Crested Butte - Things to do in the Summer
From perfecting close-up photography of wildflowers to racing downhill on a mountain bike, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy in Crested Butte all summer long. With festivals on the weekends, outdoor adventures during the day, and tasty food at restaurants and night, Crested Butte sure knows how to entertain!
Hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails lead into the wilderness straight from town. Go for a hike for an hour, or wander out to the wilderness for a few days. Climb mountain passes and peaks, or spend the day identifying wildflowers. Bike on single track trails with wildflowers brushing your legs as you zoom through meadows and aspen groves. With a great view from any direction you look, Crested Butte is an outdoorsman's paradise.
Crested Butte is the wildflower capital of Colorado. In July, the Wildflower Festival provides many activities such as flower identification walks, cooking classes, photography seminars, and more to learn all about the wildflowers! The slopes surrounding Crested Butte are covered in colorful flowers all summer long, and provide a spectacular backdrop for your summer vacation.
The restaurants and nightlife in Crested Butte are sure to entertain! From luxury, gourmet meals to fresh sushi and ethnic cuisine, the restaurants in downtown Crested Butte will provide a relaxing atmosphere, savory flavors, and full bellies! After dinner, check out the nightlife. From Old West bars to a New York style lounge, something is always happening in town.
Whether you are looking to relax or to pursue outdoor adventures, Crested Butte is the place to be!
Mountain Biking. Catch a lift up on the Red Lady Express lift at Crested Butte Mountain Resort (lift ticket is required) to enjoy an assortment of beginner to expert trails. If you are new to mountain biking or still adjusting to the elevation, this is the way to go. Get an all-day ticket and you can enjoy miles of downhill single-track trails without the effort of riding uphill.
Or check out the numerous single-track trails that loop through the surrounding mountains and valleys. From easy to difficult, the trails will give you great views of spectacular scenery and wildflowers. Several maps, books, and guides are available at bike shops around town to get detailed information on local trails.
White Water Rafting. White water rafting on the Gunnison and Taylor Rivers in the Gunnison Valley of Colorado will take your breath away! With the cold water splashing and warm sun shining bright, white water rafting is a great summertime adventure. Outfitting and guide services are available to take you on an assortment of thrill-levels from mild to wild. Float down the river for just a few hours. Or ride the rapids on a multi-day, overnight trip.
River guides are entertainers, geologists, historians, and darn good chefs. Between the views and the excitement, it's sure to be a memorable experience for you and your family. (Children must be over the age of 7 to white water raft.)
Horseback Riding. Saddle up! Go horseback riding through aspen groves on Snodgrass Mountain while taking in spectacular views of the Gunnison Valley. Feel like you are living in the days of the Old West!
A variety of trail rides are available. Go for an hour or for a few days. Travel from Crested Butte all the way over the pass to Aspen, Colorado.
Fly Fishing. With the convergence of the Gunnison, Taylor, and East Rivers, Gunnison County is one of top destinations for fly fisherman in the West. Huge rainbow and brown trout lurk in deep pools in these rivers. The best time of year to fish is from April through October. Backcountry lakes are also popular spots for anglers.
Disc Golf. Take in some magnificent views while playing frisbee on Mt. Crested Butte's disc golf course in nearly perfect Colorado summer weather. The course begins at the top of the Red Lady Express Lift, and it has nine holes of pure fun for beginners and seasoned players alike. The course meanders down Mt. Crested Butte, and you will finish the last hole near the base area.
Rock Climbing. Rock Climbing is a great way to challenge yourself to new heights. The Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park is good place to climb. If you are looking for a guided trip, Scenic Rivers will show you the way. From beginners to experienced climbers, a guide can take you to a good spot for a few hours or for a weekend course.
Hiking. Crested Butte is surrounded by pristine forests, lakes, and wildflowers, and there is no better way to breathe in the fresh air than by taking a hike. Put on your hiking boots, and blaze one of the hundreds of trails from right out of town. From climbing peaks to an afternoon stroll to admire the scenery, there are trails for all abilities and occasions.
Golf. Experience breathtaking mountain views and nearly perfect golf weather in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Play a challenging 18 holes of golf at the Club in Crested Butte or at Dos Rios Golf Course in Gunnison.