You’re mistaken if you believe that ski towns are only worth visiting during ski season. With reduced prices, lower crowds, and gorgeous weather, spring is an awesome time to travel to Crested Butte. Here are a few fun ways to make the most of a warm weather trip to Crested Butte!
There is so much to do in Crested Butte’s great outdoors! After a winter of snowfall, the town’s landscape explodes with beautiful nature that is not to be missed. Hiking, rafting, and shopping at the farmers’ market are fantastic ways to get outside, although there is no shortage of activities to enjoy.
Hike
Crested Butte is popularly thought of as the wildflower capital of Colorado. As such, it is a spectacular place to participate in spring hiking. The East River Trail (4.8 miles) from the Brush Creek Trailhead is a great starter trail. In the spring and summer, it features loads of jaw-dropping wildflowers. It also offers lovely views of Crested Butte and a nice waterfall.
Baxter Gulch Trail (10.4 miles) is a more moderately challenging trail, featuring steeper elevation gain and less usage. It is beloved for its wildflowers as well as for its terrain variety. It does pass through private property, but it features easements to allow hiker access!
Looking for a true challenge? Hike Upper Westside to Crested Butte (10.6 miles). Like the other two trails I mentioned, this trail features gorgeous wildflowers, but it differs in that it features sharp elevation gains, boulder crossing, and some truly spectacular views of Crested Butte and Gunnison National Forest.
Raft
Looking for an adrenaline-inducing adventure? Go rafting near Crested Butte! Rising water levels in the late spring and summer make for some truly spectacular whitewater rafting. There are many convenient, high-quality rafting companies available in the Crested Butte area that offer rafting expeditions for people with all different rafting experience levels. Check out information on Crested Butte rafting and plan your next rafting trip with Scenic River Tours or Three Rivers Resort!
Shop at the Farmers’ Market
When I travel, I love to visit local farmers’ markets. Crested Butte’s Farmers’ Market is worth checking out, as it will help you get to know local food on a much deeper level. The market operates Sundays from 9 AM to 2 PM May through October as well as Thursdays from 3 PM to 6 PM July through August. With many food vendors, there is so much local goodness to see and taste!
Cycle
If you love to bike, then you should check out the Ohio Pass Loop. A local favorite, this route runs for about 52 miles with a good bit of elevation gain. Alongside a lightly trafficked road, this route is a cyclist’s dream. You’ll love the scenic views of the mountains and the iconic wildflowers.
The mountain terrain and ranch land along the trail is some of the most beautiful in the west and is totally worth the challenges that the trail throws at you. Section it up and take your time tackling some or all of the gorgeous loop! Local bike rentals are available to visitors.
What’s your favorite way to spend a spring day in Crested Butte?
