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.
Sustainability Activity
How to Give Back to These Special Places
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.
Day
1
Activity
Carbondale Creative District
Supported by the Carbondale Council for Arts and Humanities, the Carbondale Creative…
Lunch
The Village Smithy Restaurant
A legendary tradition in the Roaring Fork Valley since 1975, the Village Smithy is everyone's choice for the best breakfasts available in the…
Activity
Marble Distilling Co. & The Distillery Inn
Sleep with the Stills . . . Marble Distilling Co. is the only distillery in the world to boast five luxury hotel rooms where guests can "Sleep…
Dinner
Izakaya Carbondale
Never disappointing, dinner at Izakaya in Carbondale will be one to remember. True to Carbondale’s casual vibe, the menu combines sushi and sashimi…
Activity
Avalanche Ranch Cabins & Hot Springs
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…
Lodging
Redstone Castle Suites and Historic Tours
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…
Day
2
Breakfast
Root and Vine Market
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…
Activity
North Fork Valley Creative District
The North Fork Valley Creative Coalition is a Non Profit community organization committed to cultivating sustainable economic growth in the North…
Lunch
Louie's Pizza
For the best Paonia pizza, sub-sandwiches and salads and a selection of local beer and wine, come to Louie's restaurant.
Activity
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
No other canyon in North America combines the narrow opening, sheer walls, and startling depths offered by the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Hiking…
Dinner
Blackstock Bistro
Excellent food and drinks available. Great dishes for all of Gunnison. Casual yet elegant dining. Food, Appetizers, Cocktails, Parties, Music.
Activity
High Alpine Brewing Company
Located in downtown Gunnison, Colorado surrounded by epic terrain that locals embrace all year round. Family owned and operated, Scott and Stacey…
Lodging
The Wanderlust Hostel
A clean, cozy and friendly place to stay for skiing, biking, climbing or just visiting.
Day
3
Breakfast
W Cafe
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…
Activity
Gunnison Pioneer Museum
Five-acre campus and Gunnison's cultural and historic 1880s history! Buildings include: Gunnison's first post office (1876), Denver & Rio Grande…
Lunch
Sherpa's Cafe
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…
Activity
Crested Butte Creative District
Crested Butte's Creative District encompasses the Center for the Arts, 16 artist-owned studios and galleries, three co-op galleries, 10…
Dinner
Lil's Sushi Bar & Grill
We are proud to offer you the best selection in town with fresh, never-frozen fish flown in 6 days a week!
Activity
Montanya Distillers
Montanya Distillers is a Colorado craft distiller of award-winning rum, founded in 2008. The company moved its headquarters from Silverton, CO to…
Lodging
Elevation Hotel & Spa
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…