming sight. 

Plus the town of CB is very walkable. Most of the businesses and restaurants are found along Elk Avenue.

There are tons of unique shops, restaurants, breweries, and more (which we will include our favorites in this list below).

But do note the Ski Resort is not located in town and is about a 3-mile drive (≈8 minutes) from town. You can hop on the local Mountain Express Bus up to the ski resort. 

Pamper Yourself At The Sea Level Spa – Oxygen Bar

Sea Level Spa - Oxygen Bar downtown Crested Butte
Sea Level Spa – Oxygen Bar

The Sea Level Spa is a unique mountain spa. Not only do they offer your traditional spa treatments, but they also have an oxygen bar. 

Colorado is a high-elevation state, therefore there is less oxygen in the air and it can be a challenge for sea-level tourists to get enough oxygen. Or at least their system is not acclimated to the lack of oxygen yet.

The technical term for this is called altitude sickness. The symptoms are headache, nausea, loss of coordination, fatigue, light-headedness, etc. So stop into the Sea Level Spa to get that extra boost of oxygen.

Then, once you feel back to your normal self with the proper amount of oxygen, you can pamper yourself with a massage, reflexology, infrared Sauna, and more.

Grab A Brew From Eldo Brewery & Tap Room (+ Himalayan Cuisine)

Outdoor Patio at Eldo Brewery
Outdoor Patio at Eldo Brewery

The Eldo Brew Pub has one of the best upper-deck patios in town. Really if it was across the street it might be one of the all-time-best balcony patios with an epic view of Mount Crested Butte. 

But beside the point, they have a great beer selection and even an awesome Himalayan food menu. 

We personally really enjoyed their Hazy IPA. Also, Jake and I shared their Chicken Momo (dumplings) which was delightful. 

They also have live music occasionally, so check their webpage for local events. 

But a side note to the above statement about elevation; try to drink at least one glass of water per one beer. Hangovers in the mountains can be brutal! 

Grab A Beer and Food At Irwin Brewing Company’s Public House

Irwin's Brewery at Public House
Irwin’s Brewery at Public House

Another awesome brewery and restaurant in town is Irwin Brewing Company’s Public House. The vibe inside is “rustic chic” with an assortment of historic photos and taxidermy.

We loved Irwin’s Hazy IPA. (You can probably notice a trend, we love Hazy beers)! We even picked up a 6-pack before leaving town to keep the Crested Butte nostalgia alive!

They also serve beer-tails (beer/cocktail hybrid) which sound interesting, but we just stuck to their pure local brews. Public House also has a decent food menu (but expect to pay high mountain prices).

They also have live music events, so check their page or stop in to see if you might catch a show while you’re in town. Some shows may require advanced tickets. 

There are even lofts you can rent out upstairs, which can make for the perfect Elk Ave home-base for exploring Crested Butte and beyond.

Grab A Coffee & Pastry From Camp 4 Coffee

Camp 4 Coffee Local Coffee Shop
Camp 4 Coffee Local Coffee Shop

A popular local coffee shop in town is Camp 4 Coffee. It’s a quaint little shop that serves hot and cold drinks, plus an assortment of yummy pastries. You can also grab a bag of their freshly roasted beans to take home.

Camp 4 Coffee Bag of grounds with a pastry and latte in downtown Crested Butte, CO
Camp 4 Coffee in downtown Crested Butte, CO

There is only an outside patio, which is nice to enjoy in the summer. But in the winter it might be a little chilly outside.

And they don’t have Wifi, so choose another coffee shop in town if need to connect.

Grab A Scoop Of Homemade Ice Cream From Tin Cup Ice Creams & Desserts

Indulge in a serving of Third Bowl Homemade Ice Cream at Tin Cup Ice Creams & Dessert, a must-visit local gem!

Tin Cup Ice Creams & Dessert forged a partnership with Third Bowl following the pandemic. Third Bowl, a local company, meticulously crafts ice cream in small, artisanal batches.

In addition to their delectable ice cream offerings, Tin Cup offers a delightful assortment of custom cakes, cookies, cupcakes, and an array of other tempting treats.

Try Crested Bucha (various locations around town)

Crested Bucha machine at Coffee Rumors & Tea in downtown Crested Butte
Crested Bucha machine at Coffee Rumors & Tea in downtown Crested Butte

At various locations around town, you can snag a glass of locally brewed Crested Bucha. Each batch is lightly fermented in the Rocky Mountains and made with the highest quality, organically grown ingredients. 

There are no preservatives added, therefore, you are getting the kombucha in its true raw form. And also why you have to go straight to the source for a fresh cup of Crested Bucha. 

We grabbed ours from Rumors Coffee & Tea House. But check their Find Us Page, to see where they are located around town. 

Get A Delectable Treat At Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory in Crested Butte
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory in Crested Butte

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is a gourmet chocolate shop located in town. It’s not exactly “local” as they are a franchise company. Therefore, you will likely see them all around the state in small towns, and even in the greater United States. 

They have now branched to some international locations. But sometimes you gotta have your chocolate anyway! And they really have some tasty treats to offer.

Explore Gothic Ghost Town (now the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory)

Gothic Ghost Town North of Crested Butte
Gothic Ghost Town

The town of Gothic was an old mining town back in the 1800’s. It was said to have nearly 200 buildings, but there are now only a few original structures remaining. 

Gothic is not your traditional ghost town, as the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory takes over this area in summertime. Students research the surrounding area and even live in some of the old buildings. 

Coffee Lab in Gothic near Crested Butte
Coffee Lab in Gothic near Crested Butte

The area actually thrives in the summer, and you can even grab a coffee at a local coffee shop, called CoffeeLab. 

In winter the town can only be accessed by cross-country skis, snowshoes, and snowmobiles. Which will obviously give the town more of that “ghost town vibe”.

But nonetheless, the older Wild Wild West ambiance.

Stay At The Down-To-Earth Purple Mountain Bed & Breakfast

If you are looking for a down-to-earth cute little place to stay in town, the Purple Mountain Bed & Breakfast is the perfect place. 

The building was originally built in 1927 during the mining era. This house has changed owners a few times and was even rolled on logs to a new location. In 1967 it turned from a local family home into a mountain getaway bed and breakfast for tourists strolling into town. 

Purple Mountain B & B combines its history with modern luxuries to provide a comfortable stay. Each guest gets a gourmet breakfast, complimentary craft beer tasting, access to the outdoor hot tub, and other amenities. 

Grab A Specialty Cocktail At Dogwood

The Dogwood sits in an old miner’s cabin just off Elk Ave offering specialty cocktails and lite eats. It’s the perfect place to stop before going out to dinner in Crested Butte.

Dogwood has a patio, courtyard, and indoor sitting area that feels cozy and welcoming. Don’t miss happy hour from 4-5pm.

Their menu offers tons of unique cocktails with a liquor of your choice. In addition to beer and wine.

Grab A Local Spirit At Montanya Distillers

Following along on the spirits train is Montanya Distillers. The rum is made in the Rocky Mountains which is very unique to the area. And Montanya Distillers is a woman-owned business! (You can learn all about the owner and her journey here). 

At the tasting room in town, they serve an abundance of different rum craft cocktails. 

If rum is your thing, you can also tour their distillery. But note the facility is in a different location, about 10 minutes southeast of town.  

Farm-to-Table At Sunflower

the outside of Sunflower - Farm to table restaurants in downtown Crested Butte
Sunflower – Farm-to-table restaurants in downtown Crested Butte

The Sunflower is a farm-to-table eatery in Crested Butte, CO. It is one of the best restaurants in town if budget isn’t a concern. Each meal is elegantly designed for what’s in season and locally available. Everything is made from scratch and developed in-house. 

You can find their menu online, but it is often changing due to seasonality. Which also includes ever-changing prices as well. The Sunflower is a high-end restaurant, and because items are not bought in bulk, it will reflect a higher price tag. (Expect to pay around $150 per person). 

But if you are looking for fresh ingredients and a non-traditional menu, The Sunflower will delight your palate.

Brunch At McGill’s

Mcgill’s is the brunch spot to visit in town. They have a wide selection of great breakfast options, and if you are feeling lunch, then they also have a great selection of lunch items too! 

Mcgill’s is like your local diner with a great atmosphere. In the summer you can sit outdoors (but note it is on the street) or inside their cozy interior.

Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum

The town of Crested Butte was incorporated on July 3, 1800, during the mining boom in Colorado. Therefore, this town has centuries of history. It’s also been referred to as the town that wouldn’t die

A fun thing to do in Crested Butte for history buffs is visit the Mountain Heritage Museum. 

In the museum, you can learn all about the history of this old mining town, its ranching community, and how Crested Butte might be one of the founding towns of mountain biking. 

Scenic Gondola Ride

The gondola is not only a way to get up the mountain during ski season, but can also serve as a scenic ride in the summer to witness the endless beauty of wildflowers. 

Many visitors will use the gondola to take their mountain bike to the top of the mountain, but it is also a great way for hikers or just anyone looking for good views. Especially without the hard work of hiking to the top. 

Grab A Slice From Secret Stash

Secret Stash Where's The Beef Pizza
Secret Stash Where’s The Beef Pizza

Secret Stash is undoubtedly one of the best places to get pizza in the Crested Butte Area. And not to mention the eclectic vibe inside the restaurant is even worth a visit. 

We had heard from some locals that Secret Stash was “overrated”. So we almost didn’t go, but after a long backpacking adventure we were craving some fatty pizza and decided to just go for it and form our own opinion. 

And we were thoroughly impressed! Secret Stash seriously has some unique items on the menu, it’s not your traditional pizza shop.

A popular pizza choice is the Notorious F.I.G. but we opted for the Where’s The Beef. It was SUPER tasty, with tons of cheese and covered in Truffle Oil (which has become my new favorite thing).

Also, don’t miss the Crack Fries! Our server suggested them, so we said why the heck not? The crack fries are tossed in parmesan, white truffle oil & cracked black pepper. Then, served with their Secret Sticky Icky sauce. Jake and I aren’t even big french fry people and these were to die for!  You can also get crack wings too.

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding in Crested Butte is a year-round activity. You can enjoy the wildflowers and roam through the beautiful forests in the summer or witness the snowcapped mountains in the winter.

Fantasy Ranch is the local horseback riding stable near town.

Day Trip To Black Canyon National Park

Black Canyon National Park
Black Canyon National Park

If you are still in the mood for driving after some of the other scenic drives on this list for the best things to do in Crested Butte, then consider a day trip to Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park. 

Black Canyon has some of the oldest exposed rocks in the world. Plus it is the largest cliff in the state of Colorado. Painted wall stands ≈2247 feet (685 meters) high. For reference, that is nearly the height of 2 Empire State Buildings stacked on top of each other. 

Check out our in-depth guide for what to do at Black Canyon National Park.


Best Things To Do In Crested Butte In Summer

Take a Scenic Drive on Kebler Pass

aerial view of Kebler Pass in Crested Butte
Kebler Pass

Kebler Pass is one of the most beautiful passes from Crested Butte to Paonia. Plus Kebler Pass is home to one of the largest Aspen Groves in the U.S. So if you are in Crested Butte in the Fall, don’t miss this scenic drive!

Kebler Pass is not paved, but is well-maintained, so 2WD vehicles can make the trek safely. 

You can also find free dispersed campsites up this road. But note you can only camp in designated sites, therefore each spot is labeled with a marker.

Mountain Bike

Mountain biking was debatably invented in Crested Butte. And regardless, it certainly was the first town in Colorado to make mountain biking popular. 

Crested Butte Mountain Bike Association (CBMBA), was founded in 1983 and is the oldest mountain bike club in the world. 

Therefore, you know Crested Butte has miles and miles of epic riding terrain to offer. In fact, there are actually over 750 miles of singletrack in the area‚ which is more than anywhere in the world, plus 150+ trails. 

One of the most popular trails in town is the 401 Trail Loop. The 14-mile ride offers endless views of the East River Valley and climbs above tree line. Oh and in the summer, you will be riding amongst the stunning wildflowers. Like actually, some trails are almost annoyingly overgrown with flowers haha.

Other popular mountain biking trails in the area are Doctor Park, Lupine Trail, Teocali Trail, and Reno-Flag-Bear-Deadman. You can probably ask just about any local in town what trail they recommend in the area!

Crested Butte Arts Festival

Every summer in early August you can experience the Crested Butte Arts Festival. There are over 120+ pieces of contemporary mountain eclectic art. But that’s not all, there is also an art auction, live performances, outdoor film screening, local food vendors, and family art-play activities.

Learn more about the Crested Butte Arts Festival

Crested Butte Wildflower Festival 

As mentioned above, Crested Butte is the Wildflower Capital of Colorado.

Every July, the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival presents a 10-day event where you can participate in over 200 workshops. The workshops focus on various aspects of wildflowers, such as painting, pollination, photography, culinary arts, and guided exploratory hikes into the untamed landscapes of the Colorado Wildflower Capital.

Learn more about the wildflower programs.

Float The Slate River

Floating the Slate River is one of the best things to do in Crested Butte in the summertime. You can float in two different sections of the river: upper and lower.

Paddleboarding the Slate River in Crested Butte.

The lower section typically starts from the Rec Path Bridge and meanders to the take-out point at the Skyland Bridge

The upper section starts either at Oh-Be-Joyful Campground, Gunsight Bridge, or the River Flats. For a “shorter float” the first take-out point is at the Rec Path Bridge. But for a longer float, you can take out at the Skyland Bridge (both linked above).

Voluntary No Float Period: 

There is a voluntary no-float period from March 15 – July 15 between Gunsight Bridge to the Rec Path Bridge. This is due to the critical nesting period of the Great Blue Heron rookery. This is an on-your-honor system, so please respect the rules. (The lower section is always open during summer).

Much of the area is along private property, so no passengers are allowed to get off the river. 

Either bring your own float and coordinate your own shuttles. 

Or you can rent from the Float Shack (which also provides a shuttle service). Wheelies and Waves also rent out tubes, SUPs, and kayaks. 

Hike Scarp Ridge (Get an epic birds-eye view of Crested Butte)

Jake & Emily on top of Scarp Ridge in Crested Butte, CO
Scarp Ridge in Crested Butte, CO

One of the prettiest hikes in Crested Butte is Scarp Ridge. The hike parallels Ruby Peak and Mt Owens and has an array of stunning colors.

At the top of the ridge, you overlook Blue Lake at the bottom of Afley Peak and endless mountain views from above. Additionally, you get a bird’s eye view of Crested Butte from the other side of the ridge. 

View of Mount Crested Butte from Scarp Ridge
View of Mount Crested Butte from Scarp Ridge

The Scarp Ridge hike is 4 miles roundtrip with ≈1,350 ft elevation gain. The road up to the trailhead is pretty rough but can be done in a 2WD, high-clearance vehicle. 

If this hike wasn’t challenging enough for you, this is a gateway for Mt. Emmons (12,401 feet – 3,780 m) and Ruby Peak (12,644 feet – 3854 m). Or you can continue this as a thru-hike to Oh Be Joyful or the Peeler Lakes. 

Day Trip To Taylor Reservoir

Taylor Park Reservoir is about an hour drive (36 miles) east of town. It’s a great place for boating, fishing, kayaking, and even swimming for the brave! The reservoir is surrounded by beautiful mountains and offers a stunning setting. 

You can rent boats, fishing equipment, and paddleboards at the Taylor Park Marina.

Hike West Maroon Pass

West Maroon Pass is a famous hike in the Crested Butte/Aspen area. Truly as the “crow flies”, Crested Butte and Aspen are actually pretty close in proximity. But if you wanted to drive from one town to the other, it would take nearly 4 hours. 

Therefore, many people opt to hike the Four Pass Loop and witness all the mountain beauty in between, then return to their car at the trailhead. This hike is 25.7 miles with 7,752 ft elevation change.

It’s important to note that a permit is required to hike in the Maroon Bells Scenic Area and additional camping permits if you plan to backpack overnight.

West Maroon Pass itself is 10.3 miles and 2,240 ft elevation gain from point to point. Therefore, if you wanted to do an out and back, it would be a hefty 20.6 miles. 

You also can just hike a portion of the hike as a day hike and still be offered stunning views. For example, this 7.8 mile day hike that only climbs to the summit and back down to the Crested Butte side. 

Or if you want to do the whole thru-hike, you can arrange a car transport with Maroon Bells Shuttles.

Hike Up To Judd Falls

Judd Falls is an easy hike in Crested Butte. And really the drive up Gothic Road from town is scenic in itself. 

The hike is 2.2 miles with 462 ft elevation gain. But the hike can be cut in half if you drive up to the upper parking lot. 4×4 and high clearance are strongly encouraged. Although you can do it in a 2WD, high-clearance if you have off-road experience as there are a few critical maneuvers to overcome large rocks.

Backpack or Day Hike To Copper Lake

Copper Lake at sunrise from Campsite #1
Copper Lake from Campsite #1

An extension of Judd Falls is Copper Lake. It can be done as a long day hike or as an overnight backpacking trip. We opted for the second option and got to spend 2 stunning nights here. And witness some epic sunsets and sunrises. 

The Copper Lake hike is 12.0 miles with 2,431 ft elevation gain. The last portion of the hike climbs up to the top of East Maroon Pass offering panoramic views of the red wall that makes up the pass. Learn all the details for the Copper Lake hike.

You can also add Triangle Pass, which is a loop hike including East Maroon Pass, Copper Pass, and Triangle Pass.

Paddleboard at Lake Irwin

a couple kayakers on Lake Irwin which is one of the best things to do in Crested Butte
A couple kayaking on Lake Irwin

One of my all-time favorite things to do in Crested Butte is paddleboarding on Lake Irwin. Or you can choose to swim or just enjoy the views too! 

Lake Irwin is up Kebler Pass and leads to one of the prettiest alpine lakes in Colorado with the ruby mountain range in the distance. There are no rentals available up at the lake, so you will need to rent a paddleboard or kayak from somewhere in town. 

Or consider getting the Intex Explorer K2 inflatable kayak. This is the kayak Jake and I have had for years and it’s by far exceeded our expectations. We also have an inflatable paddle board which is what we used for this adventure! (Also, here are a few of our other favorite lightweight kayak options). 

Visit Meridian Lake (aka Long Lake)

Credit: Gates Frontiers Fund Colorado Collection within the Carol M. Highsmith Archive, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division.

Crested Butte is abundant with stunning lakes. And Meridian Lake makes the list of one of the best things to do in Crested Butte. It’s also referred to as Long Lake because it in fact is quite long in shape. 

It does require a short hike to get to the lake. Therefore, you will want a lightweight kayak or SUP that is easy to carry if you want to get out on the water. 

Or many people choose to hike around the lake for a bit of exercise. The lake’s surrounding area is covered in beautiful wildflowers during the summer. 

For the shortest and easiest access to the lake, park in this dirt lot. Then, walk the dirt path down to the lake. There is one creek crossing. You might be able to cross on a wooden plank if the water level is low, but in spring or early summer, you may get your feet wet. 

Hike Around Emerald Lake

Photo by Shaylon Elmore

Emerald Lake is probably one of the most popular lakes in the Crested Butte area. The lake is found along Schofield Pass. It is no short drive and can be a challenge to reach the top. It is suggested to have high clearance for the last ½ mile up to the lake. 

The last ½ mile is along a narrow road with a steep cliff on the side. During mid-day, you might have trouble passing vehicles and might have to reverse the narrow road. You can also consider parking your vehicle at the ½ mile before and walking up to the lake.

Emerald Lake is a popular spot to hike, swim, or kayak/paddleboard. Plus during the summer months, there is an abundance of beautiful wildflowers. 

Drive The Scenic Monarch Pass

Photo by MATHEW RUPP on Unsplash

Monarch Pass is one of the best ways to reach the town of Crested Butte. This paved mountain pass connects the towns of Crested Butte, Gunnison, and Montrose to Salida, Buena Vista, and Colorado Springs.

At the summit of Monarch Pass (11,312 feet – 3,448 m) sits the Monarch Mountain Ski Resort. Plus there is also an aerial tram, weather station, and a gift shop. The pass is open year-round but does close during heavy winter storms. 

A popular trail to hike or bike near the summit is Monarch Crest Trail. The trail extends 10.5 miles one way and connects to Marshall Pass Rd. Guests can just get out at the summit and hike a few miles for exercise. You can do this as a thru-hike, but you will need to coordinate a shuttle system. 

Drive Colorado’s Scenic Byway: West Elk Loop 

Photo by Intricate Explorer on Unsplash

The West Elk Loop Scenic Byway passes through 3 historic mining communities. And includes a stop through beautiful mountain towns. Starting in Crested Butte and onward to Gunnison, Montrose, Carbondale, Redstone, and more. A portion of the byway is connected by Kebler Pass (which closes in winter). 

One of our favorite stops is in Redstone at Propaganda Pie. They serve delicious Detroit-style pizza and always have a good selection of tasty craft beers. 

The drive is truly stunning and brings you through lush aspen groves, offers scenic mountain views, and you may spot some wildlife. This drive is beautiful in summer with the wildflowers, and even more beautiful in fall with the changing leaves. 

Visit Crested Butte’s Summer Adventure Park

Crested Butte’s Summer Adventure Park is one of the best things to do for families. Kids will love the bungee jumping trampoline, rock climbing wall, and the tin cup mining co, where kids can experience the fun of panning for treasures.

They sell 1-5 day adventure passes starting around $22 per day. 

Try Your Hand At Fly Fishing

Photo by Jarrett Mills on Unsplash

Fly fishing is one of the most popular Colorado activities to do in summer. Whether you are a seasoned pro, or want to get a guide, there are many different fly fishing options in the area. 

Crested Butte Angler and Dragonfly Anglers offer guided tours. You can either choose a wading trip or a floating trip.

Of course, if you already know how to fly fish, you can stop into one of these shops for rental gear or just to grab anything you need for your own fly fishing adventure. 

Roam The Local Farmers Market

Photo by mk. s on Unsplash

The local farmers market is every Sunday (from late May to early October) at the Top of Elk Avenue. You can stop by the local vendors from 9am to 2pm. 

There are a variety of local farmers, food vendors, artists, and body care products. It’s a great place to grab some fresh produce and support small businesses in the area.

Schofield Pass

Schofield Pass holds the reputation for being the most deadly pass in Colorado. Emerald Lake, Devil’s Punch Bowl, and the iconic Crystal Mill can be accessed via this pass. 

Schofield Pass connects Crested Butte to the town of Marble. The pass is narrow and steep and should only be done in a short-wheelbase 4×4 vehicle. You begin by following along Gothic Road north of town. 

Only consider Schofield Pass if you have experience off-roading on rough, narrow roads. And especially if you are not scared of heights, because there are many sections where it’s just the road and a steep cliff on the other side. 

Best Things To Do In Crested Butte In Winter

Go Skiing At The Crested Butte Ski Resort

Crested Butte Mountain Ski Resort
Crested Butte Mountain Ski Resort

Of course, the most popular thing to do in Crested Butte is downhill skiing at the Crested Butte Ski Resort. 

The resort offers 1,547 acres of skiable terrain for all ability levels. 

The beginner area is at the base of the mountain, offering magic carpets and a few mellow runs off the Peachtree Lift.

But there are also many challenging sections for adrenaline junkies! Teocalli Bowl is a popular stop for expert skiers. But the fun doesn’t stop there. The headwall is a popular steep section for daring skiers. And if you want to journey up to the beautiful point on Mountain Crested Butte, that can also be done!

If you check out the map for Crested Butte, you will notice many double black diamond runs.

Nordic Skiing

A great alternative to downhill skiing is Nordic skiing. Crested Butte is known as the The Nordic Ski Capital of Colorado.

Crested Butte Nordic is one of the most popular places to go cross-country skiing. They groom over 31 miles (50 km) of trails for classic skiing, skate skiing, and snowshoeing. You can also book a lesson or join a tour. 

Travel Crested Butte has a cool filter system of Nordic skiing trails in the area. Scroll down to the middle of the page where you can filter between the difficulty, grooming, dog-friendly, and price. You can explore 17 different great skiing locations around the area. 

Rent A Fat Bike

Another fun thing to do in Crested Butte in winter is rent a fat bike. If you enjoy biking in the summer, this can be a unique adventure to endeavor on snow. 

You can rent and ride at the Crested Butte Nordic Center. They offer 10 kilometers of groomed trails.

Rent A Snowmobile

Snowmobiling is a rad thing to do in Crested Butte. You can either rent your own and go on an unguided tour, or choose to go with a tour guide. If you don’t have any experience snowmobiling, you should consider a guided tour. 

Action Adventures offers a great selection of different tours. Their Top of the Rockies tour is their most popular choice. (They are partners with Colorado Adventure Rentals and Burts Rentals).

CB Motorsports is a self-guided only snowmobile rental company. So if you have experience you can rent a snowmobile anywhere from 2 hrs to 6 hrs.

Snowcat Skiing Up At Lake Irwin

Photo by Intricate Explorer on Unsplash

If budget is a non-issue, one of the most legendary things to do in Crested Butte is snowcat skiing. Located up Kebler Pass you will find epic terrain overlooking the Elk Mountains.

Irwin Guides offers a full day of guided snowcat skiing/riding. There are over 1,000 acres of terrain for all skill levels. 

Due to the elevation, this area gets about 500 inches of snow a year. And because of the colder temperatures, the snowfall is dry providing a light smoke-like powder. Therefore, it might be the best snow you ever ski on. 

As of the 23/24 ski season, the cost is $850 per seat or $8,500 (for a private group, up to 10 people). 

Book a snowcat skiing experience with Irwin Guides

Cross Country Ski To Gourmet Dining At The Magic Meadows Yurt

One of the most unique things to do in Crested Butte is cross-country skiing to a gourmet dinner at The Magic Meadows Yurt. 

The only way to reach the yurt is by Nordic skiing or snowshoeing a one-mile groomed trail each way. You can find the start of the hike at Peanut Lake Trailhead.

Getting there will be in the light, but the return home will be in the dark. The route home is lit with solar lights to guide you home safely in the dark.

Fine-dining cuisine is prepared by local private chef Tim Egelhoff.

Reservations are available in the winter season from December to March. Most yurt dinners are only available on Saturdays throughout the season. With the exception of a few additional days around the Christmas season. Reservations can be booked starting August 1. 

The cost is $185 per person. It Includes a trail pass, equipment rentals, transportation, guides, a five-course dinner, libations, and gratuity.

If you’d rather experience breakfast rather than dinner, they also offer Sunday Yurt Brunches. For brunches, they offer an a la carte menu and it is a bit more casual than the gourmet dining dinner experience. 

Book Your Gourmet Dining Experience At The Magic Meadows Yurt

Enjoy A Sleigh Ride

A fun winter activity in Crested Butte is going on a sleigh ride that glides through the snow. Sleigh rides are limited to groups of 6 (4 adults & 2 children).

Fantasy Ranch is located near Almont in the winter and you can call ahead to make reservations.

Go Ice Skating At The Public Rink

A fun activity for the kids or family is to go ice skating at the Big Mine Ice Arena. It is free to skate here if you have your own ice skates. But you can also rent skates from the Crested Butte Nordic Center right next door. 

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Now that you know all the fun things to do in Crested Butte, it’s time to grab some tasty grub in town at one of these best restaurants

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