Starting in May and going through October, the hiking season is a great time to explore the surrounding mountains of Crested Butte. Known as the wildflower capital of Colorado, CB is an incredible place to experience summer flowers in incredible mountain landscapes. Beyond summer, golden aspens shine in late September and October. The Gunnison National Forest, which includes five wilderness areas, ensures pristine conditions and memorable experiences.
Sustainable Trail Use
Filter the guide below by clicking on only one of the criteria (it's exclusionary) in a category above the trail images: Difficulty, Features, and Time.
Interactive Google Map
**Be careful out there and know your limits. Altitude, trail conditions, surrounding hikers, wildlife, and more all play a hand in hikes.**
Difficulty
Difficulty is subjective, however we incorporate a number of elements into the Crested Butte hiking guide to help distinguish how strenuous each trail will be for you. This includes: total milage, steepness, trail conditions, altitude, and elevation gain.
Hiking Times
Hiking times are even more subjective than assessing difficulty. Your fitness and pace will ultimately determine how long each trail will take. For our assessment, we estimated the times based on a leisurely pace of + or – 2 miles per hour depending on the gradient of the trial. These times don’t include stopping for rest or long meals, but with a short intermissions for snacks or photos.
Weather
It’s always recommended to check the weather forecast the night before your trip. Keep in mind, much of the hiking season here is also during the monsoon season, when afternoon thunderstorms occur like clockwork. Many trails take you above the tree line and expose you to lightning. If dark storm clouds are brewing, it’s best to head down to lower elevation immediately. Temperatures can fluctuate dramatically, especially with rainfall, so be prepared with proper clothing and layers. A rule of thumb is to be at your highest place before noon.
Need a Place to Stay?
Crested Butte's newest boutique hotel style lodging at Academy Place guarantees that you’ll have a welcoming and relaxing place to stay. The professional concierge team is ready to assist you with reservations, activities bookings, grocery delivery and much more! Full property buyouts are also available for weddings, reunions, and corporate events. Bundle cottages together for extended families and those traveling together.
