Crested Butte
The hikes, coffee, food, and spots our family keeps going back to. Tap anything below to find it on the map.
Next 10 days in town
Loading forecast…Getting around without a car
The free Mountain Express town shuttle is the easiest way up and down the mountain. It runs between town and Mt. Crested Butte every 15 to 20 minutes, from about 7:30 in the morning until around midnight. Our favorite move: walk into town on the Rec Path, then take the bus back up. It stops near most of the rentals on the mountain.
Main stops are the 4-Way Stop in town and Mountaineer Square at the base area. After the buses stop, the free FirstTracks app covers rides within Mt. Crested Butte, with late-night rides to town for a small fee.
Heading down valley? The free Gunnison Valley RTA bus runs between Mt. Crested Butte, Crested Butte, CB South, and Gunnison, using the same two main stops. It doesn't stop at the Gunnison airport, and it only takes carry-on bags plus ski or bike gear.
Before you go
A few things we tell everyone visiting Crested Butte or the mountains for the first time.
Hydrate the day before
Start drinking extra water the day before you arrive and keep it up the whole trip. Town sits around 8,900 feet, and the dry air pulls water out of you fast.
Bring tons of electrolytes
Water alone won’t cut it at altitude. We go through a lot of electrolytes, and Ultima is our go-to.
Take the first day easy
A headache, poor sleep, or feeling winded the first night is common. Go light on alcohol and hard efforts until you adjust. If symptoms get worse, or you’re short of breath at rest, head lower and get checked out.
Never leave food in your car
Bears here know what a cooler looks like. Don’t leave food, wrappers, or anything scented in the car, lock your doors, and use the bear-proof trash cans.
Watch the parking limits on Elk Ave
Time limits on Elk Avenue are enforced, and they do write tickets. Park once, walk, or take the free shuttle.
Start early, finish early
Summer afternoons bring thunderstorms and lightning. Get going in the morning and be off exposed ridges by early afternoon.
Layers, always
Mornings can be near freezing even in July, and afternoons can hit the 70s. Bring a warm layer, a rain shell, and a hat, and check the forecast above for day-by-day outfits.
The sun is stronger up here
You burn faster at altitude, even on cool or cloudy days. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat every day.
Give moose plenty of room
Moose hang out in the willows along creeks and can be aggressive, especially around dogs. Keep your distance and keep dogs leashed.
Download maps before you go
Cell service drops off fast outside town. Save offline maps and trail info before you head up a dirt road.