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The West Elk Loop Scenic and Historic Byway has a little bit of everything: You'll see mining communities, charming main streets and miles of orchards. Plus, you'll get to soak in hot springs and see the famous Black Canyon of the Gunnison — all in three days.

3 Days of Hot Springs & Creative Districts on the West Elk Loop

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There are special places and unique vistas around nearly every Colorado corner. You can help ensure these places exist for generations to come by staying on roads and trails, keeping speeds in check, leaving campsites and picnic spots just as you found them, and following instructional signs while you’re out and about in our state.

How to Give Back to These Special Places

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Supported by the Carbondale Council for Arts and Humanities, the <a href="http://www.carbondalearts.com/">Carbondale Creative District</a> is a growing neighborhood fueled the city's vibrant Western heritage and passionate artisan community . Visit the Third Street Center, which houses several locally owned art galleries and dance and performing arts venues; or check out Carbondale Mountain Fair in July, a 45-year-old tradition that draws more than 145 vendors and 20,000 attendees.
<a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/art-agriculture-carbondale-creative-district-colorado">Art Meets Agriculture in Carbondale's Creative District &gt;&gt;</a>

Carbondale Creative District

A legendary tradition in the Roaring Fork Valley since 1975, the Village Smithy is everyone's choice for the best breakfasts available in the region.  The food is delicious and the staff is exceptionally friendly.

The Village Smithy Restaurant

Sleep with the Stills . . . Marble Distilling Co. is the only distillery in the world to boast five luxury hotel rooms where guests can "Sleep with the Stills". Colorado is known for its rugged terrain, but our rooms are far from roughing it. Each room is outfitted with hand-selected sustainable materials, sophisticated finishes and the most comfortable beds this side of the Rockies. Located in the heart of the Carbondale Creative District on Main Street, all rooms feature king-sized beds, fireplace and private balcony (or courtyard) with views of Mt. Sopris. Room features include: Italian linens &amp; cozy robes; organic Colorado bath amenities from Colorado Ranch Organics and Osmia Organics; in-room Martini Bar; complimentary town cruiser bikes for guests during their stay. We are pleased to offer dog-friendly accommodations as well as a luxury room with ADA accessibility, complimented with a gorgeous private courtyard featuring an indoor/outdoor fireplace. Concierge services are available as is the ability to reserve the Inn &amp; Tasting Room for private events.

Marble Distilling Co. & The Distillery Inn

Never disappointing, dinner at Izakaya in Carbondale will be one to remember. True to Carbondale’s casual vibe, the menu combines sushi and sashimi with home-style offerings such as ramen, rice bowls, and curries. Come hungry!

Izakaya Carbondale

On 36 acres located in the heart of the Roacky Mountains, Avalanche Ranch is the perfect cabin getaway. Thirteen charming log cabins, a tiny house, a one bedroom Apartment, plus 3-bedroom house; all with spectacular Rocky Mountain views!
There are 3 Hot Springs Pools on site.  The Hot Springs are included in the cabin rate and are open around the clock to lodging guests.  
Other ammenities include: Common lodge, stocked trout pond, 1/2 mile of riverfront, barnyard, play area, volyball, horseshoes, campfire and hiking trail. Avalanche Ranch is a great venue for summer weddings, year-round retreats and family reunions.

Avalanche Ranch Cabins & Hot Springs

Welcome to the suites at the historic Redstone Castle, built in 1902 to impress John Osgood's wealthy friends and barons of industry. Select your suite from the meticulously restored spaces that include a sitting room, a bathroom and a bedroom. Your visit will include a private tour for suite guests, access to the manor's private grounds and trails on 150 acres in the magnificent Crystal River Valley, access to private fishing along the Crystal River, use of luxurious bathrobe and quality amenities, and hot breakfast in the sunroom and dining room. 
For Redstone Castle Historic Tour information, <a href="https://redstonecastle.ticketspice.com/redstone-castle-tours">click here</a>

Redstone Castle Historic Tours

Root and Vine Market is a local coffee shop and cafe that serves locally roasted coffee from Rubicon Roasting. Root and Vine Market is also the tasting room for our new winery - SkyHawk Winery. We also serve 5680 winery wines. We have a u-pick cherry orchard

Root and Vine Market

The North Fork Valley Creative Coalition is a Non Profit community organization committed to cultivating sustainable economic growth in the North Fork Valley. By strengthening and promoting our creative industries and local events, the NFVCC is improving the economic well-being &amp; creative character of our rural community. The NFVCC manages the State designated North Fork Valley Certified Creative District – including Paonia, Hotchkiss, Crawford, and surrounding areas – in Delta County, Colorado.
<a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/small-towns-big-personality-paonia-hotchkiss-crawford">Read Small Towns, Big Personality: Paonia, Hotchkiss &amp; Crawford &gt;&gt;</a>

North Fork Valley Creative District

For the best Paonia pizza, sub-sandwiches and salads and a selection of local beer and wine, come to Louie's restaurant.

Louie's Pizza

No other canyon in North America combines the narrow opening, sheer walls, and startling depths offered by the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Hiking and ranger-guided programs.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Excellent food and drinks available. Great dishes for all of Gunnison. Casual yet elegant dining. Food, Appetizers, Cocktails, Parties, Music.

Blackstock Bistro

Located in downtown Gunnison, Colorado surrounded by epic terrain that locals embrace all year round. Family owned and operated, Scott and Stacey started HABC as a way to rule world one delicious pint at a time.

High Alpine Brewing Company

A clean, cozy and friendly place to stay for skiing, biking, climbing or just visiting.

The Wanderlust Hostel

The W Cafe is the place the locals hang out for breakfast and lunch. Voted best breakfast by the people, 2001-2017. We have very fast and efficient service.  Dine in, Take out, and DELIVERY.

W Cafe

Five-acre campus and Gunnison's cultural and historic 1880s history! Buildings include: Gunnison's first post office (1876), Denver &amp; Rio Grande Narrow Gauge Train, two rural school houses with furnishings, antique car museum and log cabin chapel.

Gunnison Pioneer Museum

Authentic Himalayan cuisine. In a mission to share our love and culture, we opened Sherpa Cafe's door on July of 2010. Since then the Sherpa Café has been a Crested Butte cultural staple.

Sherpa's Cafe

Crested Butte's Creative District encompasses the Center for the Arts, 16 artist-owned studios and galleries, three co-op galleries, 10 performance venues and a year-round schedule of creative events, including 10 ArtWalks, Crested Butte Arts Festival, Crested Butte Music Festival and Crested Butte Film Festival. 
<a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/discover-crested-butte-off-slopes-art-scene-creative-district-colorado">Discover Crested Butte's Off-the-Slopes Art Scene &gt;&gt;</a>

Crested Butte Creative District

Montanya Distillers is a Colorado craft distiller of award-winning rum, founded in 2008. The company moved its headquarters from Silverton, CO to Crested Butte, CO in May 2011. Stop by for a distillery tour, artisan rum cocktail, free rum tasting, appetizer, and a rum experience like no other in the USA! Last call at 9pm. Live music in season!

Montanya Distillers

The Elevation Hotel and Spa is the only ski-in/ski-out resort in Crested Butte, Colorado and includes a full service spa, 21,000 sq. foot fitness center,  ski &amp; bike rentals, salon and a slopeside restaurant with a fire pit.    Crested Butte, deemed as the Wildflower Capitol of Colorado, boasts some of the best hiking, biking, skiing and fishing in the nation.
 Crested Butte is home to Colorado's largest aspen grove making the fall colors a sight not to miss! We have no traffic lights, no chain stores and no high-rise buildings. One of the many reasons we are called one of Colorado's last real ski towns. Yet you will quickly notice that we have no shortage of dining and entertainment options with some of the best restaurants on the Western Slope.   Join us for your unforgettable experience in Crested Butte!