Crested Butte, CO
Crested Butte has stolen a lot of hearts and I can see why.
- More about your Oliver Guide: Cynthia Pillsbury
- Trip type: Adult, Mountains
- Activity level: high
- Ideal length of trip: A few days to a week!
to & from
Crested Butte is not an easy place to get to…. it’s isolated, yet that makes it all the more charming.
We drove from our home in Edwards, which is about a 3 ½ hour drive. Most people fly into Denver and either drive the four hours or connect through Gunnison, which is only a ½ hour away from Crested Butte. Gunnison is a small airport so rare to find a direct flight from most major cities– except Denver, Dallas and Houston (yes, Texans love Crested Butte).
It’s well worth the effort!
Where to Stay
Like other mountain towns, (Jackson Hole, Sun Valley) Crested Butte town is not directly adjacent to the mountain, however it’s only a 5 minute drive. The town is full of charm, delicious restaurants, cute shops, whereas the mountain base could use some love. I would highly recommend staying in town vs. the base.
We stayed at the Scarp Ridge Lodge, which is part of the Eleven Properties. It is a small boutique property, right in the heart of Crested Butte. It’s a splurge, but for a few days it’s an amazing, all-inclusive experience.
Another place to stay that will be less stressful on the wallet is Elk Mountain Lodge.