Pitkin, Colorado

The town of Pitkin, Colorado offers adventures off the beaten path deep in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Soaring mountain scenery and a large network of dirt roads provide excellent Gunnison National Forest access for ATV enthusiasts and gravel bikers alike. Steeped in mining and railroad history, Pitkin is also the home of the Alpine Tunnel Historic District. Quartz Creek flows through town, providing a swampy habitat attractive to moose.

Winter

This tiny town is home to a burgeoning small business community that is now open through the winter for the first time since its railroad heyday. Explore 31 miles of groomed roads on a snowmobile, fat bike or cross-country skis. Looking for a winter day trip? Forest Road 763 is groomed all the way from Pitkin to Waunita Hot Springs. Sled, ski or bike 11 miles to Waunita and reward yourself with a soak before heading back to town for the night. As with all winter recreation, consider backcountry snow safety when venturing into avalanche terrain.

Where is Pitkin?

Pitkin, Colorado is actually located in Gunnison County–not nearby Pitkin County, as you might expect. Pitkin is a 35-minute drive northeast of Gunnison and just over an hour’s drive from Crested Butte. It’s just a short drive or ATV ride to Tincup and Taylor Park. With its railroad history and easy access to 4×4 Forest Service roads, Pitkin has a similar vibe to other picturesque Colorado towns like Lake City, Silverton and Ouray, but without the crowds.

History

The rich history of the town of Pitkin is visible everywhere you look, from the historic buildings downtown to mineshafts scattered over the surrounding mountains. The town, once home to 1,000 residents, was a hub of mining and commerce in the late 1800s. Pitkin lies at the western end of the Alpine Tunnel. The Alpine Tunnel was a railroad tunnel through the remote Rocky Mountains that briefly connected the Western Slope to the Front Range before it collapsed and was abandoned after just a few years. Today, the site of the tunnel is a popular attraction for railroad buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Towering mountain peaks create a picturesque background for charming historic churches, municipal buildings, hotels and homes.

Pitkin lodging

Pitkin is a convenient base camp for several kinds of outdoor adventures. Whether you’re renting an ATV or gravel biking, staying in Pitkin puts you right on the roads and trails you want to explore. Stay in a newly renovated historic hotel, or book a cute cabin with a view. Lodging here is quite affordable, especially relative to other mountain towns. Unlike most Colorado towns, side-by-sides, motos and other UTVs may legally drive on the roads in Pitkin. This means your ATV adventures can start right outside your door, rather than having to tow the vehicles to a trailhead.

Restaurants

Restaurants in Pitkin cater to hunters, OHV riders and gravel bikers, so you won’t leave hungry! There are just a handful of restaurants in this tiny town, but all of them serve hearty meals that will energize you for any adventure that may come your way. In summer, look for live music on weekends.

Learn more about Pitkin, Colorado

Looking for things to do in Pitkin, Tincup, Taylor Park and the rest of the eastern Gunnison Valley? Find example trip itineraries and learn more about visiting this area in the articles below.