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Crested Butte: The Last Great Colorado Ski Town

Discover Crested Butte: A historic Colorado mountain town with world-class skiing, mountain biking, and stunning wildflower displays.

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Crested Butte, a former coal mining town nestled in the Elk Mountains, is now a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Known for its preserved historic buildings, wildflower displays, and extreme terrain, it offers a unique blend of history and adventure.

A brief summary to Crested Butte

  • Colorado, US

Local tips

  • Visit during the Wildflower Festival in July to experience Crested Butte's stunning floral displays.
  • Take advantage of the free Mountain Express shuttle to get around town and to the ski resort.
  • Explore the town's historic buildings and learn about its mining past at the Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum.
  • Check parking regulations, especially during winter, as overnight parking is restricted in certain areas.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Crested Butte is a compact and walkable town. From most lodging in the downtown area, you can easily reach Elk Avenue, the main street, within a few minutes on foot. The town is relatively flat, making it easy to explore the shops, restaurants, and historic buildings. Be mindful of pedestrian crossings and traffic.

  • Public Transport

    The Mountain Express provides free bus service between Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte. Several routes serve different areas of town and the ski resort. The main transit hub in Crested Butte is at the 4-Way Stop on Elk Avenue. Check the Mountain Express website or app for schedules and real-time tracking. The Gunnison Valley RTA also provides free bus service from Crested Butte to Gunnison, with stops in between. This is useful if you are arriving from or heading to the Gunnison-Crested Butte Airport (GUC).

  • Parking

    Parking in Crested Butte can be limited, especially during peak seasons. Free 2-hour parking is available throughout downtown, and free long-term parking is available in public parking lots. However, overnight parking is restricted in certain areas from 2:00 AM to 8:00 AM. Be sure to check parking regulations before leaving your vehicle, especially during winter. Visit parkcrestedbutte.com for up-to-date information and parking maps. During the winter, paid parking is available at Crested Butte Mountain Resort for around $15 per day, $25 overnight.

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Discover more about Crested Butte

Crested Butte, often called 'Colorado's Last Great Ski Town' and the 'Wildflower Capital,' began as a supply camp for silver mines in the 1870s before evolving into a productive coal town. Incorporated in 1880, the town's early residents were primarily Anglo-Saxon immigrants, later followed by Greeks, Italians, and Southern Europeans. When the mining industry declined, Crested Butte reinvented itself as a ski resort destination, opening Crested Butte Mountain Resort in 1961. Today, Crested Butte is known for its colorful Victorian buildings, lack of traffic lights and chain stores, and friendly atmosphere. The town's main street, Elk Avenue, is lined with locally-owned shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Visitors can explore the town's history at the Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum or enjoy outdoor activities such as skiing, mountain biking, and hiking. The surrounding Gunnison Valley offers additional recreational opportunities, including rafting, kayaking, and fly-fishing. Crested Butte's appeal lies in its combination of well-preserved history and access to stunning natural landscapes. The town's colorful buildings and vibrant atmosphere create a unique sense of place, while the surrounding mountains offer endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. Whether you're interested in exploring the town's mining past, hitting the slopes, or hiking among wildflowers, Crested Butte offers a memorable Colorado experience.

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