13 Things To Do in Crested Butte, CO

If you’re craving a classic Colorado mountain town that offers year-round adventures, Crested Butte should be at the top of your list. One minute, you’re skiing at the resort, the next you’re driving Kebler Pass, or you’re strolling through the colorful historic district. Here is our curated list of Crested Butte can’t-miss activities:

Crested Butte Mountain Resort delivers those big mountain thrills on 1,547 skiable acres and 121 trails. Famous for steep technical terrain and some of the most challenging inbound runs in Colorado, the resort is where experts come to test themselves. Here, terrain like the iconic North Face zone (which includes bowls like Spellbound, Phoenix, and Third Bowl) and the legendary Rambo (the steepest cut tree run in North America) are perfect for chasing those double black thrills.

Don’t worry if you’re not an expert; the resort has plenty of terrain for all skill levels, plus lessons if you’re just getting started. You’ll find mellow runs off Peachtree, Painter Boy, and Red Lady, there are also some cruisy blue runs on East River and Paradise. Best of all, you can also mix in some other winter fun activities like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fat-biking, sleigh rides, or ice skating.

Tip: The resort base is at 9,375 feet while the summit tops out at 12,162, so make sure you pack warm layers, drink lots of water, and take necessary breaks.

Historic downtown Crested Butte is the kind of place that makes you want to slow down and wander. This scenic main street is lined with beautifully preserved 1880s Victorian-era mining town; think classic false-front buildings, cozy sidewalks, and that Colorado small town Rocky Mountain charm. And, fun fact, it’s a National Historic District, so when you walk through, you’re literally walking through a living postcard of Colorado’s mining town roots.

The downtown area isn’t just historic, it’s full of local businesses, fun shops, and cozy restaurants that give it life year-round. Pop into a boutique, grab a warm drink, or time your visit with a local event like the farmers market. And, when you’re ready to trade history for some fresh air or exciting activities, there’s a free town shuttle to Crested Butte Mountain Resort.

If you’ve ever wanted to drive through what feels like a painting, this is it! Kebler Pass scenic route climbs to about 10,007 feet as it connects Crested Butte to Highway 133 near Paonia. You’ll wind through the West Elk Mountains, and witness spectacular views, alpine meadows, and a variety of wildlife.

It’s especially famous in fall, when massive aspen grooves explode into gold and orange from mid-September into October. Expect crowds on peak weekends so drive slowly and use the designated pullouts. Also, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can schedule in a little extra time to explore the nearby Lake Irwin and Lost Lake for easy hikes, fishing, or peaceful picnics.

Note: Kebler pass typically closes for Winter (early to mid-october through mid to late June) and becomes a popular snowmobiling route once the snow moves in.

Crested Butte Nordic Center (also known as the Crested Butte Nordic Ski Area) is a full-on Winter playground; 34 miles of perfectly groomed trails for you to ski, skate, snowshoe, fat bike, ice skate, sled/tube, and sleigh ride. Just grab a season or day pass and it unlocks unlimited skiing on all 34 miles.

You’ll be happy to know that the center is family friendly (kids can ski for free and the ice rink and sledding hill are free to use) and also offers skiing and snowshoeing lessons from professional instructors and guides.

There’s also the memorable Magic Meadows Yurt, where you can enjoy a magical night of backcountry fine dining under a spectacular sky of stars (sometimes even a full moon). And, if you’re visiting in late January, don’t miss the Alley Loop, when skiers race right through town in outrageous costumes and the whole place turns into a snowy festival.

Schofield Pass is one of Crested Butte’s most legendary demanding routes and is a bucket list item for many seasoned drivers. This rugged 24-mile route is a classic shelf road (a road blasted out of rock mountainsides), links Crested Butte and Marble via Gothic Road, and is only passable for a short window in late summer into early fall.

Be warned, the drive is not for beginners; you’ll need a high-clearance 4WD vehicle with low range, strong trail experience, and plenty of patience (progress is slow). The road is narrow, rocky, and exposed in sections (like the notorious Devil’s Punchbowl area). There may also be obstacles along the way; from washouts, to rock fall, and water crossings so plan accordingly. Don’t worry though, the payoff is bigger than the risk; towering peaks, spectacular aspens, and that Rocky Mountain remote wilderness Colorado feel.

Tips: Always check current conditions before you go, and be sure to pack recovery gear, food, water, and a first-aid kit.

Snodgrass Mountain Trail gives you a little bit of everything; big views, stunning aspen groves, and scenic wildflower meadows. The hike is a moderate out-and-back trail, gains roughly 1.400 feet, covering about 6 miles. It climbs through Gunnison National Forest, with sweeping views as you look back toward Mt. Crested Butte and Gothic Valley (have your camera ready the whole way). Just keep in mind that this is a popular shared trail for hikers and mountain bikers, so keep an eye out and stay aware on the wider sections.

To find the trailhead, drive north from town on Gothic Road toward Mt. Crested Butte, continue past the ski area, and park just past the high point before the road drops into Gothic Valley. The trail starts at the fence line and is well marked. Start early to snag parking, and avoid muddy conditions. Please leave the wildflowers exactly where you found them, they are pretty but they’re part of the magic.

Tip: This is a high elevation hike, 9,612 feet at the trailhead to an 11,142 feet peak so wear layers and bring plenty of water.

Mountain Bikers, this one’s for you! The 401 is a world-famous high-alpine single-track trail with fast, flowy turns, scenic views, and, during mid-summer, gorgeous wildflower fields. The trail is 13.6 miles, considered advanced in difficulty, gains 2,398 feet, and takes anywhere from two and a half to five hours depending on your pace.

Some practical things to keep in mind; the trail typically doesn’t open until early July because of lingering snow, so always check trail status before you go. When it comes to the route, most people start from Gothic Road and park near Judd Falls or Rustler Gulch, then climb up to Schofield Pass before dropping into the single-track. It’s best to go early to beat the crowds, keep your focus on narrow sections, and expect to share the trail with other bikers (and a few hikers). It’s challenging, scenic, and 100% worth it!

Crested Butte is known as Colorado’s “Wildflower Capital” and it’s easy to see why; from late Spring and all through summer, its meadows and mountainsides explode with stunning wildflowers. It’s no wonder that every July, the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival is held to celebrate their peak bloom. The 10-day festival has over 150+activities; from guided wildflower hikes, to scenic tours, to photography and painting classes, to hands-on sessions. It’s a true celebration of these beautiful alpine flowers.

The festival’s mission is simple: preserve and appreciate wildflowers, which means staying on trails, not picking blooms, and respecting the tiny pollinators that make the valley thrive. So bring your camera, take your time, and let the gorgeous wildflowers do the rest.

Note: The 2026 festival will run from July 10th to July 19th, 2026

Just minutes from town, Crested Butte’s Lower Loop Trail is a local favorite for an easy outing full of scenic views. The trail covers 7 miles, gains 640 feet, and takes about three hours. It follows the Slate River valley near Peanut Lake with wide-open views of Gothic Mountain, Mount Crested Butte, and the Elk Mountains; the kind of views that make you stop mid-walk just to take it all in.

It’s a perfect choice for families, casual hikers, and anyone looking for a relaxed trail that still feels like true Crested Butte wilderness. It can also be stretched longer by connecting to nearby trails, making it great for seasoned hikers too. Some of the sections are stroller- and wheelchair-friendly and there are also benches along the way so you can take some scenic breaks. Just keep in mind that this is a shared-use trail with bikers and runners, so be sure to keep an eye out. And the best part? Dogs are allowed so you can bring your furry friend along.

Tips: Go early for a quieter hike, bring sunscreen, and carry plenty of water.

If you love crafted rum and want to know more about the rum-making process, a tour of Montanya Distillers is perfect for you. You’ll start with a 20 minute walk through the facilities where you’ll get to look at the fermentation vessels, wash tank, & custom copper pot still. Then you'll learn about the history of Montanya and how the distillery crafts delicious high mountain rum. After the walkthrough, you’ll settle in for a guided tasting (usually four rums, enjoyed as neat pours so you can really compare flavors).

Getting to the tour is pretty practical; the warehouse and distillery is only 10 minutes outside of town making it an easy addition to your day.

Note: Tours are offered on Wednesday to Friday by appointment, so book ahead here. You’ll need to be 21+ and have a valid photo ID to taste.

If you’re traveling with kids, The Trailhead Children’s Museum is a can’t-miss. The museum is in the heart of downtown Crested Butte on Elk Avenue and is a hands-on, art-and-play discovery space built for kids aged 0-12 years. Expect a fun mix of creative stations, imaginative play zones, and science-style activities that let the little ones build, experiment, and burn off energy while you enjoy an easy, low-stress family outing.

Full day admission is $10 per person for anyone 2+ years old and $5 for grandparents. Plan to stay and play along; all kids must be supervised by a caregiver age 16+ the entire time. You’re also welcome to bring snacks and drinks, just make sure you keep them in designated eating areas.

Note: You can buy tickets on location at the museum.

The Silver Queen Express Chairlift is a scenic and unforgettable way to soak up Crested Butte’s alpine beauty. In just 8 minutes, you’ll go up from the base to 11,340 feet, all while enjoying spectacular views of the resort, the town below, and the surrounding wide-open mountain valleys.

Once you get to the top, you can hike from there to the 12,162-foot summit of Mt. Crested Butte. Or, if you’re mountain biking, you can bring your bike along in the chairlift then choose your trail down.

From quick bites, to sit-down dinners, and after-dark drinks, Crested Butte makes it easy to eat and drink well. Grab gourmet pizza and margaritas at Secret Stash, go classic Italian at The Gourmet Noodle, or mix it up with Asian fusion at The Hideout or Ryce Asian Bistro. You’ll also find great sushi at Lil’s Land & Sea, and casual favorites like Teocalli Tamale, The Breadery, and Pitas in Paradise, all with that friendly, small-town mountain feel.

When the skis come off, the après scene kicks in. Downtown Elk Avenue is the main hub, with craft beer, cocktails, and live music at The Eldo, Kochevar’s, Talk of the Town, Public House, and a cozy favorite, the Iron Horse Tap (complete with fireplaces and a great patio). And, if you’re up on the mountain, don’t miss iconic resort stops like the Umbrella Bar at Ten Peaks or the unforgettable Ice Bar at Uley’s Cabin. Just remember, the altitude is high and the drinks hit a little faster, so be sure to pace yourself.

Crested Butte has something for every traveler. So what are you waiting for? WayFy is right here to easily curate your perfect trip with all your preferences.

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