Hiking
Hiking Tips
- Always bring extra water and be prepared for unexpected changes in the weather.
- Apply sunscreen frequently to exposed skin! SPF 15 or higher is best.
- Avoid hiking alone and leave your planned hiking route with someone you trust. Remember: your cell phone will likely not work on any trails in the Colorado Rockies.
- Close gates behind you.
- Stay on the marked trail, don’t create shortcuts.
- Use existing fire rings for campfires rather than creating a new one. Extinguish completely before departing.
- Right of way: hikers and bikers must yield to cattle and horses. Whoever has the uphill path has the right of way, regardless of mode of transportation.
Fishing
Dragonfly Anglers
We recommend Dragonfly Anglers of Crested Butte
A complete guide service, providing a full range of services to accommodate anglers of all levels. If instruction in any aspect of fly fishing is needed, they are more than eager and able to provide it.
Fly casting, knot tying, and insect identification is offered. They cater to your personal needs as well as teaching dry fly presentation, nymph and streamer tactics.
Trips can be designed according to your preference or the guides will lead you to known hot spots.
The schedule is flexible and they try to arrange your trip during the most productive times of the day.
For further information and reservations, please contact them toll-free at 800-491-3079.
Mountain Biking
Crested Butte is known for having some of the best mountain biking trails in the world. The Gunnison Valley is home to over 750 miles of incredible singletrack. For detailed information please see links below.
Download the Trail App
If you’re thinking about using our vast trail system this summer, please download the CBGTrails map app before you arrive. Download maps of the Valley’s 750+ miles of mountain biking trails and hundreds of miles of hiking-only trails in our 5 Wilderness areas, making the trails safer and easier to access than ever before.
Evolution Bike Park
The Evolution Bike Park was established at Crested Butte Mountain Resort in 2009. Since the beginning it has been designed to meet the needs of all riders; from cross-country aficionados, beginners on two wheels, and gravity experts. Evolution Bike Park is becoming one of the best in the state of Colorado. With 29 trails covering 30 miles of singletrack, the riding opportunities reflect the roots of mountain biking history here in Crested Butte.
Chair Lift Rides
Chairlift rides on Silver Queen and Red Lady Express lifts offer tremendous views, great photo opportunities and plenty of hiking and biking trails to explore.
Other activities on the mountain include the evolution bike park, disc golf and a seasonal 3D archery course.
Disc rentals are available at the ticket window.
For more information regarding summer chairlift rides visit the Crested Butte Mountain Resort website.
White Water Rafting
We recommend and work closely with Three Rivers Resort.
Three Rivers Resort
Three Rivers Resort is located in the historic mountain town of Almont, Colorado on the Taylor River. The resort features cabins dating back to the 1800s, which are a short walk from the merging of the Taylor and East Rivers to form the Gunnison River.
Blue skies, high mountains, and crystal clear trout-filled waters make their location the ideal rafting getaway. They are conveniently situated in between Gunnison and Crested Butte, with the Gunnison National Forest right in their backyard.
Three Rivers Outfitting offers the most experienced guides in the valley for rafting, fishing, and kayaking. These activities are offered through their on-site outfitting shops.
Additionally, Three Rivers Resort can help you book ATV rentals, 4 wheel drive tours, horseback riding, rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking and hot air balloon rides. The one stop shop for recreation!
Horseback Riding
Ride Your Way Into the Backcountry
Family trail rides, overnight pack trips, hay wagon rides and cookouts are available for all ages and abilities. These are a few of our favorite horseback excursions, available through Fantasy Ranch. For further details and reservations call 970-349-5425.
Hourly, ½ day and Day Rides
One and one-half hour horseback rides on Snodgrass and half day horseback rides on Snodgrass and Oh-Be-Joyful. Choose from 7 different locations for full day rides including: Snodgrass, Rustler’s Gulch, Oh-Be-Joyful, Gunsight Pass, Copper Lake, Horse Ranch Park and the Castles Ride.
Crested Butte to Aspen via East Maroon Pass
This is Fantasy Ranch’s most popular ride. Depart from the old gold mining town of Gothic then climb to East Maroon Pass, elevation 11,800 feet. The climb to the summit follows meandering Copper Creek and passes Judd Falls and beautiful Copper Lake. Descend East Maroon Creek to Aspen after lunch. Spend just the day or up to 7, camping and riding in the Maroon Bells Wilderness.
Hay Rides – Horseback BBQs
Choose either a 30 minute horse drawn hay wagon ride or a 1 hour horseback ride on the ranch-both promise great fun and are followed with food and entertainment. Don’t worry about the weather, the ranch has a covered picnic area. Dinner includes grilled chicken and steak, baked potato, corn on the cob, beans and salad. You’ll enjoy the campfire with sing-a-longs, roasting marshmallows and making s’mores. Call the ranch for details on minimum number of people for the rides.
Four Day West Elk Wilderness Fishing Trip
A four day ride into the West Elk Wilderness to fish the lakes and streams proudly offered in this area. Hidden lakes exist if you are up for the hike. Three nights of the great outdoors with fabulous food and the stars above. Bring your own fishing equipment and license.
Riders must be 13 years or older for Aspen rides.
Relax & Unwind
Looking to relax? Need a place to exercise? Care for a massage or suffering from high altitude sickness?
Here are a couple places that can help you feel as welcome and comfortable as possible in Crested Butte: