Crested Butte may be the wildflower capital of Colorado, but that’s not all, folks. This 1890s mining town is a Registered National Historic District, a ruggedly beautiful ski-and-snowboard destination and a summertime-recreation haven that’s particularly alluring to mountain bikers. Stay at Purple Mountain Bed & Breakfast, right in town, for outdoorsy amenities — including a delicious chocolate-milk recovery station — and quick access to downtown delights.
Picture yourself sitting peacefully on the B&B’s front-porch swings, sipping a Colorado craft beer and giving the resident dog Grover belly rubs — or rambling by cruiser bike to explore the clapboard-style main drag. It doesn’t get much more mountain-towny than this!
Originally the Crested Butte Big Mine building way back when, this born-in-1927, indigo-colored structure will make you feel like you’re visiting the house of a cool friend who also happens to be a gourmet breakfast chef. Convenient amenities like winter ski storage, a cozy on-site spa and the muscle-soothing hydrotherapy hot tub all up the relaxation factor.
Please note: Purple Mountain’s site says you must be at least 16 years old to stay here, so opt to leave the kiddos with a sitter before you book.
From the sinfully rich hot-chocolate bar to the fleet of bluebird-blue townie bikes, it’s all the exceptional touches that make Purple Mountain stand out. There’s even a “work-and-washing” station to use after a day riding singletrack. Hosts Chris and Mollie can provide all sorts of insider tips, too, like their fave dining spots and which trails you gotta try.
It’s all the Colorado-made craft beer on tap, of course. Chris’s passion for brews means you’ll have access to a rotating assortment of suds, including lagers, porters, saisons and much, much more. You can expect a special Beer of the Day and daily complimentary tastings.
It’s the decadent breakfast made by Chef Chris! Take your pick of morning-style goodies like syrupy Belgian waffles, berry-topped French toast, specialty-grain pancakes and savory Italian frittatas served with flaky homemade croissants while you gaze at Mount Crested Butte from the window.
Try the Twin Buttes Queen Room with Couch for its panoramic views of grand ol’ Mount Crested Butte, but peaks seen from other rooms are also good lookin.’ Fun fact: Purple Mountain’s room names are inspired by Crested Butte’s mountainous scenery.
“This is a hidden gem in Crested Butte. Just off the beaten path (but less than a 10-minute walk to the heart of downtown and right on the bus route to the mountain), it's situated in a quiet neighborhood. This was such a warm, peaceful place and the hosts Chris and Mollie go the extra mile with their added touches — exceptional breakfast each morning, fresh water in the rooms daily, a spa room on-site, afternoon craft-beer tastings … it’s just a delightful place to stay. We loved staying here and wish we would have booked a longer trip. We’ll be back.” — Samantha J., Tripadvisor
Powderhounds will “ooh” and “ahh” over Crested Butte Mountain Resort’s diversity of skiable terrain, and hikers will equally love the area for its wildflowers, like delicate blue columbine and sky pilot. Head to the annual Crested Butte Wildflower Fest in July for all sorts of ways to enjoy these spectacularly colorful blooms. Or hit up the recently designated Crested Butte Creative District for the town’s more artsy endeavors.
Spend five glorious days mountain biking in Crested Butte with this itinerary
Skip the lift lines with this two-day Crested Butte itinerary for non-skiers
Photos courtesy of Purple Mountain Bed & Breakfast
