10 Best Things to Do in Crested Butte
What is Crested Butte Most Famous For?
When thinking about the best things to do in Colorado’s Crested Butte, a chill and trendy ski town with all things snowy largely comes to mind. While skiing on Mt. Crested Butte is phenomenal, the best Crested Butte activities go far beyond navigating the powder on the western slope.
Visit in winter and you can tour the backcountry, while summer brings shopping and mountain biking up the mountain. And this old silver mining town is not just a hub for downhill adventure, as the arts and food scene are noteworthy in their own right.
What are the best things to do in Crested Butte?
1. Crested Butte Mountain Resort
With 15 ski lifts, there’s less time waiting and more time for fun
Good for: Adventure, Luxury
No trip to Crested Butte would be complete without spending some time at the Crested Butte Mountain Resort. It doesn’t matter what season you’re in, there are numerous ways to spend the day in this Rocky Mountain destination. Ski, snowboard, mountain bike, hike, rock climb, you name it. New to it all? Take a lesson from the experts.
You can spend more time on the slope when you also book your lodging at the Crested Butte Mountain Resort. Save some money by booking in the fall or spring, which are outside of the peak season.
Crested Butte Mountain Resort
2. Nordic tours
Guided excursions into the beautiful wild
Good for: Adventure, Families, Couples
See the glorious wilderness surrounding Crested Butte by taking a Nordic Tour. Think of this as a build-your-own-adventure. First, choose whether you want to tour on cross-country skis or snowshoes. Then choose how long you’d like to be out: half-day (2.5 hours), full-day (5 hours), or epic 7.5-hour adventures.
All tours are private for you and your party and are led by an experienced guide. Crested Butte Nordic will also occasionally host special tours, such as stargazing tours around specific astrological events. Note: If you’ve never skied before, at least one lesson is required before joining a cross-country ski tour. There is no lesson required for snowshoeing.
Location: 620 2nd St, Crested Butte, CO 81224, USA
Open: Daily from 8 am to 10 pm
Phone: +1 970-349-1707
Nordic tours
3. Magic Meadows Yurt
Trivia nights, dinners, and brunches in a remote yurt
Good for: Food, Adventure
If you want a meal you’ll never forget, then Crested Butte’s Magic Meadows Yurt should make it onto your itinerary. It’s only open for dinner service from December through March and the only way to reach the remote yurt is by snowshoeing or cross-country skiing through the backcountry of the Slate River Valley. The trek should take about 45 minutes and the reward is more than worth the effort.
The 5-course menu is true farm-to-table and cocktails are made from the local Montanya Distillery. Diners are then treated to live entertainment from local musicians. If you miss out on reservations, email to be put on a waitlist.
Location: 1599-501 Peanut Lake Rd, Crested Butte, CO 81224, USA
Open: Hours vary by season
Phone: +1 970-349-1707
Magic Meadows Yurt
4. Fat biking
Year-round biking on these all-terrain bikes
Good for: Adventure, Couples
Fat biking has become a popular pastime in Crested Butte over the last few years. These mountain bikes are equipped with wide tires that can handle even snowy terrain. There are numerous spots in town or on the mountain that will rent you a fat bike if needed.
Check out Gothic Trail, Snodgrass Trail, Cement Creek Road, and Slate River for a killer ride without the crowds. Keep in mind, though, that these bikes perform better on compacted snow, so you might want to wait to go out if the powder is fresh. Unless you want to be the first to lay the trail, that is.
Fat biking
5. Snowmobile tours
Explorations of the Gunnison Valley
Good for: Adventure, Families, Couples
There is a lot of terrain to navigate in the Crested Butte area and taking a snowmobile tour will help you see some of the best spots without getting lost. Kebler Pass, Splain Gulch, Irwin Lake, and Lost Lake are among the most scenic snowmobiling hotspots.
Crested Butte has a handful of companies that offer snowmobile tours, so shop around to find the best deals and tour style you’re looking for. Do you need something that caters to beginners? Or are you looking for an advanced route? Do you want to ride solo or double up? These are just some of the options to consider so be sure to do your research.
Snowmobile tours
6. Sleigh rides
Seasonal fun for both kids and adults
Good for: Couples, Photo, Families
In the winter, as Crested Butte turns into a snowy wonderland, we recommend enjoying the snow from the cozy comfort of a horse-drawn sleigh ride. There are several Crested Butte companies that offer sleigh rides, each with unique offerings.
Take a short tour through town with hot cocoa and a blanket or opt for a longer ride that ends with a romantic candle-lit dinner. You could even go through the backcountry, giving you access to untouched wilderness. Whichever option you choose, take your camera to capture those gorgeous sights.
Sleigh rides
7. Dog sledding
An unforgettable experience that can only be found in the high-country
Good for: Families, Photo
If you love dog sledding and the heroic story of Balto the sled dog, then you’ve come to the right place. Dog sledding provides incredible views and an amazing whooshing feeling when being pulled by a team of sporty pups. But arguably the best part of any dog sledding tour is meeting the team and giving them some love.
Crested Butte has several dog sled operators to choose from, each offering different experiences. However, it’s likely that your tour will either start in the Slate River Valley or the Washington Gulch area. Trips can be as short as an hour or last a full day. Be sure to shop around to get the best experience and price.
Dog sledding
8. Sledding and tubing
Free high-speed excitement
Good for: Families, Adventure
If you’re traveling with kids, or kids at heart, sledding and tubing are some of the best things to do in Crested Butte. Though the mountain resort doesn’t offer lift-served tubing, there are plenty of local hills you can check out on your own. Best of all, they’re free.
Our tip is to go where the locals go. Big Mine Hill at Big Mine Park is open from sunrise to sunset, and it’s a short hill that’s ideal for younger kids. Behind the Crested Butte Community School is a long, steep hill that daredevils will appreciate. Or, if you’re already up on the mountain, check out Snodgrass Trailhead Hill, best known for its long runs and exceptional views.
Sledding and tubing
9. Elk Avenue
The town’s main artery
Good for: Shoppers, Food
Another great Crested Butte activity is to take a walk down the charming Elk Avenue. The historic buildings are painted with bright colors, which look extra vibrant on a sunny Colorado day and make for lovely photos. You don’t need an itinerary to enjoy yourself here. Just walk and let the shops and restaurants draw you in.
From toy stores and coffee shops to boutiques, art galleries, and more, there’s enough to keep you occupied all day long. Don’t miss the Central Mountain Heritage Museum, which details the area’s history, or some of the area’s best restaurants that lie on this stretch of road.
Elk Avenue
10. Center for the Arts
A beloved community arts organization
Good for: Families, Couples
Experiencing the Center for the Arts’ diverse lineup of events is a can’t miss activity while you’re in the area. With a focus on performing, visual, and literary arts, both professional performances and community classes take place at this modern venue. The calendar is constantly refreshed with something new and fun. Past events include cocktail seminars, jazz concerts, traveling plays, dance productions, and film screenings.
Note that parking can be finicky as it’s against town regulations to park in the surrounding neighborhoods during an event. Therefore, we recommend taking the bus or bike. You’ll get to enjoy the town’s pretty scenery on the way.
Location: 606 6th St, Crested Butte, CO 81224, USA
Open: Monday–Friday from 9 am to 5 pm (closed on Saturdays and Sundays)
Phone: +1 970-349-7487
Center for the Arts
This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.