Rustler Gulch trail near Crested Butte, Colorado

The Crested Butte Hiking Guide

Right Now
Fall FoliagePeak in 3 of 8 Areas

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 set against unforgettable mountain landscapes.

Beyond summer, golden aspens shine in late September and October, and the Gunnison National Forest with its five wilderness areas keeps conditions pristine and the experiences memorable.

Trail Picks of the Week

Week of October 10
From the Trail
Trail photo: Kebler Pass Oct 9
Latest Trail PhotoKebler Pass
The Big Day
Gothic Mountain via Trail 403 Gothic Mountain via Trail 403 Perfect fall adventure with great views! Extreme·7.4 miles·Est. 5 hrs
With Kids
Lower Loop Lower Loop Colors are showing off right now! Easy·7 miles·Est. 3 hrs
Beat the Crowds
Caves Trail Caves Trail A hidden gem! Hard·1.25 miles·Est. 1 hrs
Difficulty
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Your Day
Features

Find Your Trail

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Prime Time Fall Color

Where to Drop Your Pack

Peak season weeks sell out fast and ahead of time. Hotels, inns, cabins, B&Bs, and rentals, all within striking distance of the trailheads. Every good hike ends somewhere with a shower.

Browse All Lodging

The Printed Guidebook

All 31 routes, walked, photographed, and mapped by us. Directions, elevation profiles, and honest difficulty ratings for every hike. Built for where the signal ends: no battery, no bars, no problem.

31 Essential Crested Butte Hikes guidebook by Joshua Futterman
Get the Book

Go Deeper

The Wildflower Guide What is blooming, where, right now. Updated all season. ›
Camping Guide Over 600 campsites Restaurants Refuel after the hike Shops Gear and gifts Guides and Services Rentals and guides

Common Questions

Do you need a permit to hike in Crested Butte?
No permit is needed for day hiking on the trails in this guide. A few trailheads have small lots, so arrive early or keep a backup in mind.
When is the best time to hike here?
Most trails are clear and dry from late June into September. High routes hold snow into early summer, and the wildflowers peak around mid July.
Are dogs allowed on Crested Butte trails?
Yes. Dogs are welcome on nearly every trail here, leashed. Leash law applies in the wilderness sections and through Gothic, and you pack out the waste.
What is a good first hike if you are new to the area?
Set the trail finder to Easy. Those routes are shorter, gentler, and close to town, which gives your lungs a day to adjust to the altitude.
When do the wildflowers peak?
Peak bloom usually lands in mid July, give or take a week with the snow year. Our Wildflower Guide tracks what is blooming, and where, in real time.

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