THINGS TO DO IN CRESTED BUTTE AND GUNNISON

Boundless adventures await on the trails, slopes and waters of the Gunnison Valley.

Ski down some of North America’s steepest in-bounds terrain at Crested Butte Mountain Resort, the Gunnison Valley’s main winter attraction. If human-powered winter travel is more your style, glide on picturesque cross-country ski trails or venture into the backcountry via snowshoes. Whitewater rafting and kayaking on the valley’s creeks and rivers peak during the spring runoff in May and June, but the fun lasts all summer.

Choose from more than 1,000 miles of summer trails through two million acres of public lands. Another 1,100-plus miles of dirt roads in the area provide a myriad of gravel biking and OHV routes. Trout and kokanee salmon inhabit the pristine rivers and lakes of Almont, Taylor Canyon and Gunnison, drawing anglers from all over the world.

Arts are a big part of Gunnison County’s heart and soul. The downtown areas are lined with art galleries that sell everything from paintings to photographs. Many artists draw upon the surrounding mountain scenery to inspire their works. Gunnison and Crested Butte each have an arts center. The arts centers put on events and performances that include music, film and dance. Art and film festivals are held annually in Crested Butte. In addition to the valley’s arts offerings, visitors can connect with the storied past of this area by visiting the Gunnison Valley’s museums.