Responsible Travel in Gunnison Crested Butte

Take Care of the Mountains

By traveling responsibly during your visit to Colorado’s beautiful Gunnison Valley, you’re not only helping preserve these lands for the next visitor, but for future generations to come. Whether you were drawn here by the epic mountain biking, beautiful hiking or any of the other things to do, tread lightly so the next visitor can have the same amazing experience.

Five people sit around a campfire. There are tents set up in the background

Camping in Crested Butte

Where to Camp in Crested Butte

There are many places to camp in the Gunnison Valley for tent camping, RVs and fifth-wheel trailers. Research camping spots before your trip to avoid surprises—for example, expecting a toilet at camp but finding out that there are none when you arrive. With recent changes to camping regulations around Crested Butte, it’s more important than ever to plan your trip before you arrive. Check out different camping options in Gunnison Valley. 

Find a campsite

Fire Safety in the Gunnison Valley

Light Fires Responsibly

Campfires are a cherished part of the Gunnison Valley experience, but wildfire danger is a serious concern. Before lighting a fire, check current fire restrictions, use only designated fire rings, keep flames small, never leave a fire unattended and extinguish it completely with water until the ashes are cold to the touch. During fire bans, use approved propane or lantern alternatives. Following these guidelines helps protect public lands, wildlife, and nearby communities. It can also help you avoid significant fines.

Check current fire conditions
camping gunnison national forest
travel alert highway 135 gunnison county colorado

Gunnison Valley Travel Alerts

Know Before You Go

Travel conditions can change quickly in the Gunnison Valley. Before your trip, check the latest travel alerts for current road conditions, weather impacts, seasonal closures, wildfire restrictions, and other important updates. Staying informed helps you plan ahead, travel safely, and make the most of your visit.

Check Travel Alerts
snowshoe

Where to Hike and Snowshoe in Crested Butte in Winter

Winter vs. Summer trail use

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.

Learn more
A bus drives in Crested Butte, Colorado

Getting Around Gunnison and Crested Butte

Public transportation in the Gunnison Valley

If you don’t have a car, you can easily walk, bike or utilize the free buses to get around the Gunnison Valley. The RTA bus regularly runs between Gunnison and Crested Butte, making visiting both towns convenient. The Mountain Express Shuttle services Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte. Shuttles from Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport are also available. Some hotels and bed and breakfasts offer bikes for guests to use.

Gunnison Valley Bus Info

SPRING TRAIL CLOSURES IN GUNNISON

Seasonal trail closures at Hartman Rocks and Signal Peak

Some trails in Gunnison are closed during specific dates in spring to protect wildlife, including elk, deer and the Gunnison sage grouse. Others are closed seasonally for mud and winter conditions. Obey all posted signs you encounter, and never travel on muddy trails. Click the button below for dates and more details. 

More details

Winter trail etiquette

Tips for downhill skiing, fat biking and more

When exploring Colorado’s beautiful mountains via skis, fat bike or snowshoes, following the rules makes for a safer, more enjoyable experience for everyone. Learn more about the downhill skiing safety code, where you’re allowed to ride a fat bike, and more!

Brush up on winter trail etiquette

How to minimize your impact on the Gunnison Valley

Tread lightly in the Gunnison Valley

  • Plan for a Safe Adventure
    Research weather, trail conditions, regulations and permits before your trip. Being prepared helps you stay safe and reduces your impact on the places you visit.

  • Stay on Established Routes
    Stick to established trails, campsites and durable surfaces like rock, gravel or dry grass to protect fragile vegetation and prevent erosion.

  • Take All Waste With You
    Pack out everything you bring in, including food scraps and trash. Use restrooms when available, or properly dispose of human waste in accordance with local guidelines.

  • Protect What Makes the Gunnison Valley Special
    Preserve natural and cultural features by leaving rocks, plants, artifacts and historic objects where you found them. Let others enjoy discovering them too.

  • Use Fire Responsibly
    Follow current fire restrictions, use established fire rings where permitted, keep fires small and extinguish them completely. Consider using a camp stove when conditions are dry.

  • Keep Wildlife Wild
    Observe animals from a distance, never feed them, and store food securely. Giving wildlife space helps keep both animals and people safe.

  • Respect Other Trail Users
    Share trails respectfully, keep noise to a minimum and yield appropriately. Courtesy helps everyone enjoy the outdoors and preserves the peaceful experience people come to find.
hartman rocks gunnison colorado

From the blog

More tips on how to lighten your footprint when traveling to Crested Butte and Gunnison.

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Summer Trails Etiquette in Gunnison and Crested Butte

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