What to do and see in Crested Butte, Colorado (CO): The Best Free Things to do

January 28, 2022 Veronika Gaddis

Synonymous with extreme and big mountain skiing, Crested Butte is a snow lover's paradise. The majestic peaks of the Crested Butte Mountain Resort offer expert bowls, steeps and long cruisers for advanced skiers, as well as extensive, open blue and green runs for intermediate and beginners as well. Off the mountain, visitors will find plenty of activities, from cross-country skiing, ice skating and dog sled tours to museums and a vibrant arts and theater scene.
Restaurants in Crested Butte

1. Kebler Pass

Crested Butte, CO
Excellent
85%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 462 reviews

Kebler Pass

The drive from Crested Butte to Paonia passes West Beckwith Mountain, the best spot in the state to view foliage. With 50 square miles of golden aspens.

Reviewed By K2149OJmichaelm - Buffalo, United States

I spent 16 days from the end of September into October traveling in Colorado ,I was hoping to see the aspens in fall color and got my wish ,one of my favorite spots to see them, lodging can be tricky if you wait to book and it does get crowded but well worth seeing .

2. Schofield Pass

Crested Butte, CO
Excellent
68%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 80 reviews

Schofield Pass

Between Crested Butte and Marble, this difficult road has narrow, steep passages.

Reviewed By 981DD - Ouray, United States

This was the most beautiful pass of all we visited in Colorado- the beautiful meadows and wildflowers. Go as far as it is safe for your vehicle to go- we had a suburban AWD but couldn't make it all the way to the pass due to the road being washed out by a waterfall.

3. Upper Loop/Upper Upper Loop

Crested Butte, CO
Excellent
75%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 51 reviews

Upper Loop/Upper Upper Loop

This trail offers moderate conditions and is very scenic.

Reviewed By 18GaryF18 - Castle Rock, United States

Beautiful in the spring, very green. Went north of Crested Butte toward Schofield Pass. Great views of the East River north of Gothic,CO which runs south and is joined by the Slate River & Cement Creek before merging with the Taylor River and forming the Gunnison, River at Almont, CO. Love this whole general area of Colorado (Crested, Butte, Almont, Taylor Canyon, Ohio Creek, Monarch Pass, Gunnison, Gunnison Valley, Blue Mesa Reservoir Black Canyon of the Gunnison national Park, Black Mesa, Aberdeen, North Cochetopa Pass area, Vulcan & Lake City area.

4. Trail 403

Crested Butte, CO
Excellent
75%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
5%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 20 reviews

Trail 403

Scenic trail for mountain bike enthusiasts that leads to a scenic overlook.

Reviewed By adamcrestedbutte

Great Hike and very fun bike ride down to Gothic Road! The view from the top of this short hike is totally worth the steep hike up to it.

5. Montanya Distillers

212 Elk Ave, Crested Butte, CO 81224-9608 +1 970-799-3206 [email protected] http://montanyarum.com/
Excellent
78%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 40 reviews

Montanya Distillers

Please note we're temporarily closed for spring cleaning and renovations to our bar. A Distillery and Tasting Room for Montanya Distillers, a working rum distillery in Crested Butte, Colorado. Open daily for cocktails, appetizers, bottle and merchandise purchases, distillery tours, free tastings, and more. Please note that we are currently following Gunnison County COVID-19 guidelines, including social distancing and the use of masks by staff and patrons. You can learn more on our website, and we thank you in advance for your help with these measures!

6. The Eldo

215 Elk Ave, Crested Butte, CO 81224-9608 +1 970-349-6125 http://www.eldobrewpub.com
Excellent
60%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
7%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 15 reviews

The Eldo

Reviewed By LifeWithFrank - Mishawaka, United States

We stopped here for a couple beers and a bite of food during happy hour and had a nice time. The bar wasn't crowded and it was quiet enough to hold a normal conversation. I had an IPA and a stout, burger and fries, and we split a small batch of wings. Everything was enjoyable but average bar food, nothing exceptional. The staff was friendly and it became pretty clear that this is a hangout for locals. We were told that the establishment recently underwent a remodel this summer which they said was a huge improvement from the past. Keep in mind that this is a bar in a ski town, not necessarily a fine dining establishment.

7. Lower Loop Mountain Bike Trail

4 Butte Ave, Crested Butte, CO 81224-8702
Excellent
68%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 22 reviews

Lower Loop Mountain Bike Trail

8. Meridian Lake

2000 Washington Gulch Rd, Crested Butte, CO
Excellent
57%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
4%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 23 reviews

Meridian Lake

Reviewed By WorldTravelers34 - Chicago, United States

We visited Meridian Lake during a recent Colorado trip. Meridian Lake is a popular destination in both summer and fall for its fantastic views, proximity to town, and the amazing color provided by season wildflowers and golden aspen foliage. The very long and narrow natural lake (also known as Long Lake), is also a great place to go for a swim in the summertime. Be sure and bring your camera! Directions: From the Town of Crested Butte, take Gothic Road (Route 135) north 1.75 miles. Turn left onto Washington Gulch Road and drive 1.5 miles. Easy Route: Park in front of the tennis courts on the right side for the easy route. Strenuous Route: Drive another .90 miles farther to signed TH and the dirt parking lot on the left.

9. Crested Butte Chamber of Commerce

601 Elk Ave, Crested Butte, CO 81224-8603 +1 970-349-6438 [email protected] http://www.cbchamber.com/
Excellent
56%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
19%
Poor
3%
Terrible
8%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 36 reviews

Crested Butte Chamber of Commerce

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