With about 55 kilometers (about 34 miles) of immaculately groomed track around the Town of Crested Butte, CBย is the Nordic Ski Capital of Colorado. You can enjoy all of these trails, get ski rentals, and lessons in advance on the Crested Butte Nordic Center website.
1. Magic Meadows
Photo: Xavier Fanรฉ
Magic Meadows Trailย starts at the Peanut Lake Trailhead 1 mile west of Crested Butte in the Slate River Valley. This trail is most popular for accessing the Magic Meadows Yurt where special yurt dinners are held on a regular basis. It winds around the lake and into some lovely pine tree woods. For more info, click here.
2. Skyland
Photo: Crested Butte Nordic Center
Take a tour through the golf course and the willows surrounding town with the Skyland trails (CC and Golf Course). These intermediate blue trails gain a bit of elevation, which offer even better views of the upper valley and Whetstone Mountain. If you're looking for something close to town, but peaceful and quiet then be sure to grab a trail pass and head Skyland way.
3. Mikeโs Mile
Mike's Mile takes skiers all the way out the Slate River Valley to Gunsight Bridge. The trail is on an old rail grade leftover from Crested Butteโs rich mining history.
4. The Bench - Ruthie's Run
Photo: Xavier Fanรฉ
The Bench provides an iconic view of town that will have you falling more and more in love with Crested Butte. Head out for a late evening ski and enjoy the โcityโ lights.
5. Town Ranch
Close to town (just behind the school) and dog friendly, Town Ranchย is the perfect loop for getting a couple long laps in, whilst enjoying the wide vistas of the surrounding mountains.
Map
Dog-Friendly Trails
If you're hoping to bring your furry friend along with you on the next nordic ski outing, dogs are welcome on many trails! A few are free, and the others that allow dogs with a trail pass are only $7 a day ($65 a season) to help cover the cost of maintaining dog trails and pet waste stations. Also, no more than 2 dogs may accompany any pass holder. Don't forget dog owners must be vigilant in picking up their dogโs waste. Click here for more info.
East Side Trails
- Town Ranch
- Riverbend Trail
- Rec Path (leash required)
West Side Trails (Trail Pass required)
- Poochโs Paradise
- The Beaver Trail
- Mikeโs Mile
- Kapushion Alley (no pass required)
Lessons and Backcountry Tours
New to cross country skiing? Learn from some of the best instructors at the Crested Butte Nordic Center. Backcountry tours are also available for those wanting to safely explore local valleys. For more info on lessons and tours:ย Click Here
Featured Lodging
Elevation Hotel
Take up to 25% OFFย with promo code:ย travelcb
500 Gothic Road โข (970) 251-3000 โข Directions
Elevation Hotel and Spa is Crested Butteโs only slopeside hotel. No matter the season, Elevationโs mountainside accommodations offer stunning views and unrivaled access to trails and the lifts at Crested Butte Mountain Resort. New must-see culinary concepts, bars and lounges include Josรฉ, the Matchstick Lounge and the billy barr.
