Within this dynamic region, the Gunnison Valley — which begins in Sargents and stretches to the dam at Blue Mesa Reservoir — stands out as a top destination for visitors seeking a true Western Slope experience. During the summer, Gunnison and Crested Butte come alive with outdoor recreation, including mountain biking, hiking and boating. Immerse yourself in the local culture through events like live music, festivals, Fourth of July traditions and rodeos.
What is the Western Slope?
The Western Slope is the part of Colorado that is west of the Continental Divide. Its climate zones range from desert and mountains to mountain lakes and river valleys. Towns in the Western Slope include Pitkin, Gunnison, Almont, Taylor Park, Crested Butte, Crested Butte South and Mt. Crested Butte.
Summer Activities in the Western Slope & Gunnison Valley
Hiking
Explore high-desert trails, meandering wooded paths and high-alpine routes while hiking in the Gunnison Valley. With 2 million acres of public land and varying elevations, hikers can choose from thousands of miles of trails and move through different environments.
Crested Butte and Gunnison are about 30 miles away from each other, with outlying communities like Pitkin, Cimarron and Taylor Park not far either. Make the most of the area’s close proximity and enjoy a variety of scenery on your visit to the Western Slope.
Mountain Biking
The Gunnison Valley offers more than 800 miles of singletrack, including high-alpine rides, technical downhill routes, rocky high-desert trails and flowy cross-country paths. Mountain biking zones in Gunnison and Crested Butte include Brush Creek, Taylor Canyon, Hartman Rocks, Cement Creek, Gunnison National Forest and Signal Peak.
Discover trails in these zones and more with this Gunnison Crested Butte mountain biking guide. Crested Butte’s mountain bike trails are similar to Telluride and Aspen, while Gunnison’s trails resemble those in Moab and Grand Junction.
Guided Tours
Guides are available for nearly every outdoor activity, with tours ranging from hiking and mountain biking to fishing and photography workshops. Take a guided backcountry hike to spot local plants and wildlife, admire mountain views and learn about the area's mining and Indigenous history. Sharpen your mountain biking skills with a guided ride through unmatched scenery. If fishing is more your style, increase your odds of getting a big catch with a fishing guide.
Lake Hikes, Rafting, Boating & Paddleboarding
Cool off with a lake hike, an afternoon of rafting or a dip in a reservoir. Three rivers, numerous alpine lakes and three reservoirs offer incredible opportunities for summer water activities. Here are some locally loved places to play on, in nad around the water.
- The Slate River
- Blue Mesa Reservoir
- Spring Creek Reservoir
- Taylor Park Reservoir
- Emerald Lake
- Lake Irwin
- Lost Lake
- Long Lake
- The Gunnison River
- The East River
Live Music
Live music exists all over the Gunnison Valley. Venues like the Center for the Arts Crested Butte and I Bar Ranch host both local and national performers. Check out other venues and live music events in this guide to live music in the Gunnison Valley.
Places to Stargaze
The Gunnison Valley’s mountain location makes it a prime spot for stargazing. This part of the Western Slope has low light pollution, millions of acres of public land and a small population. Curecanti National Recreation Area and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park are both International Dark Sky Parks and offer astronomy programs. You can learn more about the night sky at the Gunnison Valley Observatory.
Summer Events & Festivals
Fourth of July
The Gunnison Valley loves to party for the Fourth of July. Celebrate with fireworks, live music, Crested Butte’s annual parade, a balloon rally and kid-friendly activities across several days.
Fourth of July in Crested Butte starts with a pancake breakfast at the fire station before the parade rolls in. In Gunnison, watch hot air balloons take off before a day of fun for the whole family at the park.
Cattlemen’s Days
Ranching has deep roots on the Western Slope, and Cattlemen’s Days is the longest-running rodeo in Colorado. It celebrates Gunnison’s storied ranching heritage with traditional rodeo events like barrel racing, team roping, tie-down roping and steer wrestling. Check out 4-H shows and enjoy the carnival. Cattlemen’s Days also supports Tough Enough to Wear Pink, a nonprofit that helps local cancer patients and healthcare facilities that provide treatment.
Crested Butte Wildflower Festival
Crested Butte is Colorado’s official Wildflower Capital, and the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival celebrates the spectacle of the colorful blooms and shapes that appear each summer. The festival offers guided wildflower hikes, photography workshops, art classes, plant identification sessions and Jeep tours. It’s one of the best ways to learn about the area’s wildflowers from experts and passionate locals.
Crested Butte Arts Festival
Shop and admire art at the Crested Butte Arts Festival, a juried event that brings artists from all over the country to the mountain town. Browse booths selling items such as ceramics, glassware, jewelry, sculptures and paintings.
Gunnison River Festival
Cool off at the Gunnison River Festival, an annual event celebrating the rivers running in the Gunnison Valley. Bring your boat and enter the Taylor Downriver Race. Head to the Gunnison Whitewater Park for a day of clinics, tube races, raffles, competitions and kid-friendly activities.
Crested Butte Food & Wine Festival
Sample gourmet food and fine wine at the Crested Butte Food and Wine Festival. Events include foraging hikes, tastings, food science talks and immersive cooking classes. The festival closes with the Grand Tasting, an experience featuring an expansive variety of wines, beers and spirits.
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Find more summer activities on the Western Slope
