26 Best & Fun Things to Do in Crested Butte (CO)

Want to know the best and most fun things to do in Crested Butte, CO?

Crested Butte, Colorado, is a beautiful mountainous town perched in Colorado’s Elk Mountains, located at the foothills of the Baldy Mountain.

This destination is a famous site for snowboarders and skiers. It also features a host of other fascinating attractions and activities for visitors to explore. These include the Crested Butte Mountain Museum, the Trailhead Children’s Museum, and the Meridian Lake, where you can swim and go hiking during summer.

Crested Butte is famous for its fascinating views and gorgeous outdoors. It is a great mountain area in Colorado and a fantastic destination to go on a trip.

Are you planning an exploration of Crested Butte? Here is a list of the top things to do in Crested Butte, CO.

Things to Do in Crested Butte

1. Meridian Lake

Another item on this list of things to do you should visit is the Meridian Lake. It is situated nearby Crested Butte and is a well-known destination for fall and summer visits.

Meridian Lake is also called the Long Lake, and it provides visitors with the opportunity to be part of outdoor activities such as hiking and swimming.

It consists of two trails beside the natural lake, one of the trails is complex, and the other is easy.

The short and easy trail has a distance of 2.4 miles and requires about one to two hours to finish an entire trip.

The rugged trail on the other hand is a half-mile long and requires the same time as the easy trail to finish a complete tour.

The two tracks display the natural beauty of the wildflowers and aspen trees and direct you to the beautiful lake where you can swim.

Address: Meridian Lake Dr, Colorado 81224, USA

2. Mountain Bike Trails

The fact that Crested Butte is perched in the central area of the Rocky Mountains makes the atmosphere very cold, but the atmosphere is quite normal during day time.

This destination is a place of with numerous amenities, such as bike trails, which spreads throughout the entire town.

Mountain Bike Trails boasts many things to do in Crested Butte, CO, including horseback riding trails and mountain biking on the Crested Butte Gondola and the Crested Butte Rail Trail.

This mountain biking activity is an excellent way to have quality time outdoors. This sport is spreading fast and is loved by many people who have engaged in the sport.

Address: Crested Butte, CO 81224, United States

3. Fantasy Ranch

Another interesting item on our list of things to do in Crested Butte, CO is go Horseback riding at the Fantasy Ranch. Here is an ideal place to spend the weekend as it has vast trails and many indulging activities.

The lesson about horseback riding is fun, and their excellent staff is knowledgeable and friendly.

This destination provides visitors with a day of horseback riding where you get the ample opportunity to enjoy views of the wilderness surrounding the Crested Butte.

There is accommodation for visitors who want to spend a day or two at the ranch. Family members can also enjoy the exciting views of this ranch.

Address: 935 Gothic Rd, Crested Butte, CO 81225,

4. Crested Butte Ski Area

One of the best things to do in Crested Butte, CO is to check out the Crested Butte Ski Area. Since Crested Butte is a little mountainous town in the center of the Rocky Mountains, it is a top-notch ski attraction. 

This destination is a recipient of much snowfall compared to other ski centers in Colorado, having an annual snowfall of more than one foot.

It witnesses a vertical drop of 43000, and this destination is an ideal place to go skiing, not minding your skill level.

Be sure to visit and have the best moments skiing in this beautiful place, and it should be on your checklist of places to visit in Crested Butte, CO.

Address: 15 Elk Ave, Crested Butte, CO 81224

5. Crested Butte Nature Center

Another interesting item on this list of things to do in Crested Butte, CO is visiting the Crested Butte Nature Center. It is a gorgeous destination located in the Western Colorado town of Crested Butte.

Part of its goal is to help people learn how they can explore the intrinsic natural aesthetics of the Rocky Mountains.

The beautiful town is a place of abode to a mini ski center and a quaint central area occupied with movie theaters, shops, and restaurants. It is a huge attraction because of its scenic and old-fashioned nature.

6. The Kebler Pass

Kebler Pass is a well-known drive. The beautiful and famous Kepler Pass is located in the mountains west of Colorado’s Crested Butte. This area has something for everyone. It’s a short drive from State Highway 133 and is known for its wild beauty.

This drive attracts tons of people to this destination and is one of the most beautiful drives you will ever come across. The campaign involves going through a tunnel of aspen gold trees.

Here is a lovely spot to visit as it is calm, serene, and peaceful. The scenery to meet here is magnificent, and be sure to bring a camera with you as this place makes for a great photo op. Hiking options are available as well.

Address: Crested Butte, CO, United States

7. Visit Mt. Emmons

Visiting Mt. Emmons, is one of the best things to do in Crested Butte, CO. It is an 11,933-foot mountain making it the focal point of the Elk Mountains, the scenic mountain range in North America.

Mt. Emmons is a natural rock formation that takes the form of a gigantic Igloo. The picturesque mountain range provides scintillating views for all and sundry to enjoy, and it features cold alpine lakes, vast open meadows, deep valleys, and old forests.

This destination offers mind-blowing excellent views; you should bring a camera to take interesting photos of this scenic environment.

Address: Gunnison County, Colorado; United States

8. Trailhead Children’s Discovery Museum

The Trailhead Children’s Discovery Museum was established in 2007 and provided kids with science and exhibitions. The Museum is situated at Emmons road and features exhibits including the Block Yard, Astro Corner, the Lego Grand Prix, Garden to Grocery, and others.

The Museum provides guests with programs such as school break camps and school art classes. This science and art camp is carried out in a day and is centered on stuff concerned with art.

It also focuses on the artwork of international artists, works done with clay, whereas the science topics concern light, the human body, and electricity. 

Older children are exposed to Advanced art, where they learn how to be creative in etching, jewelry making, tempered glass mosaics, and bookmaking.

Address: 19 Emmons Road, Crested Butte, Colorado

9. Fish in Peanut Lake

One of the best things to do in Crested Butte, CO is visiting Peanut Lake.

This destination features different outdoor activities where you need not bother about populated roads and streets, the effects of pollution, crimes, and other mishaps.

Here is a destination for all who intend to have a happy, productive, and good life. The one place to be able to achieve this is Peanut Lake.

Peanut Lake is ideal for boating, fishing, and swimming and is also a huge attraction in this area.

The water is crystal clear and surrounded by mountains that offer this area’s serenity. Camping can also be done in the lake and many more as well.

Address: Crested Butte, CO, United States

10. Visit the Crested Butte Museum

Amongst the top things to do in Crested Butte, CO is visiting the Crested Butte Museum of Fine Arts. It has a well-detailed collection of art and historical buildings stored in a revamped iconic hotel in Crested Butte, Colorado.

The Museum also contains the Crested Butte Historical Society, established in 1934 and has since been a primary agent of history and information for the entire city and its neighboring areas.

If you are a lover of history or a history buff, here should be a must-see for you as this destination is seen as a great local attraction in the center of the iconic downtown district

Address: 331 Elk Ave, Crested Butte, CO 81224, United States

11. Lower Loop Mountain Trail

The Loop Mountain Trail is perched in Crested Butte, Colorado, just southwest of Crested Butte town.

The loop’s trailhead is situated on West Street, the north side of Crested Butte High School, close to the edge of Fast street and West street.

There is a spacious parking lot at this destination, and there is a road to guide you by going towards your left and following up the route at the edge of the parking space.

Address: Peanut Lake Rd, Crested Butte, CO 81224, United States

12. Crested Butte Center for the Arts

The Crested Butte Center for the Arts is a voluntary organization in this part of the country and is operated by this community.

The Center Butte for the Arts can generate its funds within as it depends on the community’s support to thrive. Be sure to visit Crested Butte as it is a huge attraction.

This destination is situated at the northern corner of the town, close to the central area of Crested Butte Avenue. It is a perfect example of a rich cultural town fit for everybody.

The various art performances and exhibits can be easily reached as many people get to see for themselves these events. It does not matter if you are staying for a day or two; this destination is for everyone to enjoy the rich cultural heritage of this region.

Address: 606 6th St, Crested Butte, CO 81224, United States

13. Hot Air Balloon Festival

One of the best things to do in Crested Butte, CO is to be part of the Hot Air Balloon Festival, which is a beautiful sight to see.

This yearly festival is done simultaneously with the notable Cherry Blossom Festival close by Crested Butte, Colorado.

The balloon festival is carried out yearly in Crested Butte and is ideal for learning more about the history of this town and its neighboring areas. You might be opportune to fly the balloon.

Furthermore, with balloon rides, visitors can learn more about the rich cultural heritage of Crested Butte, engage in games like three card poker, and be part of the many activities here.

Address: Crested Butte, CO, United States

14. Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum

Among the best things to do in Crested Butte, CO is to visit the Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum at Elk Avenue; this destination is accommodated in Tony’s Conoco, an ideal local spot in this region.

Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum was used as a blacksmith shop in 1883 but later became a hardware store and garage.

Part of its goal currently is to ensure the presentation and exhibition of the rich cultural history of Gunnison Valley.

The Museum is dedicated to displaying the rich history and exhibits, including the history of Mountain Biking in Crested Butte, Home Life in Crested Butte, the history of Skiing in Crested Butte, and lots more.

 It also has an exhibit known as the Betty Spehar Children, where kids sit on the museum’s vintage desks and make comics or color old advertisements.

Address: 331 Elk Avenue, Crested Butte, Colorado,

15. Swim in the Creekside Hotsprings 

Visiting the Creekside Hotsprings in Crested Butte is another excellent idea to get the best experience. When you visit Crested Butte, you can check out the Creekside Hot Springs if you wish to have some time out from the cold winter.

These pools are naturally heated and are available for visitors throughout the year. It features two pools, one warmer than the other, so everyone can enjoy an ideal temperature that suits them.

This destination is situated in a private area close to Mt. Crested Butte; aside from the fun here, this place offers numerous health benefits for all and sundry. The pools are free and quick to access because they are located just a few minutes from the road.

These pools can be enjoyed with friends and family, so be sure to enjoy your stay here when you visit.

Address: Crested Butte, CO, United States

Want more of Colorado attractions and activities? do check out our list of things to do in Trinidad, and things to do in Loveland for a memorable vacation.

16. Crested Butte Nordic Center

The Crested Butte Nordic Center is situated on the second street, and it is a voluntary organization established in 1987 to enlighten individuals about snowshoeing and Nordic skiing.

The trails to find here are correctly maintained and near the restaurants and lodgings in this region.

This destination provides guests with private programs, backcountry snowshoe tours, X-country ski tours, private lessons, clinics, and rental packages.

You can also get involved in the Magic Meadows Yurt Dinner Experience, a guided tour consisting of live music, equipment rentals, a guide, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, and a five-course dinner.

This destination also offers different kinds of programs, including the Gunnison Valley kids Nordic Race Series and events like the Gothic Mountain Tour

Address: 620 Second Street, Crested Butte, Colorado,

17. Elk Avenue

Another interesting spot in Crested Butte you surely do not want to miss out on when you visit is Elk Avenue, and it is one of the most traditional ways to enjoy the beauty of this ski town.

A considerable part of this town’s beauty can be seen in the beautiful Victorian storefronts that occupy the entire street, and it is such a beautiful sight to behold.

There are other features like art galleries, restaurants, museums, and local shops for you to explore and have a great feel of this region. A visit to the Crested Butte is quite incomplete without a visit to Elk Avenue.

Address: Elk Ave, Crested Butte, CO 81224, USA

18. Local Bed & Breakfast

Crested Butte has an intimate and beautiful charm, attracting many people to this region; one place to visit is the Local Bed and Breakfast to enjoy the very best of this town.

The Purple Mountain Bed and Breakfast is the best choice for anyone visiting. It is a gorgeous inn located just a few distances from various amenities and shops in the central area of Crested Butte.

There are so many attractive features that this place holds, including daily beer tastings, a spa, lovely rooms, and a gourmet breakfast. The Purple Mountain B&B offers the best inexpensive lodging.

Other well-known bed and breakFasts include Scarp Ridge Lodge, the OldTown Inn, and the Ruby of Crested Butte.

Address: Crested Butte, CO, USA

19. Wooden Nickel

If you love good food, one of the best things when visiting Crested Butte is to see Wooden Nickel. It is a huge attraction in this country, serving the very best items to locals and visitors alike.

This destination is a quaint salon in Crested Butte, initially founded in 1929. Over the years, the Wooden Nickel has rendered quality service to this town as it features an exclusive bar collection and tasty steaks menu, fish, lamb, and others.

The building has a bright purple color and is perched in central Crested Butte, and you surely want to visit to taste their delicious menu coupled with the gloriousness of this place.

Address: 222 Elk Ave, Crested Butte, CO 81224, United States

20. Sea Level Spa

Another way to enjoy a good time in Crested Butte is to visit the Sea Level Spa, and it is an ideal place to spend some quality time while you get your body treated to some reasoning and healing services.

The Spa has an Oxygen Bar due to normal oxygen in the air as Crested Butte is located in a mountainous area.

Therefore the sea level spa provides concentrated oxygen to reduce the risk of height illness. Despite not being the overall solution, it is an ideal way to reduce the symptoms as you go higher.

The Seal level Spa also has a treatment procedure known as the Altitude Adjustment Chambers; these chambers are pressurized and copy lower elevation, causing the blood and brains to receive much oxygen.

The Spa provides visitors with a handful of other services such as traditional massage, reflexology, and Shamanic Energetic Healing.

Address: 308 Elk Ave, Crested Butte, CO 81224, United States

21. Visit Gothic Ghost Town

Gothic is a famous ghost town situated north of Crested Butte. In the late 1800s, this destination was a favorite but was abandoned in 1914 due to the fall in the price of silver.

Gothic is generally known for research; this can be seen in the Rocky Mountain Biological Lab put up by researchers and scientists in 1928.

Gothic is a famous tourist attraction for guests to see and explore an iconic ghost town. Most of the original buildings are well maintained to allow visitors to feel what the city was like in the late 19th century.

During summer, you can easily access this town through a quick drive that starts at the town’s main street, and during winter, you can visit the village via X-country skiing.

You can even try something more challenging by biking on the 401 trail surrounding the ghost town, to have a wonderful experience.

Address: Crested, Butte, CO, United States

22. Crested Butte Adventure Park

Seeking to have the best experience, visit the Crested Butte Adventure Park. It is an ideal place to come with your loved ones and friends and should be on your checklist of places to visit.

This destination consists of numerous amenities such as a mini-golf area, a bungee jump trampoline, and other fun stuff for adults.

One of the most exciting activities you sure want to be a part of is the Tin Cup Mining Co., where kids are suitable to pan for treasures and beautiful gems. Another activity to try out is the Gravity Jump which entails jumping from a platform that is 32 feet to a foot-inflated bag.

 Address: 12 Snowmass Rd, Crested Butte, CO 81225

23. Montanya Distillers

The Montanya Distillers in Crested Butte produce two types of classic runs: the Oro Dark Rum and Platino Light Rum.

Karen Hoskin owns the distillery; her ideas over the years have made her company a huge landmark as it takes into cognizance the safety of the environment and leaves a minimal ecological footprint.

The ingredients used in producing these rums are American, including local yeast, Colorado mountain water and honey, and Louisiana’s sugar cane. The ingredients used to achieve these outstanding results can only be obtained here.

Address: 212 Elk Avenue, Crested Butte, Crested Butte, Colorado

24. Big Mine Ice Arena

Visiting the Big Mine Ice Arena is a perfect way to enjoy your trip to Crested Butte. It is a 26,000-square-foot covered open-air ice skating rink nestled in the historic town of Crested Butte.

This place serves as an event venue during summertime and a hockey rink in winter. Big Mine Ice Arena is open to the public throughout the year. 

Hockey players and skaters can enjoy this place, but it is free. Big Nine Ice Arena provides rental services for ice skating for children and adults alike.

During winter, visitors can be part of their hockey league games. Apart from ice skating, the Big Mine Ice Arena has a Nordic Center for x-country skiing.

Electric power is in every facility area, coupled with weatherproof GFIs at every column.

Address: Crested Butte, CO 81224, USA

25. Crested Butte Mountain Theatre

Crested Butte Mountain Theater is a community theater in Colorado that has been operating persistently for a long time and has generated more than 200 plays in the past 30 years.

As part of its objective, this theater showcases top quality, classical, present-day, original, and classical productions, including arts education, to the public.

A group of talented and vibrant people brought live theater into this community. The first show, called ”Dark of the Moon,” was shown in the background of a full moon above the Crested Butte Mountain.

This was followed by a wild cast of indigenous dancers, actors, musicians, and singers. Every year the theater provides youths from the community the opportunity to feature on their stage during their “Teens on Stage” program, including local writers via their Ten Minute Play Festival.

Address: 403 2nd St, Crested Butte, CO 81224, USA

26. Crested Butte Wildflower Festival

This ten days festival features various mind-captivating activities that will keep you engaged and active.

This event was founded in 1986 by some well-thoughtful locals from Crested Butte who visualized a wildflower event in one of Colorado’s most attractive valley locations.

The many activities held in this festival include art classes, workshops, garden tours, culinary workshops, hiking, painting, photography, and pollination, 

All of these events allow you to connect with nature, get enlightened, learn new things, and have fun. This festival should be a must-attend if you plan a vacation to Crested Butte.

Address: 716 Elk Ave, Crested Butte, CO 81224, USA

Explore other parts of Colorado, check out our list of things to do in Buena Vista,  things to do in Castle Rock and things to do in Montrose for a fun vacation time.

Plan a Trip to Crested Butte

Suppose you intend to have a weekend getaway with loved ones and friends, Crested Butte is one of the best places to visit as it has numerous outdoor recreational activities.

 The city boasts artistic attractions for art lovers to explore along with a scenic and gorgeous environment making it a perfect vacation site for every family.

Start making plans to go on a vacation to this beautiful city; you can save this piece as a guide to refer back to while making your bucket list of fun things to do in Crested Butte, CO.