KILLER WEEKEND

Fall colors start to light up the aspens below Mount Crested Butte. photo courtesy Terrance Siemon

KILLER WEEKEND

Welcome to Colorful Crested Butte This Colorado mountain town holds your next fall adventure

BY TIONA EVERSOLE

Crested Butte is world renowned for its summer wildflowers; FOR THE FLY FISHER but visiting in the fall is where the real magic happens. Cooler Crested Butte offers world-renowned fishing waters, making temperatures, crystal clear rivers and breathtaking mountain it an excellent getaway for those wishing to hook a few brook, views are only a few of the reasons why you’ll want to add brown, rainbow or cutthroat trout. Crested Butte to your fall destination bucket list. Whether you’re Anglers should head to the Taylor River headwaters north of looking to get out and explore the many trails in the area, wade Taylor Reservoir where countless brook trout call these waters into the cool waters in search of trout or relax and simply enjoy home. Numerous feeder creeks and beaver ponds found along the fall colors, the town of Crested Butte shines brightest in the the main stream of the Taylor River provide some of the best high off season. country fly fishing waters in Colorado. The Crested Butte backcountry also offers FOR THE LEAF PEEPER endless opportunities for backcountry

For the best fall colors near Crested fly fishing. Stop by local fly fishing shops Butte, head 16 miles west to Kebler Pass. This high elevation mountain Crested Butte Angler or Dragonfly Anglers for suggestions, supplies or a guided tour. pass, topping out at 10,007 feet, winds through the Gunnison National Forest and connects Crested Butte to Paonia. WHERE TO STAY For a fun and unique place to stay right downtown, check out the Cristiana Guesthaus. Head up during peak season as the This quirky, yet cozy European-style chalet state’s largest aspen grove is set ablaze offers a second story balcony perfect for with shades of gold, crimson and orange enjoying a glass of wine at sunset. with rewarding views of the West Elk The Nordic Inn is located at the base Mountains. Plan for about two hours of Riding the Lupine Trail with the town of Crested Butte of Crested Butte Mountain Resort, and is driving from one side of the pass to the in the background. photo by Terrance Siemon the longest operating lodge in Gunnison other. Unless inclement weather is present, this County. Recently remodeled, the Inn offers two-wheel drive dirt road is accessible by most vehicles. comfortable and luxurious accommodations with secure bike storage and bike cleaning station. Grab s’mores supplies and enjoy FOR THE MOUNTAIN BIKER hanging out at the fire pit after a day of adventuring.

For a fun, intermediate ride that starts and ends close to Both of these options offer pet friendly rooms and downtown Crested Butte, check out the Lupine trail system. The complimentary breakfast. two sections of the Lupine Trail (named Lupine 1 and Lupine 2) were built in 2011, making them relatively new to the area. For bikers wanting to add some mileage and ride back into town, continue on Slate River Road from the end of Lupine 2 to Gunsight Bridge. From here, the singletrack trails of the Lower Loop trail system can be taken back into downtown Crested Butte, totalling a little over 11 miles. Crested Butte’s most famous mountain bike trail — the 401 WHERE TO EAT & DRINK For a nice sit-down breakfast spot, start the day at Paradise Cafe. For a quick grab and go breakfast burrito, check out Rumors Coffee & Tea House, an espresso bar that doubles as a bookstore. After a long day of exploring Crested Butte, get your pizza fix at Secret Stash. You can’t go wrong with so many fun specialty pies to choose from, such as the Texas Biggin’, Notorious F.I.G. and The Killa Vegan. If tacos are more your thing, check out Teocalli Tamale Trail — is located north of town up Gothic Road, and offers a fun for fast, simple tacos, burritos and tamales. yet challenging ride with plenty of elevation gain, fast downhill After dinner, head to Montanya Distillers for a craft cocktail. and spectacular mountain views. The 401 is commonly ridden as a The distillery specializes in American rum, and offers a cocktail 13.6-mile loop, but can also be ridden as an 8.3-mile shuttle to cut for every palette — including “zero proof” mixed drinks for those out the dirt road climb. Although this trail is most popular in the who prefer non-alcoholic beverages. Try the Caldera: Platino Rum summer, fall brings cooler temperatures and fewer crowds for an infused with cucumber and mixed with honey lavender syrup, lime, enjoyable ride. mint and jalapeño.