GCB Wellness Summit
The GCB Wellness Summit in Crested Butte was a four-day mountain retreat focused on adventure, wellness, and relaxation, hosted by GCB, Garmin, On, and Oakley. Guests stayed at Eleven Sopris House and the Lofts at Public House while enjoying hiking, horseback riding, yoga, custom hat-making, great food, and downtime in the Gunnison Valley. Highlights included guided hikes to Copley Lake, horseback riding at Harmel’s, exploring downtown Crested Butte, and dining at local favorites like Elk Avenue Prime and Slogar. The trip balanced outdoor activity with recovery and connection, offering a laid-back yet adventurous summer itinerary for anyone planning a mountain getaway.
- 4-day wellness retreat in Crested Butte blending hiking, horseback riding, yoga, recovery and local dining experiences.
- Stayed at Eleven Sopris House and explored the Gunnison Valley through guided outdoor adventures and downtown activities.
- Highlights included hiking Copley Lake, horseback riding at Harmel’s, custom cowboy hats at Björkstam, and meals at Elk Avenue Prime and Slogar.
- The itinerary focused on balancing movement, relaxation and connection in a scenic mountain setting.
Inside the GCB Wellness Summit
GCB, Garmin, On, and Oakley partnered to create a rugged and relaxed summer mountain retreat to showcase the stunning scenery and epic outdoor recreation opportunities in the Gunnison Valley. The content creators who attended enjoyed an itinerary that blended movement, adventure and connection. With time for hiking and horseback riding to lazy days in town and yoga, this itinerary allowed everyone to strive diligently and revel joyfully. Follow along on the Gunnison Crested Butte Instagram to learn more about the event! Use this itinerary for your next sojourn to the mountains of Crested Butte.
Who came to the GCB Wellness Summit
We invited content creators who have a passion for the outdoors and love sharing their adventures. Learn more about the participants and see content from the event on their social media below!
Day 1: Arrival and Check-in
Traveling to the Gunnison Valley
Fly into the Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport (GUC) for the most efficient way to travel to the Gunnison Valley. GUC is less than an hour from Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte. The drive through the Gunnison Valley to Crested Butte in the summer is lush, scenic and dotted with wildflowers. Arrival day was mellow to allow everyone to settle in and get ready for time on the trails.
Where to Stay in Crested Butte
After the beautiful drive to Crested Butte, they checked into Eleven Sopris House and the Lofts at Public House. The Lofts at Public House are on Elk Avenue above the Public House, a pub, taproom and restaurant. Eleven Sopris House is only minutes away from downtown. Make the most of your trip by staying close to food, drinks and other things to do.
Where to Eat on Night One in Crested Butte
The tour was followed by happy hour and a private chef dinner with Matt Santor at Eleven Sopris House. The dinner highlighted regional flavors expertly paired with local wines from Buckel Family Wine. Check out Two Twelve for a similar dining experience on your trip.
Lodging Mixed with Relaxation
Eleven Sopris House has a private saloon kitted out with a pool table, dart board and jukebox. For a more relaxed evening, head outside to the private courtyard for a fire. Any trip with a packed itinerary benefits from staying in a place that offers the chance to unwind.
Day 2: Hiking & Happy Hour in Crested Butte
On day two, the group hiked Copley Lake via Gunsight Pass with Irwin Guides. This 3.6-mile round-trip hike is rated moderate. It packs a punch with alpine scenery, wildflowers and lake views. At the lake, have a snack and take in the stunning view. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, go for a swim.
With a guide taking care of logistics and food, everyone was able to fully immerse themselves in the hike and the sights, sounds, and sensations it offered. After the hike, everyone had time to rest before the evening’s activities. The copper hot tub, cold plunge and sauna at Eleven Sopris House got some use for weary bones after a day on the trail.
What to Wear on a Guided Hike in the Gunnison Valley
Summit guests were given gear from On to use on the guided hike and then take home. Some of this gear included an On Ultra Vest Pro, On hiking shoes and On hiking apparel. They also received a pair of Oakley Meta Vanguard glasses, which are compatible with Garmin devices, to capture every moment of their trip.
Design a Custom and Memorable Souvenir in Crested Butte
That evening, everyone visited Björkstam on Elk Avenue to make a fully custom cowboy hat while enjoying cocktails and light bites. Björkstam allows you to choose the color, style, material, brim size, crown shape, and band style and accessories to create the hat of your dreams. Visit the shop in downtown Crested Butte on your trip for a souvenir you’ll keep wearing for years to come.
Where to Get Dinner in Crested Butte
For dinner, everyone ate at Elk Avenue Prime. The steakhouse and bar has a modern-meets-classic feel, mirrored in the meals they serve. The cozy vibes in the restaurant invited everyone to relax after their first day exploring Crested Butte. Dinner and drinks were followed by heading back to Eleven Sopris House to prepare for day three.
Day 3: Horseback Riding & Taking in Town
On day three, everyone hit the trails. A guided horseback ride at Harmel’s on the Taylor allowed summit guests to experience the beauty of the Gunnison Valley at a different pace. The route followed the river with views of scenic alpine landscapes. This unique experience echoed back to the early ranching days of the Gunnison Valley.
Where to Get Lunch in Almont, Colorado
Following the ride, lunch was served at Bites & Brews, Harmel’s riverside restaurant. Bites & Brews is open all summer with a full bar and a diverse menu. Enjoy a hearty meal on the patio next to the river. Check the Harmel’s events calendar for live music, trivia nights and art classes.
Exploring Downtown Crested Butte
After lunch, the afternoon was open for exploring downtown Crested Butte. Elk Avenue is the heart of Crested Butte. Charming and colorful historic Victorian buildings line the road. Patios adorned with beautiful flowers give summer a festive feeling. Visit cozy cafes, cute shops and galleries with stunning art of the area.
Where to Eat on Your Last Night in Crested Butte
End the day with dinner at Slogar, a homey spot that offers three-course, family-style dinners. Slogar is known for fried chicken, but the menu offers various types of elevated comfort food finished off with ice cream sammies. A full bar with a menu of one-of-a-kind cocktails complements the meal.
End the day by relaxing back at your lodging before heading home the next day.
Day 4: Yoga, Breakfast & Check-out
The summit ended with a grounding yoga session in the courtyard at Eleven Sopris House. The guests were able to round out their visit with gentle movement and clear mountain air before their travels home. Following yoga, breakfast was served and everyone departed for the airport, feeling refreshed after two days of movement and relaxation. With their On Track Pack 35L Lite bags packed, everyone headed to the airport.
Grind and Ground in the Gunnison Valley
This trip was all about playing hard and resting hard. Participants spent intentional time outside, reveling in the beauty of the Gunnison Valley. Each day ended with a chance to rejuvenate over hearty food, strong drinks and good company.
Plan this Trip to the Gunnison Valley
Ready to have a similar summer trip to the Gunnison Valley? Our trip planning guide can help you finish your trip logistics. Book flights, plan where to eat, browse lodging and explore other things to do. If you’d rather visit in winter, check out the itinerary for the GCB Freeride Summit.
