Crested Butte - VISITING - Things To Do or See (Gunnison: renting, condo)

[McCallister]

Hello all. I have a family member that is getting married out in Crested Butte in late July this year. My family is traveling out there for it, but also as a vacation too. I have looked on some websites and found some things that the family can do/visit out there such as Black Canyon/Curecanti area and Paonia Park. Mesa Verde is possible, but I think we would not want to travel more than an hour or so to get to an attraction.

With that said, can anyone who knows the area tell me of any other places, events, unique places, etc.... that would be of interest to see for out-of-staters that I may not find easily on an internet search? I personally could hike all day, but others in the family may want something else to that isn't as strenuous, but still fun and unique. There is only one child of 10 yrs old and all others are adults. We will be out there from July 22nd -26th.

Thanks in advance all.

[DOUBLE H]

Other than what you have mentioned, that is pretty much it. I don't pay a lot of attention to their town activities but I go through there on the back way to fish Taylor Park reservoir (very pretty through there). Kebler Pass and Schofield pass are west of town and have great views, some hiking trails. As you are from Wisconsin, keep in mind the elevation on both passes is around 10,000 ft. And in late July it can rain pretty good too as these roads are not paved and demand your undivided attention.

If you are into fishing, get yourself a temporary fishing license. Taylor Park and Blue Mesa Reservoir are top fishing spots. Hopefully someone from the western slope who frequents their activities can help you. Good luck.

[Fuzz]

TONS of hiking possibilities there. Beckwith Pass is one with great views. This is in fall:

[jazzlover]

There is some great country around Crested Butte, as DoubleH says. However, unless you are a very experienced 4-wheeler, stay off Schofield Pass, particularly the west side through what is known as the "Devil's Punchbowl." That portion is an arduous and quite dangerous 4WD trail that has a long-standing grisly reputation for killing ignorant "tenderfoot" 4-wheelers. I've been 4-wheeling throughout the Rocky Mountain West for nearly 40 years now, and Schofield is one of those 4WD roads in Colorado that I treat with absolute respect and caution. It can kill you if you don't.

[Dreaming of Hawaii]

Go to Gunnison Crested Butte Colorado Vacation | Official Site of Gunnison County | Colorado ~ Pure & Simple where they list all sorts of summer activities and events. It's a great area with lots of stunning scenery.

[CosmicWizard]

McCallister....too bad for you that you will not be able to spend most of your time hiking. The hiking in the CB area is fabulous. I've spent 3 or 4 days in CB during each of the past 2 summers, and plan to visit again this summer. We spend just about all of our time taking day hikes. The international hostel is an affordable place to stay, with cooking facilities ( saves on the restaurant bills! ). The hostel is also a great environment for meeting people from all over the world.

[lalahartma]

You might want to take it easy in that area your first couple days. CB is HIGH altitude and I found camping somewhat strenuous (as an out of shape smoker coming from 7000') initially!

[Lupulin]

Best mountain town in Colorado (and probably the country) is just 2.5 hours from CB.

I know it's further than you want to go, but it's well worth the drive. Waterfalls (many on the edge of town), hot springs, incredible hiking, 4x4ing, historical town, etc.

Ouray Colorado :: Home

[McCallister]

Thank you everyone for your responses. We will be renting a condo in Mt. Crested Butte so no actual camping involved. I will keep your suggestions in mind for when the trip comes. I can't wait to get out there. I traveled through CO on my way to Moab UT a few years back and absolutely loved all of it!

[CosmicWizard]

There are some trails right at the ski slope for short day hikes. You can also buy a pass to ride the lift to the base of Mt Crested Butte, then hike the rocky ridge to the top ( the 10 year old should be able to do it too ). Great view from up there.

You can also ride the FREE bus into town to take advantage of the restaurants and shops in town. If you're lucky there may be a festival in the park while you're there. You're gonna love Crested Butte. Of all the places I've visited in Colorado, it's my favorite place...so far. Well, Ouray is a very close second.