Crested Butte, Colorado
By Amanda May
Staff Writer
Rockies.com
Crested Butte is a quaint, historic coal-mining town in south-central Colorado that is also known as the “official wildflower capital” of the state. Crested Butte lodging ranges from rustic mountain cabins to luxury lodges and Crested Butte attractions include world-class skiing and whitewater rafting.
A perfect mix of beauty, history and adventure, this Rockies destination is free of crowds, no matter what time of year you visit. All of this and more definitely put this tiny town in the running for the most charming vacation spot in Colorado.
A family shops in Crested Butte. (Colorado Tourism Office)
Located in the East River Valley, the area was formerly a summer residence for the Ute American Indians, who were displaced as Caucasian explorers arrived in the area around the 1800s.
Ski Crested Butte this year and see why it is known as “Colorado’s Last Great Ski Town.” Their epic steeps and groomed cruisers cater to skiers and snowboarders of every level. Crested Butte Mountain Resort has 2,700 feet of vertical drop and over 1,000 acres of area ready for everyone, from beginners to glade bravers. Fourteen chairlifts service the ski area that also has terrain parks and half-pipes for X-Games aspirers. Almost half of the ski area is classified as double black, making this an extreme skiing destination. Here you can also find some of the best backcountry skiing in the Rockies.
The town also has a Nordic Center, which offers ice skating and numerous miles of groomed cross-country skiing tails.
In the summer, Crested Butte is an outdoor recreation playground as well. Mountain biking is popular in Crested Butte and is one of the places where mountain biking is claimed to have started. Visit their Mountain Bike Hall of Fame to find out more about the sport’s history.
Hiking their alpine and aspen forests and backpacking are also area favorites. The fishing is sublime in the immaculate mountain streams, and whitewater rafting and kayaking is available with Class II to IV rapids.
Campers head to nearby Gunnison National Forest, which hosts campers that want a true backcountry experience, and also those who require full-service.
Curecanti National Recreation Area is home to Colorado’s largest lake, Blue Mesa. Water sports enthusiasts love this natural paradise that translates to “Blue Table.”
Horseback riding is a fun way to tour the Colorado Rockies in real time, as is the off-season chair lifts, which allow you to bike or hike back down the mountain.
Horseback riding in the Rocky Mountains is one of the best ways to take in the spectacular scenery. While you’re in town, be sure to visit the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame and Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum.
This town of less than 2,000 people is host to a number of summer festivals, including celebrations honoring wildflowers, mountain biking, the arts and one that involves a rubber ducky race.
[...] your next vacation in Crested Butte, Colorado and be dazzled by all it has to offer. Crested Butte attractions include skiing, mountain [...]
[...] Crested Butte’s historic downtown remains unspoiled by too much development, ironically making it a great tourist destination. Crested Butte lodging is available as economic accommodations or as full-service resort hotels. Horseback riding through forests near Crested Butte. (Colorado Tourism Office) [...]
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Hello
This is a good post about Crested Butte and you have given good information about it.It is interesting for me to read about Crested Butte as I did not know so much about it.I like mountain biking but I have never done it.I think this is the perfect place for it.Thank you very much for giving such a good information.
[...] Crested Butte, Colorado | Colorado Vacations – The Rocky Mountains … [...]
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[...] town of Crested Butte has a historic downtown that remains largely unspoiled by too much development. If you’re looking [...]
[...] photographer Raynor Czerwinski moved to Crested Butte, Colorado, to blend his passion for the natural outdoors with his artistic skills behind the [...]
[...] photographer Raynor Czerwinski moved to Crested Butte, Colorado, to blend his passion for the natural outdoors with his artistic skills behind the [...]
[...] photographer Raynor Czerwinski moved to Crested Butte, Colorado, to blend his passion for the natural outdoors with his artistic skills behind the [...]