Matchstick Productions has been based right here in Crested Butte for 25 years. They put together the reel below for us to showcase some of our most beautiful locations in the Gunnison Valley and nearby.

Crested Butte is a tiny Colorado mountain town nestled in a high-alpine valley. The elevation is 8,885 feet. Some of Colorado’s tallest peaks surround Crested Butte, providing a stunning, Wild West backdrop to the town’s colorfully painted historic buildings. Crested Butte experiences four distinct seasons, each bringing its own colors and scenery. 

Gunnison is a small, laid-back city located 28 miles south of Crested Butte. At 7,703 feet in elevation, this is high-desert country. From town, rocky, sage-covered hills give way to heavily timbered pine forest and end in the high alpine zone above treeline. Gunnison shares Crested Butte’s heritage of historic buildings. Western Colorado University covers most of the east side of Gunnison and adds vibrancy to the city’s culture.

More than two million acres of pristine public lands surround the Gunnison Valley. Federal lands require filming permits, which need to be secured in advance. Permits are also required to film in town and at Crested Butte Mountain Resort. Check out our guide to film permits to learn more about what is required of you before your visit.

The Gunnison Crested Butte Tourism Association hosts press trips every year, to promote tourism and local businesses. Past press trips have yielded article placements in the Wall Street Journal, Outside, Travel & Leisure, and many more. Contact marketing director Andrew Sandstrom for more information.

In addition to the Gunnison County Film Commission, there are statewide resources as well. For more information on state programs for filmmakers, contact the Colorado Office of Film, Television and Media.