Why We Love to LIV Here

Our favorite summer activities in Crested Butte

By Kendra Walker

While winter draws most of us to this mountain town gem, it’s the summers in Crested Butte that really seal the deal. “You spend a summer here and you’re hooked,” says LIV Sotheby’s International Realty agent Betsy Wiebe. “I’ve lived here over 20 years and I’m still taken aback that just a few months ago everything was completely blanketed in white snow. This time of year you look around and see every color of the rainbow; the purples that these mountains are named after, the soft carpet of yellow dandelions on the hillsides, the striking greens and colorful wildflowers, the cool blue rivers flowing. There’s so much to offer here and we’re all so fortunate to live in nature and enjoy the beauty of this place.”

During the summertime in Crested Butte, the activities are endless with choose-your-own-adventure fun, whether you’re exploring around town or getting lost in nature. Our LIV Sotheby’s agents share some of their favorite activities to do in the summer - on foot, pedal, paddle, and motor. Enjoy responsibly, and please remember to respect this precious valley with kindness and Leave No Trace principles.

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HIKING

A go-to activity in this mountain town, the hiking in the Gunnison Valley offers a wide spectrum of options, from easy, walkable trails to challenging, peak-bagging adventures. The trails near and around town bring fun day hike excursions, and the trails deeper into the valley’s drainages of the West Elk Mountains encourage longer day or multi-day backpack trips. And if you time it right this time of year, most every trail will reward you with the blooming wildflowers that inspired Crested Butte’s namesake as the “Wildflower Capital of Colorado.”

“One thing I really enjoy about this town is it doesn’t even feel like you’ve gone a block from town and all of a sudden you’re on the trails in paradise. I’m in the forest just steps from the front door - it’s incredible,” says Michelle Rampelt.

“With three kids and dogs, there’s a lot of hiking in my family,” says Tucker Brown. “We’re always excited to do more exploring of the trails around here, anything to get the kids outdoors and wear them out.”

“I’m a huge hiker,” says Nikki Pulitzer. “I love to explore and treasure hunt when I hike, especially near old miner’s camps. It’s my most favorite thing to go exploring.”

“I do a lot of hiking because you’re just putting one foot in front of the other, in some of the most incredible scenery imaginable,” says Michelle Rampelt. “And even though I’m not much of a flower peeper, the wildflowers are a bonus. But there’s all these hidden treasures and things to do, and it doesn’t have to be a mega Fourteener. There are so many spots to explore here at the end of the road.”

MOUNTAIN BIKING

It’s no secret that Crested Butte is home to world-class mountain bike trails, and biking is certainly at the top of the list for many of our agents. As soon as the trails dry up every spring, the locals quickly switch out their skis for wheels.

“There are so many mountain bike rides you can do within quick proximity to town under two hours,” says Channing Boucher. “You can just get on your bike and go, and you’re on a world-class track right there next to town.”

The Gunnison Valley offers more than 750 miles of singletrack, ranging from high alpine thrills on the 401 Trail in the north valley, to expansive desert riding south-valley at Hartman Rocks.

“The trail system out there at Hartman’s is amazing, there’s something for everybody. Even my 4-year-old on his small little bike is able to do some of the green trails,” says Tucker Brown, who also utilizes youth bike programs in town like CB Devo for his kids.

Favorite rides around town always include the Lower Loop and Upper Loop systems, Lupine, Strand Hill and of course the trails at the Crested Butte Mountain Resort bike park.

“I love riding in the evenings,” says Di Bridges. “In the summer I can hop on my bike from our office downtown and get a nice ride in before sunset and my day is complete.”

No matter what trail you find yourself on, the views are always guaranteed to be stunning. “There’s nothing like mountain biking in Crested Butte,” says Michelle Rampelt. “Trail 401 has to be the prettiest mountain bike trail in America. And if you do want to ride something different, like the desert, you can go to Hartman’s or Doctor Park. Doctor’s is my favorite, it’s one of the epics and a highlight every summer.”

Water is a precious resource in Crested Butte, and residents soak up as many water activities as possible during the summer months. The rivers, alpine lakes, and reservoirs offer ample opportunities to cool off from a hot summer’s day. “I love just getting out on the water in any form this time of year,” says Betsy Wiebe, who enjoys rafting the Taylor and Slate rivers.

Stand up paddle boarding near town is always a hit. “You’ll find me stand up paddle boarding the Slate,” says Michelle Rampelt. “That’s a must, it’s so fun.” Just remember to respect the voluntary no-float section of the Slate River to help protect the Great Blue Herons during their nesting period.

Taking a refreshing dip in the area’s alpine lakes, such as Lake Irwin and Long Lake, is another favorite summer pastime, and the Blue Mesa Reservoir just west of Gunnison is a draw for boaters and beach-goers. “It’s the largest body of water in Colorado, it’s a huge attraction,” says Gary Huresky, who enjoys taking his boat to Blue Mesa. “It’s a great community asset,” says Tucker Brown. “We love getting on a boat out there and swimming, fishing, and paddle boarding.”

The Gunnison Valley also offers some of the best fishing in the state, as the home to lake trout and brown, rainbow, and kokanee salmon. “There’s gold-medal trout fishing all over the place here,” says Gary Huresky.

From the East River, to the Slate and Gunnison rivers, and along Taylor Canyon, the anglers in this valley have plenty of favorite river, stream, and lake fishing spots.

“I love trout fishing, I’ll go down to the Gunnison area and do a lot of fishing in those streams. The Oh Be Joyful is brimming with trout,” says Nikki Pulitzer, who like most locals, enjoys catch and release.

“I grew up in the mountains fly fishing and I look forward to getting my kids into it. Going out along the Taylor is probably a favorite spot of mine,” says Tucker Brown. “I enjoy the smaller streams and rivers too, and we’ll go out right along the Slate by our house. Being out alone on the river is always such good mediation. Just to get outdoors and enjoy being out there.”

OFF-ROADING

Many folks enjoy an extra oomph of power in their playtime and you’ll find plenty of motorized toys up the various drainages in the valley. Crested Butte’s old mining roads and mountain passes have become popular destinations for off-roading, ATVs, and dirt bikes.

“I ride my dirt bike a lot in the summer,” says Gary Huresky, who also enjoys taking his son out. “I would say Cement Creek probably hosts some of the best moto riding in the state. It’s so nice to ride right out of our garage.” Betsy Wiebe enjoys exploring the various drainages in her jeep, “I have an old 1970 CJ-5 and I like just driving down the dirt roads in the backcountry.”

In addition to Cement Creek, Brush Creek and Taylor Park are meccas for 4X4, ATV, and dirt bike use, along with Hartman Rocks in Gunnison. Just be sure to stay on motorized-friendly trails and roads, and check road conditions in advance.

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EXPLORING AROUND TOWN

It’s not always just about recreation, and there’s plenty of magic that happens in downtown Crested Butte during the summer. “There’s always an event in Crested Butte, there’s always something going on,” says Gary Huresky. “It’s always been a festive town and we still love our costumes.”

Many activities in town allow for great spectating, but participation is always encouraged; happy hours on Elk Avenue, buying fresh, local produce at the Sunday Farmer’s Market, browsing the artist tents at the Arts Festival, taking a local class to learn a new artisan skill, catching an evening town league softball game.

Michelle Rampelt enjoys soaking in the town’s history and visiting the Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum. “I love walking around town when it’s nice out and reading all the gold placards about the history of the old buildings. You can learn so much.”

“I love exploring town and going to restaurants,” says Betsy Wiebe. “And I love riding the alleys of Crested Butte on a townie. I enjoy noticing the different flowers that bloom different times of the year, finding the slower path, and taking the bridges around town.”

Sometimes the event comes straight to you, no planning required. “We put our chairs in our front yard and chat with neighbors who walk by,” says Kathryn Johnson. “It’s a lifestyle choice. You’re going to get that close, small community with Crested Butte. I love it here.”

LIVE MUSIC

Live music rings sweeter in the mountains, and that’s no exception in the Gunnison Valley. Between outdoor concerts, festivals, and funky bar venues, the music lovers in Crested Butte can always find a good toe-tappin’ time.

“I’m a big fan of live music. That’s always been a big part of my life,” says Di Bridges. “We have such incredible opportunities for live music here for being such a small town. Between here and Gunnison we’ve got some great venues and some big names that come to perform.”

As far as outdoor music, the Center for the Arts’ Alpenglow outdoor concert series is always a huge hit. “It’s super social, super popular, and super fun,” says Betsy Wiebe. “This is a free concert in the park and they do a great job with the caliber of bands they get to come here.” Nikki Pulitzer agrees, “I love all of the outdoor activities like Alpenglow and whatever free music there is. Those are always great ways to socialize in Crested Butte.”

There’s always an opportunity to catch live music along Elk Avenue, whether at a local bar or during a town festival or event. Channing Boucher enjoys going to the Public House for live music. “In the summer they always have a really good lineup,” he says.

“In Gunnison, I have to say my favorite venue hands down is the I Bar Ranch,” says Di Bridges. “It’s this big hay barn in this beautiful pastoral setting.” There are also live music events at the Black Box Theatre at the Gunnison Arts Center. “It’s super intimate, you can literally see the eyelashes of the person on stage,” she says. •