Crested Butte, CO Summary

Nestled on the fringe of the Gunnison National Forest by Hwy 135, is the former mining town of Crested Butte, now a first-rate ski resort. Its location, in the striking wilderness tracts of the Elk Mountains and Maroon Bells-Snowmass, is enough to excite any outdoor enthusiast to test the trails.

Crested Butte also has an interesting history of gunslingers. Some of the West’s most disreputable characters passed through town, including Jesse James, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and a young Billy the Kid, when he was just a young pup working in one of the region’s sawmills.

Originally a supply center for the surrounding mining camps of the Rockies, Crested Butte became a prosperous coal-mining town when other camps failed with the gold bust.

In 1963, after its local coal mine ceased operation, the town focused on its natural resources to lure local skiers to Crested Butte Mountain. Today, with its resort located 2 miles from the historic town center, Crested Butte has retained its Victorian appeal without the encroachment of condominiums.

Crested Butte has more than 85 trails, 13 mountain lifts, and plenty of spectacular downhill skiing for daredevil skiers. Snowboarding and cross-country skiing are also popular here and well-catered to. In the summer, Crested Butte’s rugged mountains offer hiking as well as mountain bike trails.

The nearest airport is Gunnison County Airport. There is a shuttle service that takes skiers between the town and Crested Butte Mountain, and regular round-trip service from Gunnison County Airport to Crested Butte.