Winter vs. Summer Trail Use in the Gunnison Valley

TL;DR:

Trail use in the Gunnison Valley changes significantly between summer and winter to protect private property, groomed trail systems, and community resources. In winter, some popular summer trails are closed, while designated routes remain open for hiking, snowshoeing, nordic skiing, and fat biking. Note that many of these trails require a pass.

• Many summer trails, including Woods Walk, Budd Trail and Lower Loop, are closed in winter once grooming begins. Always follow posted signage.
• CB Nordic groomed winter trails require a day or season pass, which supports trail maintenance and access agreements.
• Winter hiking and snowshoeing are allowed on routes like Town Ranch, Whetstone Vista, Green Lake Trail, and area drainages such as Slate River and Gothic Road.

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Winter in Crested Butte and the Gunnison Valley is a magical time of year to visit. The trails throughout the valley are one of our most treasured assets, so it’s important to use them correctly. Some trails are closed for use in winter. Please follow all posted signage. Do not use closed trails. If you do use Crested Butte Nordic’s groomed trails, please buy a pass.

Here is the official message from CB Nordic:

Winter Trails have Different Uses than Summer Trails

It happens every year: Crested Butte’s summer trails are covered in snow and access to many of our favorite areas around town changes during the winter months. The Woods Walk and Lower Loop, specifically, have different winter uses, which are now in effect. Both the Town of Crested Butte and the Crested Butte Land Trust have agreements with CB Nordic for the maintenance of winter trails that compose the “West Side” groomed trail system. We ask that once winter grooming begins, walking and biking ends on these summer trails, which all pass through private property.

For CB Nordic’s groomed winter trails, trail passes are required. The cost of these passes supports the maintenance of this amazing community amenity. Thank you for abiding by the posted signs and displaying your trail pass during the use of the CB Nordic groomed winter trails. There are many great places to walk and snowshoe just outside of town on National Forest land, like the Whetstone Vista trail, Slate River drainage, and Gothic Road.

Photos courtesy of Crested Butte Nordic

Where to Hike and Snowshoe in Crested Butte in Winter

Hiking and snowshoeing is permitted on Town Ranch, the Rec Path, Whetstone Vista, Green Lake Trail, and the drainages (Slate River Road, Gothic Road, etc.). The summer trails along Peanut Lake Road, including the Woods Walk, the Budd Trail, and the Lower Loop, are closed to all use in winter. Snowshoes are allowed on CB Nordic’s groomed trails with the purchase of a CB Nordic day pass. Dogs are only allowed on certain groomed trails; please visit CB Nordic’s dog policy webpage for more information. Fat bikes are permitted on open backcountry trails and a few groomed trails. Check out CB Nordic’s fat biking page for more information on this unique activity.