You probably already know that Crested Butte is a popular place for winter travelers, but did you know that it is also a fantastic fall travel destination? If you only visit this marvelous mountain town when it is cold outside, then you’re missing out on a lot of fun! Crested Butte’s fall season is, in one word, gorgeous. On top of the sensational scenery, many of the town’s best festivals and activities can be enjoyed in fall. With smaller crowds and more affordable travel rates, there is a lot to love about fall travel in Crested Butte. Here are a handful of reasons to visit Crested Butte this fall.
Smaller Crowds
One of the biggest advantages of visiting Crested Butte during the fall is the convenience of off-season travel. The crowds are sparse in Colorado’s top ski towns during the fall ahead of ski season. This means you'll have more space to enjoy the mountains and less traffic on the roads! It is easy to make the most of your visit that way.
The prices are also a lot lower, so you’ll likely find great discounts on restaurants, activities, and transportation. The savings are helpful to have when you’re adventuring around this normally expensive town. In the fall, you can take advantage of all that Crested Butte has to offer without waiting in long lines or breaking the bank! It couldn’t be more ideal.
Fall Foliage
The fall foliage in Crested Butte is fabulous. Set in the East River Valley in the Colorado Rockies, the town is surrounded by unimaginable beauty. The fall season amplifies the beauty! As the groves of aspen trees change color, the mountains come alive with vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red. The sea of colors is sensational! It will take your breath away.
There are many great places to go leaf-peeping while you’re in Crested Butte. Some of the best spots include Ohio Creek/Ohio Pass, Taylor Canyon, and Rainbow Lake. You’ll see fall foliage everywhere, though. No matter where you are in town, you’re guaranteed to see pretty leaves!
Hiking is my favorite way to observe the fall foliage, but you can also opt to take in the views on a scenic drive, while horseback riding, or while on a gondola!
The Great Outdoors
Whether you’re a fan of the fall foliage or not, you should definitely spend some time exploring the Great Outdoors in Crested Butte this fall. This time of year, the weather is awesome for outdoor activities. The days are warm and sunny, with highs typically sitting in the mid-50s and low 60s. The weather doesn’t get much better for those looking to engage in hiking, biking, fishing, golfing, and other outdoor activities! Pack layers of clothing and get ready to have some awesome adventures.
Crested Butte is surrounded by stunning scenery. Be sure to take some time to explore local nature. It is a shame to miss out on the landscape while you’re in town!
Because it is situated around the headwaters of one of Colorado's largest river drainages, Crested Butte has some of the best fishing in the entire state. You have to try fishing for trout this fall! The fish are more active at this time, and the mild weather means that fishing is more enjoyable. You’ll catch more fish and have a better time doing so! Some of the best fishing spots in the area include Lost Lake, Taylor River, Blue Mesa Reservoir, and Gunnison River. There are plenty of places to fish around town, though.
If you like to golf, then you’ll be happy to know that fall is the perfect time to hit the links. The nice weather and smaller crowds make it easy to enjoy an afternoon on the green. Some of the popular golf courses in and around Crested Butte are The Club at Crested Butte and Dos Rios.
Fall Festivals
There are plenty of festivals and events that take place in and near Crested Butte during the fall season. Some of the top events include Mt. Crested Butte Chili and Beer Festival (September 9, 2023), ARTumn Festival (September 23-24, 2023), Crested Butte Film Festival (September 27-October 1, 2023), and Oktoberfest (September 29-30, 2023). Events and festivals like these are the best ways to immerse yourself in local culture. Keep an eye out for other exciting events as you plan your trip. You never know what fun stuff will take place while you’re visiting!
No matter what you choose to do in Crested Butte this fall, you're sure to have a great time. The beautiful scenery, the mild weather, and the abundance of outdoor activities make Colorado a fantastic destination for a fall getaway. Be sure to come back in the winter, when ski season returns!
