The bridges on Hwy. 50 between Gunnison and Montrose are now OPEN 24/7. Learn more here.

GETTING TO CRESTED BUTTE AND GUNNISON

HOW TO DRIVE OR FLY TO THE GUNNISON VALLEY

With new flights into Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport, getting to Crested Butte and Gunnison, Colorado has never been easier. The Gunnison Valley is nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains in west-central Colorado. It’s a four-hour drive (or a short flight) from Denver. This guide covers how to get to Crested Butte and Gunnison via any mode of transport. Flying here? Browse flight schedules and learn more about flying into Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport. Driving? We’ve got driving directions and road condition reports, too. Also find information on airport shuttles, rental cars and public transportation.

A terminal in Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional airport with big windows and tables and chairs

GUNNISON-CRESTED BUTTE REGIONAL AIRPORT

Fly nonstop to Gunnison-Crested Butte

Flying is the easiest and fastest way to get to the Gunnison Valley. The newly remodeled Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport (GUC), located in Gunnison, is the closest airport to Crested Butte. Catch a convenient, nonstop flight to Gunnison-Crested Butte from Denver, Texas or Chicago (new!). Flights are available year-round. This site is updated to reflect the current and upcoming season’s flights. Browse flights to and from Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport below.

Gunnison-Crested Butte Airport Flight Schedule

Schedule is subject to change without notice.

NEW! Chicago (ORD) to Gunnison-Crested Butte (GUC) via United Airlines

New for winter 2025—catch a direct flight from Chicago O’Hare to Gunnison-Crested Butte Airport.

Dates
Frequency

Feb. 15 – March 31, 2025

Arrives in GUC on Saturday, departs GUC on Sunday

Denver (DEN) to Gunnison-Crested Butte (GUC) via United Airlines (Nonstop)

Skip the drive and save time with this easy, short flight from Denver to Gunnison.

Dates
Frequency

May 23 – Dec. 18, 2024

Two times daily to and from Denver.

Dec. 19, 2024 – Feb. 12, 2025

Three times daily to and from Denver. 

Feb. 15 – March 29, 2025

Four flights on Saturday 

Houston (IAH) to Gunnison-Crested Butte (GUC) via United Airlines (Nonstop)

Dates
Frequency

June 27 – Aug. 18, 2024

Twice a week. Arrives at GUC Friday-Saturday and departs GUC Saturday-Sunday.
Dec. 19, 2024 – March 30, 2025 Once daily to and from Houston. No flights on Tuesdays from Jan. 28 – March 25, 2025.

DALLAS (DAL) TO GUNNISON-CRESTED BUTTE (GUC) VIA JSX (Nonstop)

Dates
Frequency

June 27 – Aug. 19, 2024

Nine times weekly. Two flights a day on Thursday, Friday, Sunday, and Monday. One flight on Saturdays. There will be one extra flight on Wednesday, July 3, 2024. There will only be one flight on Thursday, July 4, 2024.

Aug. 20 – Sep. 30, 2024

Five times weekly. One flight a day on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

Learn more about JSX’s hop-on jet service.

Flight Discounts for Locals

JSX flight discounts

Locals can receive a 10% discount on JSX flights departing from GUC on Thursday or Friday, and returning to GUC on Sunday or Monday. Please send us an email to receive your code!

Shuttles from Gunnison-Crested Butte Airport

Book a shuttle from Gunnison to Crested Butte

If you don’t have a car, consider hiring a shuttle from the Gunnison-Crested Butte Airport (GUC) to your hotel. Free buses run by the Gunnison Valley RTA and the Mountain Express are an easy way to get around the valley once you’ve settled in to your hotel or vacation rental.

Shuttle Service
Phone Number
Alpine Express (970) 641-5074
Rocky Rides Ltd. (800) 252-1854
Dolly’s Mountain Shuttle (970) 209-9757
Black Canyon Limo (970) 251-1223

Renting a Car in Crested Butte and Gunnison

Where to rent a vehicle

The Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport (GUC) is serviced by Hertz, Avis, and Budget car rentals. In addition several other companies specifically rent 4x4s and Jeeps for adventures that require a high-clearance vehicle. We recommend making advance arrangements to rent a car prior to arrival.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS FROM GUNNISON-CRESTED BUTTE AIRPORT TO CRESTED BUTTE

The drive from the Gunnison airport to Crested Butte is an easy 30-minute cruise up Highway 135. From the airport, head north on 11th or 12th Street and turn right (east) on Highway 50 (Tomichi Avenue). From there, turn left (north) onto Highway 135 and drive 28 miles until you reach Crested Butte. To get to Mt. Crested Butte, keep driving another 4 miles up the road.

Driving to Gunnison and Crested Butte

No matter which direction you’re coming from, the drive into the Gunnison Valley is a beautiful one. Click on one of the the Colorado cities below for driving directions to Gunnison and Crested Butte from there. 

  • Denver (4.5 hours)

    Denver is the fifth-busiest airport in the United States and services flights from all over the country. The drive from the Front Range through the heart of the Rockies to Crested Butte is a fantastic tour of some of the most scenic places in Colorado.

    Directions from Denver International Airport to Crested Butte

    • Take Pena Boulevard towards 1-70
    • After 11 miles merge onto 1-70 West
    • Stay on I-70W through Denver (24 miles)
    • Take Exit 260 onto CO-470 East
    • After 5 miles take the exit for US 285 South towards Fairplay
    • Stay on US 285 South until you reach the outskirts of Buena Vista
    • Turn left to stay on US 285 South for another 21 miles
    • Turn right onto US 50 West
    • Arrive in Gunnison after 60 miles
    • To reach Crested Butte turn right at CO-135 North and continue for 28 miles
  • Montrose (1.75 Hours)

    Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) is the second-closest airport to the Gunnison Valley and Crested Butte. It services flights from Allegiant, American, United and Delta from both coasts. One of the best things about flying into Montrose is that you pass the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and the Blue Mesa Reservoir on the way to Gunnison and Crested Butte.

    Directions from Montrose Regional Airport to Crested Butte

    • Turn left out of the airport onto US 50 East
    • Follow US 50E for 60 miles to reach Gunnison
    • Turn left on CO-135 North and continue for 28 miles to reach Crested Butte

    U.S. Highway 50 Road Closures

    A section of Highway 50 between Gunnison and Montrose through Little Blue Creek Canyon is under construction. The road is fully open on weekends but closed certain times of the day on weekdays to accommodate construction crews. Visit the U.S. Highway 50 construction website for more information.

  • Colorado Springs (4 Hours)

    Flying into Colorado Springs Airport (COS) can shorten your drive at a similar ticket price if you’re considering flying into the Front Range of Colorado. Along the way there’s plenty to see and do with the highlight being the Royal Gorge of the Arkansas outside Canon City.

    Directions from Colorado Springs Airport to Crested Butte

    • Take the Milton E. Proby Parkway to S. Academy Boulevard
    • Take the exit for CO-115 South
    • After 30 miles take the exit for US 50 West in the town of Penrose
    • Stay on US 50 West for 130 miles to reach Gunnison
    • Turn right on CO-135 North and continue for 28 miles to reach Crested Butte
  • Grand Junction (3 Hours)

    Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) is another option for reaching the Gunnison Valley. During the winter the drive is just a little longer than the drive from Montrose. During the summer and fall, the drive to Crested Butte can be cut shorter by using the well-maintained gravel shortcut over Kebler Pass. This drive passes between two wilderness areas and cuts through the largest aspen grove in Colorado, a special treat during September.

    Summer Directions from Grand Junction Regional Airport to Crested Butte

    • Follow signs on Horizon Dr. to I-70 East
    • Take Exit 37 for I-70 Business West towards Clifton/Delta
    • After 1 mile turn left onto CO-141 South/32 Rd.
    • After 5 miles turn left onto US 50 East
    • After 32 miles reach the town of Delta and turn left onto CO-92 East
    • In the town of Hotchkiss stay straight to get onto CO-133 North
    • Turn left onto County Rd. 12/Kebler Pass Rd. after 23.5 miles
    • Stay on Kebler Pass Rd. for 31 miles to reach Crested Butte

    U.S. Highway 50 Road Closures

    A section of Highway 50 between Gunnison and Montrose through Little Blue Creek Canyon is under construction. The road is fully open on weekends but closed certain times of the day on weekdays to accommodate construction crews. Visit the U.S. Highway 50 construction website for more information.

Bustang Bus Service from Denver

The Bustang Outrider service provides bus service between Denver, Gunnison, Almont and Crested Butte. The route begins in Union Station in Denver, which connects to Denver International Airport (DEN) via the light rail system. Learn more about the Bustang and purchase tickets in advance on their website. 

Gunnison and Crested Butte public transportation

Gunnison Valley public buses

Public transportation in the Gunnison Valley is reliable and always free. Ride the RTA bus between Gunnison and Crested Butte, or catch the Mountain Express to travel between Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte.

Travel Alerts

Road Construction Info and More

Get the latest updates on nearby road construction on our Travel Alerts page. This includes information on the Middle Bridge closure and Little Blue Creek Canyon improvements.

Webcams and Weather

Monarch Pass conditions

Driving in the Rocky Mountains means adapting to quickly changing weather conditions. For live cams of Monarch Pass, Highway 135, Highway 50 and more, check out our Webcams and Weather page. 

Things to do after you’ve arrived

Got your travel plans squared away? Now it’s time to plan activities for while you’re here in the beautiful Gunnison Valley.

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