Overview

Fly fishermen are taking to the streams and local rivers and the fishing continues to be very good, with pre-runoff stream conditions and good water clarity. The kayakers are making tracks for the whitewater park in Gunnison. Others, inclined to more sedate activities, are taking in a movie at the Majestic.

Crested Butte was originally settled in the 1880s as a mining supply hamlet. Colorful old Victorian storefronts line the main street today. The buildings are filled with restaurants and shops.

As one of Colorado's largest National Historic Districts, Crested Butte has preserved many of its original Victorian homes and buildings. Crested Butte plays host to the Crested Butte Music Festival, Crested Butte Wildflower Festival, and Crested Butte Festival of the Arts.

Head up the hill three miles and you've landed in Mount Crested Butte, home of the slopes the locals love and every skier and snowboarder with a sense of adventure adores. The mountain has a little bit of everything, but it's best known for its extreme terrain and the steepest lift-accessed area in North America.

In the summertime, the chairlift is open so you can see for yourself. You'll find plenty of hikers and bikers enjoying the beauty of the Elk Mountain Range of the Colorado Rockies.

Crested Butte is a good, solid four-hour drive from Denver (230 miles). You go over several mountain passes, one of which is Monarch Pass. Coming over Kenosha Pass from Denver, the view of the South Park Valley is breathtaking. Small farms and homes are sprinkled throughout. It looks like how you'd imagine the West looked a hundred years ago.

Or stop in Fairplay for hiking, horseback riding, or a visit to the museum. There's also shopping in Gunnison (home of Western State). Once you hit Gunnison, you're only 30 miles from Crested Butte.

You also can fly into Gunnison/Crested Butte airport (GUC) year-round on United Express from Denver and Continental Airlines via Houston. Mountain Express Bus Service provides free and convenient transportation within and between the resort and Crested Butte.