Washington Gulch: A Crested Butte Hiking Paradise
Explore Washington Gulch near Crested Butte: Hike scenic trails, discover wildflower meadows, and uncover the history of this Colorado gem.
Washington Gulch, near Crested Butte, Colorado, offers stunning hiking trails with panoramic views and vibrant wildflower displays. Once a bustling mining area, it's now a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking natural beauty and historical charm.
A brief summary to Washington Gulch
- 4422-5012 Washington Gulch Rd, Crested Butte, Colorado, 81224, US
Local tips
- Visit during the wildflower season (typically late June-July) for the most vibrant displays.
- Bring insect repellent, especially during the warmer months.
- Be prepared for varying weather conditions, as the area is at a high elevation.
- Check snow conditions before heading out in winter, as the road may be closed due to heavy snow.
Getting There
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Driving
From Crested Butte, head north on 6th Street toward Maroon Avenue. Continue onto Gothic Road for approximately 1.75 miles, then turn left onto Washington Gulch Road. Follow Washington Gulch Road for about 2.4 miles to reach the trailhead parking area. The road is generally accessible by most vehicles, but it can be narrow and rough in places. Parking is free. Be aware that in winter the road might be closed due to snow.
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Biking
From Crested Butte, you can bike to Washington Gulch via the rec path and Washington Gulch Road. Head north on the rec path for five miles until it ends at the Snodgrass trailhead. From there, take Washington Gulch Road to reach the Washington Gulch Trail. This route involves some road riding on a gravel road.
Discover more about Washington Gulch
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Meridian Lake
3.6 km
Experience the serene beauty of Meridian Lake in Crested Butte, CO, a perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Lower Loop Trailhead Parking
7.9 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Lower Loop Trailhead in Crested Butte, Colorado – your starting point for unforgettable outdoor adventures.
Three Ladies Park
8.1 km
Experience the charm of Three Ladies Park in Crested Butte, a serene playground surrounded by stunning Rocky Mountain views, perfect for families and nature lovers.
Elk Mountain Lodge
8.3 km
Experience the enchanting Elk Mountain Lodge in Crested Butte, Colorado, where comfort meets adventure in the heart of the Rocky Mountains.
Pyramid Sled Hill
8.3 km
Discover the fun and excitement at Pyramid Sled Hill, a premier sledding destination in Crested Butte, Colorado, perfect for families and adventure seekers.
Totem Pole Park
8.4 km
Experience the charm of Totem Pole Park in Crested Butte, a serene park featuring whimsical totem sculptures amidst lush landscapes and scenic walking trails.
Soupcon Restaurant
8.5 km
Experience the culinary artistry of Soupcon Restaurant in Crested Butte, where French cuisine meets local ingredients in an intimate setting.
Kochevar's Saloon
8.5 km
Discover the charm of Kochevar's Saloon in Crested Butte, Colorado—a historic bar offering a perfect blend of local culture, drinks, and fun.
Margaux’s (SlapBurger)
8.5 km
Discover Margaux's (SlapBurger) in Crested Butte for mouthwatering burgers, chicken wings, and a vibrant bar scene in a stunning mountain town.
Mountain View Wear
8.5 km
Discover Mountain View Wear in Crested Butte, where fashion meets functionality for the perfect mountain lifestyle.
Crested Butte, Colorado
8.5 km
Experience the enchanting beauty of Crested Butte, Colorado, where stunning mountain landscapes meet vibrant local culture for an unforgettable getaway.
The Eldo Brewery
8.5 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of The Eldo Brewery in Crested Butte, where craft beer meets delicious food and live music.
Bonez
8.5 km
Indulge in a flavorful fusion of Mexican cuisine and classic grill dishes at Bonez in Crested Butte, where every meal is a celebration of taste and community.
Public House Lofts
8.5 km
Discover comfort and modern charm at Public House Lofts in Crested Butte, your perfect gateway to adventure in the Colorado mountains.
Montanya Distillers | Cocktail Bar
8.5 km
Experience handcrafted cocktails and local cuisine at Montanya Distillers, Crested Butte's top distillery and cocktail bar, where flavor meets mountain charm.
Unmissable attractions to see
Gothic Mountain
2.0 km
Hike to the summit of Gothic Mountain for breathtaking views of Crested Butte and the surrounding Elk Mountains. A challenging climb with a rewarding panorama.
Snodgrass Mountain
3.0 km
Hike or bike through wildflower meadows and aspen forests with stunning views of Crested Butte's iconic peaks.
Judd Falls/Copper Creek Trailhead
3.8 km
Discover Judd Falls near Crested Butte: An easy hike to a stunning waterfall with breathtaking mountain views and vibrant wildflower meadows.
Rustler Gulch
5.8 km
Discover Rustler Gulch: Hike through wildflower-filled meadows, past cascading waterfalls, and beneath towering peaks in the heart of the Colorado Rockies.
Snodgrass Trailhead
6.0 km
Hike or bike through wildflower meadows with stunning mountain views at this popular Crested Butte trailhead.
Gothic Natural Area
6.0 km
Discover Gothic Natural Area: a blend of history, science, and stunning Rocky Mountain scenery near Crested Butte, Colorado.
Crested Butte Mountain Resort
6.8 km
Experience the thrill of extreme terrain and stunning scenery at Crested Butte Mountain Resort, a Colorado gem with a vibrant mountain culture.
Cinnamon Mountain
7.2 km
Hike to panoramic views from Cinnamon Mountain, a 13,336-foot peak in the heart of Colorado's stunning San Juan Mountains.
Crested Butte Land Trust
8.4 km
Conserving Gunnison Valley's vistas, recreation, wildlife, and ranching heritage for future generations. Explore protected lands!
Crested Butte
8.5 km
Discover Crested Butte: Colorado's historic ski town with stunning mountain scenery, outdoor adventures, and a vibrant, welcoming community.
401 Trail
8.5 km
Experience world-class mountain biking on the 401 Trail, with breathtaking alpine views and vibrant wildflower meadows near Snowmass.
Crested Butte Museum
8.6 km
Discover Crested Butte's vibrant past at the Mountain Heritage Museum, exploring mining, skiing, and mountain culture in a historic setting.
The Trailhead Children's Museum
8.6 km
Inspiring young minds through play and discovery in the heart of Crested Butte, Colorado. A must-visit for families!
Crested Butte Nordic
8.8 km
Discover winter's magic at Crested Butte Nordic Center: 55km of groomed trails, rentals, lessons, and events for all ages!
Kebler Pass
12.1 km
Experience Colorado's stunning fall colors and breathtaking mountain scenery on Kebler Pass, a seasonal scenic byway connecting Crested Butte and Paonia.
Essential places to dine
Woodstone Grille
6.5 km
Experience local flavors at Woodstone Grille in Mt. Crested Butte - A cozy retreat offering delicious meals after your mountain adventures.
Highlife Crust & Crafts
6.6 km
Experience the best of mountain dining at Highlife Crust & Crafts with artisanal pizzas and local flavors in Crested Butte.
A Bar Above CB
6.7 km
Experience the flavors of Crested Butte at A Bar Above CB – where local ingredients meet exceptional culinary craftsmanship.
Tin Cup Ice Cream & Desserts
6.7 km
Indulge in delicious ice cream and desserts at Tin Cup Ice Cream & Desserts in beautiful Mt. Crested Butte – where every scoop tells a story.
Crested Butte Burger Company
6.7 km
Discover mouthwatering burgers and friendly service at Crested Butte Burger Company - your ultimate stop for delicious meals in Colorado's mountain paradise.
billy barr
6.8 km
Discover Billy Barr in Crested Butte: where cocktails meet breakfast bliss in a cozy mountain setting.
Butte 66
6.8 km
Experience mouthwatering grilled delights at Butte 66 in Crested Butte - where local flavors meet stunning mountain views.
José Crested Butte
6.8 km
Discover authentic Mexican cuisine at José Crested Butte - where every dish is crafted with passion and flavor in mind.
Iron Horse Tap
6.8 km
Discover Iron Horse Tap: A delightful grill experience with local flavors amidst Crested Butte's stunning mountain scenery.
Umbrella Bar
7.2 km
Experience breathtaking views and delightful grill cuisine at Umbrella Bar in Crested Butte – your perfect retreat after outdoor adventures.
Uley's Cabin
7.8 km
Discover Uley's Cabin: A rustic dining gem in Colorado serving local cuisine amidst stunning mountain views.
The Ice Bar at Uley's Cabin
7.8 km
Experience après-ski like never before at The Ice Bar at Uley's Cabin—where mountain views meet cozy vibes in Crested Butte.
Gas Cafe One Stop
8.4 km
Discover Gas Cafe One Stop in Crested Butte: A unique blend of delicious food, coffee, and convenience in one charming location.
Yukihana Sushi & Sake Bar
8.5 km
Experience the finest sushi and sake at Yukihana Sushi & Sake Bar in Crested Butte - where tradition meets innovation in every bite.
Miette
8.5 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Big Al's Bicycle Heaven
8.5 km
Discover cycling paradise at Big Al's Bicycle Heaven in Crested Butte, Colorado - your ultimate destination for bike rentals, repairs, and adventure.
Chopwood Mercantile
8.5 km
Explore the charm of Chopwood Mercantile in Crested Butte, where unique gifts and outdoor gear come together for the perfect Colorado experience.
Crested Butte Angler: Fly Fishing Guides for the Gunnison River Drainage, Fly Shop, & Outdoor Store
8.5 km
Discover the ultimate fly fishing experience at Crested Butte Angler, your go-to shop for guided trips and premium outdoor gear in Colorado.
UNIQUE WEAR
8.5 km
Explore Unique Wear in Crested Butte for a stylish selection of clothing that embodies mountain culture and fashion.
Lavish
8.6 km
Explore Lavish in Crested Butte for unique gifts that embody the spirit of Colorado's beautiful Rockies.
Vincent Cranberry’s Christmas Shoppe and Holiday Haberdashery
8.6 km
Discover the holiday spirit at Vincent Cranberry’s Christmas Shoppe, a magical destination for festive decorations and unique gifts in Crested Butte, Colorado.
Cottonwood Tees
8.6 km
Experience the charm of Colorado fashion at Cottonwood Tees, a family-friendly clothing store in Crested Butte offering stylish apparel for everyone.
Zacchariah Zypp & Co
8.6 km
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Colorado Mountain Love
8.6 km
Explore Colorado Mountain Love for unique outdoor apparel and local artisan goods, capturing the essence of Crested Butte's vibrant mountain culture.
Pfister's Handworks
8.6 km
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Casa Bella
8.6 km
Explore Casa Bella in Crested Butte for unique gifts, home goods, and local treasures that capture the spirit of Colorado's mountains.
Poohs Corner Inc
8.6 km
Explore the enchanting world of toys at Pooh's Corner Inc in Crested Butte, where imagination knows no bounds and every corner is filled with delight.
Shades of Crested Butte
8.6 km
Explore Shades of Crested Butte for stylish sunglasses that elevate your outdoor adventures amidst Colorado's stunning landscapes.
Mountain Tops
8.6 km
Discover unique t-shirts capturing Colorado's beauty at Mountain Tops, the ultimate souvenir shop in Crested Butte.
Milky Way Boutique
8.6 km
Explore unique women's fashion at Milky Way Boutique, Crested Butte's premier destination for stylish clothing, jewelry, and lingerie.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Anthracite Spirits Company Tasting Lounge
8.6 km
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Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro Aspen Highlands
26.9 km
Discover exquisite Swiss cuisine amidst breathtaking mountain views at Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro in Aspen Highlands, a top dining destination for tourists.
Stark's Alpine Grill
30.1 km
Experience culinary excellence at Stark's Alpine Grill in Snowmass Village, where every dish offers a taste of Colorado's rich flavors amid stunning mountain views.
The Tavern Kitchen and Bar
30.1 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere and delicious comfort food at The Tavern Kitchen and Bar in scenic Snowmass Village, Colorado.
Zane's Tavern Snowmass
30.2 km
Discover Zane's Tavern in Snowmass Village, where hearty grill favorites meet a lively atmosphere in the heart of Colorado's stunning mountains.
NEST Bar & Grill
30.6 km
Discover the culinary delights of NEST Bar & Grill in Snowmass Village, where outdoor dining meets exquisite flavors in a stunning mountain backdrop.
Three Peaks Bar & Grille
32.2 km
Experience the flavors of Colorado at Three Peaks Bar & Grille, where mountain views meet delicious local cuisine in the heart of Snowmass Village.
Mountain Social Bar & Lounge
32.5 km
Discover the perfect blend of relaxation and culinary delights at Mountain Social Bar & Lounge in Aspen, Colorado's alpine paradise.
Shadow Mountain Lounge
32.5 km
Discover the upscale ambiance and exquisite drinks at Shadow Mountain Lounge, a must-visit bar in the heart of Aspen, Colorado.
Black Saddle Bar & Grille
32.5 km
Discover a delightful culinary experience at Black Saddle Bar & Grille in Snowmass Village, where mountain views meet mouthwatering flavors.
The Wine Bar
32.6 km
Experience the best of wine and culinary delights at The Wine Bar, a cozy gem in Aspen, Colorado, perfect for your next dining adventure.
39 Degrees Lounge
32.6 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere at 39 Degrees Lounge in Aspen, where expertly crafted cocktails meet delicious bites in a cozy setting.
Ponyboy Aspen
32.6 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Aspen at Ponyboy, a cocktail bar with a creative drink selection and a lively atmosphere.
Escobar Aspen
32.8 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Escobar Aspen, an unforgettable bar experience nestled in the heart of Aspen, Colorado.
The Sterling Aspen
32.8 km
Discover nightlife at The Sterling Aspen, where exquisite cocktails and vibrant events create unforgettable evenings in the heart of Colorado.
