9 Crested Butte Locations You have to Capture on Your Next Trip & Map

There are so many iconic spots in Crested Butte, and if you’re here, you should try to capture as many as you can. Below is a list of our favorite locations to photograph, and above is a map corresponding with the list so you can easily find where we took all of these photos!

With striking red trim, beautiful bell tower, and flashy painted buses pulling right next to the building, Old Town Hall is a perfect place to capture the artsy side of Crested Butte. Located on the corner of Elk Ave. & 2nd St.

The Red Lady light pole is a Creative District installment, which is a dedication to the histroy of public and non-profit efforts to keep Mt. Emmons (known locally as Red Lady) free of a molybdenum mine. The light pole, painted red and with a red bulb, sits in front of Montanya Distillery, and will only be around until October 2017, at which time it will be painted back to its original green. For more info on the project, consult the placard on the light pole. Located on Elk Ave between 2nd & 3rd streets.

You’ve got a few license plates to choose from at this quintessential Crested Butte destination, the license plate cabin. It’s an easy stroll off Elk Avenue, located on 4th street, just off Elk Ave.

The entire town of Crested Butte boasts unique, colorful mountain cabins, but Elk Avenue in particular has a special charm. Thanks to the dedication of Elk Avenue as a National Historic District, the false fronts and mining cabins brought down from the hills have remained more or less like their 1880-selves (although the neon colors are probably a new addition). Just stroll down Elk Avenue to capture these beauties.

Mineral Point is a beautiful mountain up the Slate River Valley. It stands prominently in the background of the town of Crested Butte when you’re looking north. Snag a photo with colorful homes in the foreground, and mineral point rising in the background illuminated in light. Head east on Elk Avenue to 9th Street. Park your car and continue down Elk Avenue on foot until you hit the groomed nordic trail and private drive, turn north and you’ll see your shot (just please don’t walk on the groomed Nordic trail). If you want a different vantage, purchase a day pass from the Nordic Center and rent some cross-country or skate skis and head up the trail towards the Recreation Path. You can get free cross country rentals and discounted lodging when you book with the Nordic Experience.

This incredible display of art is located just as you pull into Crested Butte, and was created by sculptor Sean Guerrero using recycled chrome from old cars. The sculpture is a depiction of St. George the Dragonslayer, and is a beautiful display of Crested Butte’s art culture.

This picturesque shot of the town of Crested Butte dwarfed by the town’s namesake is essential to snap while you’re here. Just park at the very top of Elk Avenue and continue on foot until you encounter a large snow pile on the left. You may need snowshoes to traverse up the snow pile, but if you’re able to make it over, just continue up the snow-covered road until you reach a high enough vantage for the shot below. This view is definitely harder to get to, and not guaranteed, so proceed at your own risk!

If you’re walking around town, chances are you’ll come across a townie covered in snow, or parked on a snow bank. This is very representative of bike friendly Crested Butte, and the kind of people that live here. A lot of folks walk or ride bikes around town, even in the dead of winter, with icy streets. Bike baskets full of snow are perfect for Instagram.

As mentioned before, Crested Butte is known for its quaint mining cabins, and mountain charm built into the architecture around town. Snap a few shots of our colorful cabins buried in snow by simply wandering along the side streets in town. Get off Elk Avenue to see cute cabins like this one.