The bridges on Hwy. 50 between Gunnison and Montrose are now OPEN 24/7 with pilot cars. Learn more here.

Summer and fall in Crested Butte and Gunnison

Unreal views in a place that keeps it real

“Out there” is here, in Colorado’s pristine Gunnison Valley. Explore two million acres of wild public lands via hiking or mountain biking on more than 150 trails. Feast your eyes on the world-famous wildflower blooms in summer and golden aspens in fall. Kick back in Colorado’s coolest mountain towns at the end of the day. Start planning your adventure to Crested Butte and Gunnison now!

Plan your trip

Ride into the world of Crested Butte

Watch the video

Breathtaking alpine views. Handlebar-high wildflowers. Glowing golden aspen leaves. Sunsets that will knock your socks off.  And the best part is, it’s not a dream. Welcome to the world of Crested Butte.

Gunnison and Crested Butte Mountain Biking

Lodging in Crested Butte and Gunnison

Close to the trails. Easy on your wallet.

Lodging in Crested Butte and Gunnison is more affordable than many similar mountain destinations, so finding a place to stay here won’t break the bank. Start by entering the desired dates of your trip into the tool below to browse available hotels and vacation rentals. Then, filter by price and amenities.

Fly to Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport

Spend less time traveling and more time on adventures when you fly to Gunnison-Crested Butte Airport (GUC). With expanded flight service to GUC this fall, it’s now easier than ever to fly to the Gunnison Valley!

Visiting from Texas? Catch nonstop flights from Dallas or Houston.

fly from Houston on United
fly from Dallas on JSX

Coming from anywhere else? Take the easy one-hour flight from Denver on United Airlines.

Fly Denver to GUC

Things to do

More public land. More adventure.

There are so many ways to enjoy Gunnison County’s two million acres of public land. Hike through waist-high wildflowers in summer and electric-golden aspens in fall. Explore more than 1,000 miles of dirt roads via a gravel bike. Or try your hand at angling in crystal-clear Gold Medal rivers.

three gravel bikers ride on a gravel trail with rolling hills in the background

Gravel biking

Colorado fly fishing in an alpine river.

Fishing

Four people hike on a sandy and shrubby trail.

Hiking

A person rides a bike in a field of wildflowers

Mountain biking

Colorado fly fishing in an alpine river.

Scenic drives

Hiking Gothic Mountain with fall foliage all around.

Rafting and boating

Crested Butte and Gunnison trail map

Plan your route

Use this map to find legendary trails and discover new ones.

Crested Butte on Trailforks.com

Colorado’s coolest mountain towns

Vibrant towns. Chill vibes.

The brightly painted Victorian buildings in downtown Crested Butte are eye-catching, but their beauty is more than skin deep. Nestled inside these historic buildings are unique restaurants, cozy bars and one-of-a-kind shops. These casual, homey spots offer a welcoming place to relax after a long ride. Plus, you can access many trails right from town.

Pick the best time to visit

Choose from four distinct seasons

Yellow aspen leaves swirl through the air like confetti in fall. Wildflowers riot in summer. Rivers rush in springtime. And powdery, white snow blankets the mountains during winter. 

Gunnison spring trail closures

Several trails at Signal Peak and Hartman Rocks are closed during certain dates in spring for wildlife conservation. Learn more about seasonal trail closures.

Seasonal Trail Closure Info

Crested Butte trail conditions

By late spring, most or all Crested Butte trails will be open and snow-free. For up-to-date Crested Butte trail conditions, visit Crested Butte Mountain Bike Association’s trail conditions page.

Crested Butte Trail Conditions
scenery around the town of altmont, colorado

Travel resources

Before planning a trip to the Gunnison Valley or anywhere in Colorado, you’ll need to learn about rules and regulations specific to the area you’re visiting. This includes camping options, fire restrictions, seasonal trail closures and backcountry bathroom procedures. Use this travel resource guide to get started.

Learn more
A wooden backcountry bathroom in Colorado in summer.

“Doo” Colorado Right

You’re halfway through a hike, and you realize you have to “go.” The nearest bathroom is miles away. What do you do? The “Doo” Colorado Right program gives outdoor enthusiasts the tools and know-how to properly dispose of human waste outside in situations like these. Find out how you can get a free PACT backcountry bathroom kit by clicking the button below!

Get a kit

SAFETY AND RESPONSIBILITY ON THE TRAILS

Keep the Gunnison Valley wild

MUDDY OR WET TRAIL CONDITIONS

If possible, plan your route to avoid hiking or riding on wet or muddy trails. If you encounter snow or mud on the trail, travel through it, not around it.

BATHROOMS

Pit toilets are available at Hartman Rocks and a few trailheads around Crested Butte, but most trails do not have bathroom facilities. “Go before you go,” and learn how to properly dispose of waste if you have to answer nature’s call outdoors.

BASIC MOUNTAIN BIKING ETIQUETTE

  • Only ride on open trails.
  • Riders traveling downhill yield to riders traveling uphill.
  • Bikers yield to all other trail users, including horses and hikers.
  • Ride under control at all times.

LEAVE NO TRACE

The seven principles of Leave No Trace guide us on how to behave in the outdoors. Abiding by these principles helps minimize human impacts on the land. To learn more about Leave No Trace principles specific to mountain biking, visit LNT.org.

CRESTED BUTTE CAMPING CHANGES

Several popular camping areas near Crested Butte have changed from dispersed to designated. If you plan on camping during your trip to the Gunnison Valley, it is highly recommended to have several backup options in case your first campsite choice doesn’t work out. If possible, make reservations. Check out our camping guide for more information.

Western Colorado University in Gunnison, CO

Western Colorado University

Small classes. Big opportunities.

Western Colorado University in Gunnison offers over 100 areas of study, including a first-of-its-kind degree program in outdoor industry engineering. With world-class skiing and mountain biking right in Western’s backyard, students can shred the trails or the slopes after homework is done.

Learn more about Western

Ride with Carson Storch and Western student Jesse East

Watch the video

Follow Western Colorado University student Jesse East on a wild after-class ride with pro rider Carson Storch through some of Gunnison and Crested Butte’s best MTB trails in this short film by Matchstick Productions. 

Hot air balloons float in a blue sky above Crested Butte on a summer morning.

Large groups and events

Looking for an event venue, conference room or lodging package for a large group? Contact the two largest hoteliers in the Gunnison Valley—Elevation Hotel and Crested Butte Mountain Resort. 

Contact Alicia Hein at Elevation
Contact Ellen Collins at Vail Resorts
A man talks to another man with their laptops in front of them at the bright, sunny ICELab coworking space.

Gunnison Valley business resources

ICELab @ Western

The ICELab is an all-in-one business resource center located on the campus of Western Colorado University. The ICELab offers a spacious, sunny trailside coworking space, but it’s so much more than that. ICELab staff work one-on-one with local businesses and entrepreneurs to raise funds and grow revenues.

Explore opportunities

SUPPORT GUNNISON VALLEY TRAILS

If you enjoy riding the beautiful trails around Crested Butte and Gunnison, please consider supporting the local organizations that maintain and advocate for them.

Give back

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