HIT THE ROAD
Crested Butte, Colorado
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f you are looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience this spring, then it’s time for you to think about making the trip to Crested Butte, Colorado. Unlike many other tourist towns, you have to intentionally be headed to Crested Butte -- it isn’t just a stop along the way -- which makes it all the more special. We hope you’re ready for beautiful mountain views, green valleys with blooming wildflowers, and some of the cleanest mountain air you’ve ever breathed. Founded in 1878, Crested Butte started its life as a coal-mining town tucked in the Elk Mountains of northern Gunnison County. The town lies just north of Gunnison and about the same distance south of Aspen. Sitting at about 9,000 feet of elevation, it’s common in the winter to experience frigid temperatures and several feet of annual snowfall. It’s time to bust out your planner and start taking notes of all the amazing things to do in and around Crested Butte!
Enjoy Crested Butte Winter & Spring Outdoor Activities IN ADDITION TO THE AMAZING SKIING AND
snowboarding opportunities the little town has to offer, you can also enjoy several other winter activities as well. Some of those activities include dog sledding, back-country skiing, mountaineering, snowshoeing, or ice skating! Regardless of the time of year, Crested Butte is a magical place to escape and enjoy a little slice of Colorado heaven.
Take a Sleigh Ride in the Snow or Horseback Ride in the Summer If you head down to the Lazy F Bar Ranch then you will have the opportunity to enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride, dinner, and some good old fashion fun. This ultimate Crested Butte dining experience is something you don’t want to miss. Enjoy a scenic 35-minute horse drawn sleigh ride to a rustic 1950’s cabin overlooking the East River. Upon arrival, you will enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal. If you are planning for your summer trip, then you can expect scenic horseback trips for riders of all abilities. They offer a variety of different rides including 1 hour, 2 hours, half day, breakfast and dinner rides, or jump on the old hay wagon for a lovely ride up the East River Valley.
Go Downtown WHAT CUTE MOUNTAIN IS COMPLETE WITHOUT A
trendy downtown? Crested Butte is everything that a picturesque mountain town should be. You truly get the best of both worlds, the ski town vibe plus the historic Victorian-era buildings that are home to shops of all kinds. With shops ranging from boutiques to coffee shops and great restaurants to art galleries, it’s easy to get lost in the charm of it all.
Explore the Local Scenery If you’re planning to visit Crested Butte in the spring or summer, then here are some activities you can enjoy when the snow starts to melt: camping, fishing, golf, hiking, horseback riding, and much more. Take in the wildflowers with a stroll on more than a dozen nearby trails. Feeling a bit more ambitious? Hike up to the summit of Mt. Crested Butte for a birds-eye view of the town and valley. The trout fishing in Gunnison County is some of the best found in the world with cold, clear water flowing from the high mountains. Starting in May and going through October, the hiking season is a great time to explore the surrounding mountains of Crested Butte. Known as the wildflower capital of Colorado, CB is an incredible place to experience summer flowers in incredible mountain landscapes. The Gunnison National Forest, which includes five wilderness areas, ensures pristine conditions and memorable experiences.
Crested Butte Farmers Market STARTING MAY 29TH, THE CRESTED BUTTE
Farmers Market will be held at 2nd and Elk Avenue every Sunday. Stroll down the street and enjoy a variety of locally sourced foods, drinks, and other goods, all while supporting local farmers and businesses. Some of the vendors you can expect to find are local farms and ranches, artisanal food producers, concessionaires, and local artists. This is a great place to get a feel for the local community while also promoting local businesses. cowboylifestylenetwork.com
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