A bridge on Highway 50 is under construction, affecting travel to Gunnison from the west. Learn more here.
1,000 miles of scenic dirt roads might sound like a dream, but here in the Gunnison Valley, it’s real. In this pristine corner of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, the roads are as endless as the views. Surrounded by National Forest and BLM land, Gunnison is an ideal base camp for a gravel bike trip. To the south, take high-desert rides through rock spires and sage oceans. Explore the wild and scenic forests on the east side of the Gunnison Valley, or journey over steep alpine passes in Crested Butte. Start planning your gravel bike adventure now!
In Gunnison and Crested Butte, you’ll find open roads, handlebar-high wildflowers and sunsets that will knock your socks off. The best part is, it’s not a dream. Scroll or swipe through the slideshow below to see what it’s like to ride into the world of Crested Butte and Gunnison this summer.
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.
Spend less time traveling and more time on your bike 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.
Coming from anywhere else? Take the easy one-hour flight from Denver on United Airlines.
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 800 miles of singletrack trail via mountain bike. Or try your hand at angling in crystal-clear Gold Medal rivers.
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 ride many dirt roads right from town.
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.
You’re halfway through a bike ride, 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!
If possible, plan your route to avoid riding on wet or muddy roads. If you encounter snow or mud on the road, ride through it, not around it.
Pit toilets are available at Hartman Rocks and a few trailheads around Crested Butte, but many dirt roads in Gunnison County are miles from bathroom facilities. “Go before you go,” and learn how to properly dispose of waste if you have to answer nature’s call outdoors.
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.
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 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.
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.
The ICELab is an all-in-one business resource center located on the campus of Western Colorado University. The ICELab offers a spacious, sunny 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.
We'll send you travel tips and news twice a month. Unsubscribe anytime!