Gravel biking in Gunnison and Crested Butte

Unreal riding in a place that keeps it real

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!

Pick your rides

“Out there” is right here

Epic rides. Surreal views.

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. Ride into the world of Crested Butte and Gunnison this summer.

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 your bike when you fly to Gunnison-Crested Butte Airport (GUC).

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

Other 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 800 miles of singletrack trail via mountain bike. Or try your hand at angling in crystal-clear Gold Medal rivers.

A man rides his mountain bike through the aspen trees in Crested Butte, Colorado.

Mountain biking

Fishing

Four people and a dog stand atop rocks with a blue skybackdrop.

Hiking

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 ride many dirt roads right from town.

Mt. Crested Butte

a person rides a bike on downtown street

Gunnison

Crested Butte

Almont

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.

Plan your trip

A wooden backcountry bathroom in Colorado in summer.

“Doo” Colorado Right

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!

Learn more

SAFETY AND RESPONSIBILITY ON THE ROADS

Keep the Gunnison Valley wild

MUDDY OR WET ROAD CONDITIONS

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.

BATHROOMS

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.

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

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

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 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