top of page
Search

A WEEKEND IN CRESTED BUTTE, CO

  • Writer: Ray Cheselka
    Ray Cheselka
  • Jan 16, 2024
  • 2 min read

Updated: Dec 9, 2024


Anyone who's been to Crested Butte will tell you that it's a special place.


We've been there in the summer and fall, but whatever season you visit, prepare to be wowed.


It has the stunning Mount Crested Butte, Kebler Pass, the back-side of Aspen, Wildflowers, Hiking, Biking, Skiing, a good town + eateries, and stargazing. What doesn't this town have to offer?


Here are some recommendations based on our experiences in Crested Butte.





AREAS TO STAY

  • In town

    • If you want to be by the food, drinks, shopping, and the fun town that is Crested Butte, it's a great option. Most central

  • Mt Crested Butte

    • Stay here if you're skiing, or if you want good views of the back-side of Aspen, Mt. Crested Butte, and the valley below

  • Outskirts

    • Stay on the drive-in or in Gunnison. Gunnison is a cool western college town, likely cheaper to stay. Then there are some spaced-out homes on the drive into Crested Butte if you want to be somewhere remote

  • Camp on Kebler Pass

    • Seasonally open, endless camping spots and hikes, surrounded by a massive Aspen grove. It connects to the Marble/Carbondale area, and can get you up to Glenwood Springs. If you want to make a big loop from Denver, to Crested Butte, to Glenwood, back on I-70, or vice versa. We did Crystal Mill outside of Marble, got BBQ in Marble, camped and hiked for 2 nights on Kebler Pass, and then got Butte Bagels in the morning on our way home through Crested Butte


WHAT TO DO

  • Hiking

    • Get something like AllTrails. Has trails, reviews, and so much more. Then you can search an area, and set filters for distance, duration, and difficulty to find the best trails for you

    • We did Lower Loop Trail early-mid Summer and it was incredible. Mountain views, on a creek, Mt Crested Butte views, snowcapped Carbondale-Aspen area mountains, lots of aspen trees and wildflowers

    • On Kebler Pass, Ray did Three Lakes Trail and camped nearby. Stunning views on a great hike

  • Farmer's Market

    • May 26th – October 6th, 2024 – 9 am to 2 pm

  • Ski/Snowboard at Mt Crested Butte

  • Mountain Biking

  • Fishing-we're not as knowledgeable on this topic, but there are fly fishing areas in and around Crested Butte

  • Camping

    • Ray has camped on Kebler Pass. It's so vast you can just drive around until you find a suitable aspen grove or other beautiful area to spend the night/weekend

    • Endless camping spots on Kebler Pass and in Crested Butte. We've heard camping on Lake Irwin is great

    • Ask us to send you pins if you're going

    • https://travelcrestedbutte.com/crested-butte-camping/

  • Surely many other activities. Do some digging based on what you like to do!


WHERE TO EAT/DRINK

 
 
 

4 Comments


Bradley Sheppard
Bradley Sheppard
2 days ago

The mountain views and relaxing weekend activities sounded like the perfect break from everyday stress. I remember needing to do my online course during a busy month while dreaming about escaping to a peaceful place like this. Weekend trips can really help people recharge mentally and appreciate nature away from constant routines.

Like

Sunny
Sunny
May 20

The Crested Butte weekend story sounded peaceful and adventurous at the same time. I once planned a similar break during college and needed to edit my assignment before leaving because deadlines were piling up fast. It shows how quick weekend trips can help recharge both energy and motivation. It showed me how self care matters. It helped me understand large projects better. Nice post . Your post make me smile.

Like

Sunny
Sunny
May 20

The Crested Butte weekend story sounded peaceful and adventurous at the same time. I once planned a similar break during college and needed to edit my assignment before leaving because deadlines were piling up fast. It shows how quick weekend trips can help recharge both energy and motivation. It showed me how self care matters. It helped me understand large projects better. Nice post . Your post make me smile.

Like

Adrian Anderson
Adrian Anderson
Apr 21

This weekend guide to Crested Butte sounded like the perfect escape, especially with how you described the scenery and pace. I did a similar short trip once during exams season, which probably wasn’t the best timing. I even thought about whether to take my online class later just so I could fully enjoy the moment without stress.

Like
bottom of page