Here are 13 things to add to your vacation must-do list.
1. Mountain Biking
With more than 800 miles of singletrack trails spread across an ecologically diverse landscape, the Gunnison Valley is one of the best places on Earth to ride a mountain bike. And thanks to its two thriving advocacy organizations — the Crested Butte Mountain Bike Association (CBMBA) and Gunnison Trails — nearly all those routes are well maintained throughout the summer-riding season. Indeed, both organizations employ full-time trail crews whose primary jobs are to look after one of the valley’s most treasured natural resources.
In the north valley around Crested Butte, find everything from quick beginner-friendly jaunts (Lupine Trail, Lower Loop and Tony’s Trail) to more taxing intermediate affairs (Strand Hill, Snodgrass and Meander) and expert adventures (Doctor Park, Teocalli Ridge, Reno-Flag-Bear-Deadman and Crystal Peak-400). Find more mountain-bike trails
If you’d rather skip the uphill pedaling, head to the Crested Butte Mountain Bike Park, which offers lift-served riding throughout the summer and runs the gamut of trail types, from winding singletrack that’s friendly for little ones to double-black-diamond jump trails riddled with full-send features.
Farther south, the city of Gunnison boasts two main riding zones: Signal Peak and the Hartman Rocks Recreation Area. Signal Peak lays claim to a spider’s web of beginner and intermediate cross-country trails, nearly all of which offer stunning valley views. Hartman features 50-plus miles of superb high-desert singletrack, with rides for all skill levels. For a serious technical challenge, point your front wheel to The Ridge, Freefall, Tech Becks, Rattlesnake, Ring Dyke, V-Drop, Skull Pass or the Notch. Beginner riders will love the smooth, swoopy terrain of Sea of Sage, Broken Shovel, The Luge and Buddy Bear.
Learn more about mountain biking in Crested Butte and Gunnison
2. Gravel & Road Cycling
With more than 1,100 miles of National Forest Service roads plus hundreds more miles on county and Bureau of Land Management lands, the Gunnison Valley is also an ideal playground for cyclists who prefer the calm of a quiet backroad spin. Choose one of many routes or connect them to create a variety of loops or even multi-day bikepacking adventures.
Arguably the area’s best zone for gravel riding is around Hartman Rocks and the surrounding hills south of Gunnison. Here you’ll find a nearly endless network of dirt roads crisscrossing landscapes dotted with aromatic sagebrush. Later in the season, the snow melts in the higher country providing access to countless more miles of dirt road near Pitkin, Tincup, Taylor Park and Ohio City.
For another classic gravel outing, start in Crested Butte and head up to Slate River Road, which features the infamously steep Slate d’Huez switchbacks on the way to the aptly named Paradise Divide. Up top you can turn around or continue to Schofield Pass before descending Gothic Road back to town to complete the epic loop. Read more about Paradise Divide and Gothic Road
If you prefer paved pedaling, there are decent-sized shoulders on Hwy. 135, Hwy. 50, Hwy. 114 and County Road 742, which weaves through scenic Taylor Canyon and then up to the Continental Divide at the summit of Cottonwood Pass (elevation 12,126 feet).
Learn more about gravel biking in the area
3. Hiking
Those 800 miles of amazing mountain-biking trails are also primo hiking terrain, yet another of the area’s superb summertime outdoor activities. As with the region’s huge array of biking options, there are hikes to suit every fitness level and time constraint.
Families with kids will love Woods Walk, a mostly flat jaunt through an aspen grove just west of Crested Butte. Or head up the Oh Be Joyful trail, a moderately challenging out-and-back hike that parallels a rushing creek before arriving at the clear waters of Blue Lake, where you’re greeted with jaw-dropping mountain vistas.
The Green Lake trail is a popular trek that’s accessible from town. This challenging out-and-back excursion begins near Crested Butte Nordic Center, then heads steadily upwards before reaching the turnaround point in an alpine basin overlooking gorgeous Green Lake. You can also ride to the top of Crested Butte Mountain Resort’s Silver Queen chairlift, then ascend above treeline for spectacular views — or hike to the summit of Mount Crested Butte (elevation 12,162 feet).
Learn more about hiking near Crested Butte
4. Boating
Gunnison Valley is home to a wealth of creeks, rivers, lakes and reservoirs, many of which are ideal settings for a day of boating. The Gunnison and Taylor rivers are the area’s hot spots for private and guided rafting and fishing trips of varying lengths and thrill levels.
Gunnison Whitewater Park has several sustained waves to entertain play boaters and river surfers. And the local steep creeks are renowned with the expert kayaking crowd. If you prefer motorized boating, head to Taylor or Blue Mesa reservoirs, which are superb spots to fish or relax. Blue Mesa is also your best bet for tubing and water skiing.
Learn more about boating in the Gunnison Valley
5. Stand-Up Paddleboarding
The deck of a stand-up paddleboard is a great way to explore the outdoors around the greater Crested Butte area. For a little excitement and adventure, try floating the Slate River, which winds right through town. Or choose among the numerous flat-water paddles, including Long Lake, Taylor Reservoir, Emerald Lake, Lake Irwin and Blue Mesa Reservoir — the latter delights with quiet coves, calm water and multiple put-in points. If you don’t have your own gear or are nervous about heading out on your own, fear not. Local outfitters offer rentals and guided tours.
Learn more about paddleboarding in the region
6. Camping
Whether you’re dedicated to the #vanlife or prefer sleeping under the stars, the Gunnison Valley has plenty of ways to camp. Most of the established campgrounds — like Cement Creek, Gothic, Almont and Mirror Lake — are first-come, first-served. But you can make reservations at some local campgrounds, including Lake Irwin, Oh Be Joyful, Dinner Station and Lakeview.
Both ends of the valley also have dozens of designated dispersed camping sites that are all first-come, first-served. Some of the best zones include the Slate River, Washington Gulch, Brush Creek and Cement Creek drainages. There are also 50 designated dispersed sites scattered around the spiny granite rock formations and sagebrush-covered hills at Hartman Rocks south of Gunnison.
Tip: Summer is the area’s busiest time of year, so make campsite reservations far in advance or plan to roll in a few days ahead of the weekend to increase your odds of finding that perfect place to pitch your tent. If you don’t find one, please don’t create your own campsite. Not only is it illegal in most places near Crested Butte, but it can also significantly damage the region’s delicate ecosystems.
Find more info on camping in Crested Butte and Gunnison
7. Off-Roading
There are hundreds of miles of dirt roads and moto-legal trails in the Gunnison Valley, making the area an amazing destination for off-road enthusiasts. Moto riders can string together scenic and challenging loops of varying distance and difficulty in the mountains and valleys around Crested Butte. Or head south to test your skills at Hartman Rocks, which has 540-plus miles of moto-legal singletrack, countless dirt roads, a moto-specific terrain park and a dedicated 1-mile skills loop near the McCabe’s Lane entrance.
The backcountry zones around Taylor Park and Pitkin are especially well-suited for ATVs and side-by-sides, while many of the old mining roads around Crested Butte — such as Slate River Road to Paradise Divide, Pearl Pass, Schofield Pass and Reno Divide — are solid choices for 4x4 vehicles.
Make sure your vehicle is properly registered before heading out, confirm the route you want to tackle is open to motorized traffic and be sure your vehicle and skill level align with your route choice. It’s easy to get in over your head around here.
Learn more about off-roading in Gunnison Valley
8. Fishing
With its bounty of lakes, rivers, streams and reservoirs, it’s no wonder that in 2023 the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission awarded the area with Gold Medal status. This prestigious designation is only awarded to the state’s most elite waters based on their abilities to provide long-lasting and healthy habitats for trout of all ages. You can choose to chase rainbow, brown or cutthroat trout on the Slate, East, Taylor or Gunnison rivers, either fishing from shore or aboard a boat. Or head to Taylor Park Reservoir or Blue Mesa Reservoir to cast for trophy-sized lake trout and kokanee salmon. Hundreds of smaller waterways provide anglers near endless places to wet a line.
Tip: Familiarize yourself with the region’s fishing regulations and know how you can help maintain this healthy, sustainable environment where fish can continue to thrive.
Learn more about fishing in Crested Butte and Gunnison
9. Photography
Whether you’re a landscape specialist or prefer capturing people and places, Crested Butte and the greater Gunnison Valley are magical places to take pictures. Subject matter ranges from towering mountains and vibrant wildflowers to rolling rivers and all manner of Rocky Mountain wildlife. The town of Crested Butte is another superb shooting locale, with rows of historical, pastel Victorian storefronts — and lots of colorful characters — along Elk Avenue. Or post up on the side of one of the valley’s many mountain-bike trails to capture your pals shooting past.
10. Music, Museums & Events
The area has a thriving music and arts scene, several theaters and loads of family-friendly summertime events. The Center for the Arts Crested Butte has a packed calendar that includes live music, art exhibitions, indie films, wine tastings and more. The center plays host to Crested Butte’s free weekly Alpenglow outdoor music series, which features an eclectic mix of performers. Pack a picnic and come enjoy the show.
A few blocks away on Elk Avenue, kids can play at the immersive Trailhead Children’s Museum, while history buffs will love the Crested Butte Museum, which features old photos and unique artifacts documenting the community’s rich and interesting past. You can also catch live music at the Public House or take in a performance at the Crested Butte Mountain Theatre. Find more museums
Crested Butte Mountain Resort hosts a free summertime outdoor music series, and there are numerous can’t-miss events in the north valley. Among the list of iconic annual events are the Fourth of July Parade, Crested Butte Wildflower Festival, Crested Butte Arts Festival, Crested Butte Wine + Food Festival and Mt. Crested Butte Chili & Beer Festival.
Down the valley in Gunnison, don’t miss the expansive Pioneer Museum, which has more than 30 buildings and countless exhibits that tell the story of early settler life in the area. Or head to the I Bar Ranch, an outdoor music, events and camping venue just east of Gunnison that’s a great place to catch a show. And find a host of films, art exhibits, classes and live performances at the Gunnison Arts Center. Annual events include the Gunnison Cattlemen’s Days, Gunnison River Festival and Gunnison Car Show.
Find more events and live music in the Crested Butte region
11. Shopping
After a full day of hiking or biking, leave a little time for some shopping. Both ends of the Gunnison Valley have a host of stores where you can score a sweet souvenir or find that perfect gift for your significant other. Crested Butte’s Elk Avenue and North Main Street in Gunnison are home to locally owned shops offering everything from T-shirts, books and postcards to paintings, pictures and various art pieces — with many of their wares created by locals! Check out all the key supply stores for things like spare bike parts, camping gear or food and drink for stocking your cooler.
Find more shopping in the area
12. Restaurants & Places for a Drink
The Gunnison Valley has wining and dining to satisfy even the most discerning palates. From elegant fine dining and fast-casual eateries to breweries and burger joints, you can always find good eats here. Crested Butte favorites include The Eldo Brewpub & Venue (pub fare and craft beer), BONEZ Tequila Bar & Grill (modern Mexican) and The Sunflower (farm-to-table scratch kitchen).
You’ll also find plenty to choose from in Gunnison, like the Ol’ Miner Steakhouse (family-owned restaurant and sports bar), Agave Family Mexican Restaurant (authentic Mexican) and High Alpine Brewing Company (craft beer and brick-oven pizza).
Tip: Summer is the area’s busy season, so make reservations when possible.
Find more places to eat in Crested Butte and Gunnison
13. Rest & Relax
When it’s time to rest or recover from a big day of outdoor adventure, the Crested Butte area has you covered: Call it a night at modern hotels, historical inns, charming bed and breakfasts and all manner of vacation rentals throughout the valley.
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