Crested Butte Summer Vacation Activities Guide

Crested Butte, Colorado, is a hidden gem in the Rocky Mountains, known for its stunning landscapes, outdoor adventures, and charming mountain town vibes.

While Crested Butte is a popular spot for skiing, there’s also so much to do in Crested Butte in the summer.

Crested Butte is often called the Wildflower Capital of Colorado, and for good reason! Peak wildflower season, mid-June through July, is absolutely breathtaking.

You’ll be spoiled for choice of hiking trails, mountain biking trails, and water activities.

Here are some of the best activities to enjoy in Crested Butte!

Best Crested Butte Summer Activities

If you’re exploring Crested Butte in the summertime, you’ll want to spend lots other time outside exploring the area’s spectacular natural beauty!

Go Hiking in Crested Butte

Crested Butte is known for some of the most scenic hikes in Colorado. There are trails for all skill levels and all ages. Expect to see beautiful wildflowers in the summer and golden aspen trees in the fall.  

Here are some great hiking trails near Crested Butte:

Judd Falls Trail

This easy hike is only 2 miles round trip. The Judd Falls Trails is a great family-friendly hike to a picturesque waterfall. 

Trailhead: Gothic Road, near the Rocky Mountain Biological Lab

401 Trail

The 401 Trail is a moderate 8.6 miles round trip trail. It’s one of Crested Butte’s most famous trails, with breathtaking views of the Elk Mountains.

Trailhead: Schofield Pass (about 12 miles from town, 4WD recommended)

Rustler Gulch Trail

The Rustler Gulch Trail is a moderate 8.8 miles round trip hike. It’s known for being one of the best wildflower hikes in Colorado! 

The trail follows a scenic alpine valley with waterfalls, meadows, and towering peaks.

Trailhead: Gothic Road, about 7 miles from Crested Butte

Snodgrass Mountain Trail

The Snodgrass Mountain Trail is a moderate 5.8 miles round trip, with stunning views of Mt. Crested Butte and the East River Valley. This hike is shorter and easier than some. 

Trailhead: Gothic Road, just outside of town

Scarp Ridge Trail

This more difficult 4.5 miles round trail features stunning panoramic 360° views at the summit. On a clear day, you can see Blue Mesa Reservoir and the Maroon Bells. It’s a must-do for experienced hikers. 

Trailhead: Near Lake Irwin, about 7 miles from Crested Butte

West Maroon Pass (to Aspen)

This difficult trail is 12 miles one way. It can be done as an out-and-back, or you can hike out and take a shuttle back. 

The West Maroon Pass is one of Colorado’s most iconic hikes, connecting Crested Butte to Aspen. It features jaw-dropping wildflower fields, mountain passes, creek crossings, and stunning vistas.

Trailhead: Schofield Pass (start in Crested Butte and arrange transportation back)

Attend a Festival

Summer is a great time for festivals in Crested Butte. 

Crested Butte Wildflower Festival — Celebrate wildflowers with guided hikes and photography workshops, in mid-July.

Crested Butte Music Festival — Enjoy all different types of music and dance, as well as workshops and lectures about different musical genres, in July and August.

Crested Butte Arts Festival — Celebrate the town’s artists with incredible local art, an art auction, music, and food, in August.

Chili & Beer Festival — Featuring breweries from across Colorado, a chili tasting contest, and live music, in September

Crested Butte Film Festival — Attend film showings, panels, and other film-inspired events, in September

Live music

The Town Park becomes an outdoor concert venue every Monday night of the summer. Enjoy local bands and up-and-coming artists. 

Drive the Kebler Pass 

The Kebler Pass is a high mountain pass that connects Crested Butte with Paonia. Between late May and early November, its a gorgeous shortcut through the Gunnison National Forest 

The windy dirt road is smooth and usually good for all cars. You can also hike or bike the pass. 

Mountain Biking

Mountain bikers love Crested Butte! You can rent mountain bikes in Crested Butte and experience the more than 900 miles of single track throughout the Gunnison Valley. 

Check out the Crested Butte Mountain Bike Park, where you can take your bike up the chair lift and ride down the mountain’s dirt paths! The park has more than 30 miles of lift-served singletrack. 

Ride the Lift

Even if you’re not planning to bike down the mountain, you can ride the chairlift up and hike to the summit of Crested Butte. You can take the Silver Queen to get closer to the summit, or the Red Lady Express for a shorter trip

Go Horseback Riding

There’s nothing like exploring the mountains on horseback! Take a trail ride through the wilderness for a completely different experience!

Stroll Elk Avenue

Elk Avenue runs through the center of the town of Crested Butte. You’ll be charmed by the colorful Victorian buildings, cute shops, and upscale art galleries.

Whether you’re looking for unique artworks, Colorado souvenirs, or vintage goods, you’ll find it on Elk Avenue. Don’t miss my favorites: Townie Books, Retail Therapy, and Favor the Kind.

Eat in Crested Butte

We love Butte Bagels for (duh) their bagels, Secret Stash for their amazing pizza, Pitas in Paradise for their gyros, and Sherpa Cafe for pretty much everything (including their really, really nice staff).

Crested Butte Museum

Stop by this small local museum to learn about the town’s mining and skiing history through interactive exhibits.

The Trailhead Children’s Museum

This is a great hands-on museum to take young children or bigger kids. Enjoy the interactive exhibits and art activities.

Outdoor Adventures Near Crested Butte

Paddle Boarding & Kayaking at Lake Irwin

Just outside of Crested Butte, Lake Irwin is perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, birdwatching, and fishing. The calm waters and mountain views make it a relaxing summer destination.

You can rent a kayak or paddle board at Wheelies and Waves.

Curecanti National Recreation Area & Blue Mesa Reservoir

The Blue Mesa Reservoir is Colorado’s largest body of water, perfect for boating, fishing, and paddle boarding.

You can rent a kayak or boat to explore the vast reservoir.

The Curecanti National Recreation Area is about ah hour from Crested Butte

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

With sheer cliffs and deep canyons, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park features one of the most dramatic landscapes in Colorado.

The South Rim Drive offers breathtaking overlooks. Hike the short (1.5 miles) Warner Point Trail for incredible canyon views.

This is an official Dark Sky Park, so the stargazing is phenomenal!

Black Canyon of the Gunnison is about 90 minutes from Crested Butte. 

Hartman Rocks Recreation Area

Hartman Rocks is a great spot for mountain biking, hiking, or rock climbing. The park is just outside of Gunnison, about 30 minutes from Crested Butte.

Gunnison River Whitewater Rafting

Take a rafting trip down the Gunnison River. There are family friendly trips, great for beginners and young kids, and more exciting whitewater rapids options. The Gunnison River is about 30-45 minutes from Crested Butte.

Explore Gunnison

Check out the Gunnison Pioneer Museum, with a large collection of historical buildings, trains, cars, and mining artifacts from Gunnison’s past.

While you’re there, enjoy locally-owned breweries and coffee shops. Stop in at High Alpine Brewing Company for craft beers & wood-fired pizza. Or get your caffeine fix at Double Shot Cyclery, a  bike shop + coffee shop in one.

Visiting Crested Butte in the Winter?

If you love Crested Butte in the summer, come back in the winter!  

Here are the best things to do in Crested Butte in the winter:

Hit the Slopes at Crested Butte Mountain Resort

Crested Butte is one of the best ski destinations in Colorado, offering world-class skiing and snowboarding for all levels.

Known for its challenging terrain and powder-filled glades, it’s a paradise for experienced skiers. And families and beginners can enjoy gentler runs and ski lessons.

Alley Loop Nordic Marathon

In February, enjoy the best part on skis, the Alley Loop Nordic ski race, a fun costume-filled ski race through town.

Ice Fishing on Blue Mesa Reservoir

The Blue Mesa Reservoir is one of the best places in Colorado for ice fishing.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re hitting the slopes, hiking through wildflowers, or simply enjoying the laid-back mountain town vibe, Crested Butte is an incredible destination year-round.

While the town is known for its skiing, you’ll love visiting in the summertime!

It’s the perfect mix of adventure and charm, making it one of Colorado’s best-kept secrets!