Let’s get this out of the way: Is Crested Butte the most convenient town to get to in Colorado? No, but that’s precisely what makes it so special. CB has all the beauty of better-known Rocky Mountain towns (say, Aspen or Vail), yet as any local will proudly tell you, it’s quieter and less pretentious.
The historic downtown is filled with mom-and-pop shops, beloved restaurants, and picture-perfect Victorian buildings. And while CB is best known as a ski destination, it’s — dare we say — even more spectacular in warmer months, when “the Wildflower Capital of Colorado” bursts with color, and residents and guests alike take advantage of every outdoor adventure imaginable.
⛰️ In what should be a surprise to no one, Crested Butte is paradise for people who love the outdoors. Hop on a chairlift at Mt. Crested Butte and relish the unparalleled views as you hike or mountain bike down the various trails. Or, head farther north on Gothic Road to the 5.8-mile Snodgrass Mountain Trail — another popular spot that winds through lush aspen groves and wildflower meadows.
Feeling even more adventurous? Push deeper into the mountains, past the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it town of Gothic (home to a shockingly good coffee shop and the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory), and you’ll eventually reach Emerald Lake, where swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking in the bright turquoise water are well worth the (very rugged) drive.
🛍️ Soak up the ridiculously charming, small-town vibes with a stroll down Elk Avenue — CB’s vibrant main street. First, fuel up at Camp 4 Coffee (order an iced vanilla latte and you’ll understand the lines). Then browse the racks of mountain-chic clothes at Favor the Kind, pick out a handcrafted hat at Björkstam Hat Co., flip through new releases at Townie Books, and enjoy Chillberg’s New Zealand-style ice cream (essentially, soft serve blended with fruit).
And be sure to stop in the many impressive art galleries, like the Shaun Horne Gallery (the owners specialize in dreamy plein-air paintings) and Paragon Art Gallery (showcasing local ceramicists, jewelry designers, and glass artists).
🍴 We never would’ve predicted that in a roughly 1,600-person town, you’d find truly wonderful bagels (yes, by New York standards) — but one bite of Butte Bagels’ pretzel everything was all it took to change our minds. When you’re ready for dinner, head to Two Twelve, where dishes like ramp pesto gnocchi and Black Angus filet are cooked over a live fire hearth.
Or, snag a seat at The Breadery, a local fave known for — you guessed it — specialty breads and loaded flatbreads, all made from a 60-year-old starter…named Trisha. Finally, end the night at The Dogwood to enjoy inventive cocktails in an old miners’ cabin.