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Elevate BNB

Crested Butte, Colorado

A former coal town turned ski and wildflower destination at 8,900 feet, with a protected historic main street and some of the most demanding terrain in the Rockies.

Why Crested Butte?

Crested Butte sits at the end of the road in Gunnison County, and that remoteness is a big part of the appeal. The town is a National Historic District, which means Elk Avenue looks much the same as it did a century ago: low Victorian storefronts painted in bright colors, no chain stores, and a pace that slows down noticeably once you arrive. In winter, Crested Butte Mountain Resort draws serious skiers for its extreme terrain and lack of crowds compared to the I-70 corridor resorts. In summer, the valley fills with wildflowers in July, earning the town its unofficial title as the Wildflower Capital of Colorado. Mountain biking on the 750-mile trail network is world-class. The fishing on the Gunnison River is excellent. And the 30-mile drive over Kebler Pass in fall, through the largest aspen grove in North America, is one of the great drives in the state.

Whetstone Vista

A stunning, newly built townhome in the serene Buckhorn Ranch.
View Property — Whetstone Vista
Whetstone Vista

Unforgettable Mountain Escape plus Waffles!

Whetstone Vista, a stunning, newly built townhome in the serene Buckhorn Ranch. With breathtaking mountain views from your private patio, luxurious high-end finishes, and a fully stocked, modern kitchen, this retreat is the ideal hub for your Crested Butte adventures.

Things to Do

Top Attractions
From extreme ski terrain to wildflower meadows and world-class mountain biking, these are the experiences that define Crested Butte.

Crested Butte Mountain Resort

Home to some of the most challenging inbounds terrain in North America, including the infamous Extreme Limits. Shorter lift lines and a more local feel than the I-70 corridor.

Wildflower Season

July transforms the valley into a carpet of color. The Crested Butte Wildflower Festival runs for a week in mid-July with guided hikes, photography workshops, and art events.

Mountain Biking

Over 750 miles of trails ranging from mellow valley rides to technical singletrack. The 401 Trail is one of the most celebrated mountain bike routes in the country.

Kebler Pass

A 30-mile dirt road over the pass through the largest aspen grove in North America. Drive it in late September for peak fall color.

Elk Avenue

The protected historic main street with Victorian storefronts, no chain stores, and a walkable stretch of restaurants, bars, and shops that stays lively year-round.

Gunnison River Fishing

The Gunnison River and its tributaries offer some of the best fly fishing in Colorado. The Black Canyon section below Blue Mesa Reservoir is Gold Medal water.

Crested Butte at a Glance

A remote mountain town at 8,900 feet with world-class skiing, biking, and wildflowers.

  • 8,900 ft elevation, end-of-the-road setting

  • Wildflower Capital of Colorado

  • 750+ miles of mountain bike trails

  • 4 hrs from Denver, 30 min from Gunnison

Crested Butte Through the Year

Every season has a reason to make the drive.
Crested Butte Through the Year

Winter

Crested Butte Mountain Resort opens in late November and runs through April. The extreme terrain draws expert skiers, but there's plenty for intermediates too. Snowshoeing and Nordic skiing in the valley are excellent.

Summer

July is wildflower season, the most popular time of year. Mountain biking peaks from June through September. The Wildflower Festival, the Arts Festival, and the Vinotok harvest celebration fill the calendar.

Fall

September and October bring the aspen color and the Kebler Pass drive. Crowds thin out, prices drop, and the trails are yours. One of the best times to visit if you can be flexible on dates.

Local Favorites

Where to Eat and Drink
Elk Avenue has a surprisingly strong food scene for a town of 1,500 people.

The Dogbar

A Crested Butte institution. Cold beer, a lively crowd, and a patio that fills up fast on summer evenings. The kind of place you end up staying longer than planned.

Soupcon

A tiny French bistro tucked in an alley off Elk Avenue. Only a handful of tables, prix-fixe menu, and reservations that book out weeks in advance. Worth the planning.

Brick Oven Pizzeria

The go-to for a casual dinner after a long day on the mountain or the trails. Good pizza, cold pitchers, and a relaxed room that works for families and groups.

Frequently Asked Questions