From the piercing, powder-doused Elk Mountains to wildflower-bestrewn hillsides, a trip to Crested Butte means spectacular sights no matter the season. Make your visit to this Wild West mining town all the more authentic with a stay at the Historic Crested Butte Mule Barn.
Wealthy in bona fide Crested Butte history and rustic charm, the Mule Barn vacation rental is one of a kind in every way. Renovated in 2019, guest accommodations deliver a mix of Old West and modern upgrades — from original wooden ceiling beams and a jutting roof to the latest in pendant lights and a shiny full kitchen with all the bells and whistles. You’ll feel comfy and at home the minute you walk through the custom barn door.
Two things: It’s the funky, artsy vibe of this vacation rental (you’ll love the little details like the wildlife-inspired decor and wood wall paneling that looks like a mountain range), plus the fact that you are within walking distance of Crested Butte’s historical downtown (boasting all the boutique-y shopping and local restaurants you could ask for).
The original mule barn was used to house working mules, hence the name, during Crested Butte’s coal-mining days back in the 1800s. Then, in the 1970s, the structure was transported downtown and turned into a living work of art.
Stay here and you’ll have access to a complimentary ski locker just 20 steps from the slopes, so you won’t need to pack your gear back and forth (unless you really, really want to).
It’s hard to pick just one. We’re going with the authentic barn look, including being painted that traditional maroon-red color, plus all the hand-hewn wood, including the spiral staircase that connects three floors of the historical structure (though the third floor is closed to guests).
“You will love the Mule Barn! There are endless neat touches in the space, and it is so beautifully designed. The location is perfect and is walking distance to everything in town. It would be very hard to beat the coziness of sitting by the fire looking at the surrounding mountains. I will certainly aim to stay at the Mule Barn whenever I am next in CB!" — Andi, airbnb
The free bus stop to Crested Butte Mountain Resort is only a block away, making skiing or snowboarding all the more convenient. Pedestrian-friendly Elk Avenue can be reached by a quick walk, too, and here you’ll find all manner of colorfully painted historical buildings, plus vacation-worthy shopping and dining. In summer, Crested Butte is both a mountain-bike and wildflower destination that attracts nature lovers from all over. The Crested Butte Wildflower Festival celebrates the kaleidoscope of colorful blooms every July.
Photos courtesy of airbnb
