For those who love hiking, snowshoeing is your winter counterpart. From groomed trails to pristine backcountry wilderness, snowshoeing gives you all-access exploration of surrounding areas in Crested Butte. If you choose to use the Crested Butte Nordic Center groomed track or need rental equipment, be sure to purchase a day pass or reserve snowshoes in advance on their website.
Miles of Exploration
Click photos to view gallery
Ungroomed Trails
| Trail | Area | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Snodgrass | Mt. CB/Gothic |  |
| Upper Upper Loop | Brush Creek | |
| Brush Creek | Brush Creek |  |
| Long Lake | Washington Gulch | |
Groomed Trails
| Area | Location | Nordic Pass Required | Groomed |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Side | By the School | Yes | Yes |
| The Bench | Behind the Nordic Center | Yes | Yes |
| Magic Meadows | Peanut Lake/Slate River | Yes | Yes |
| Riverbend | 2 miles east of town | No | Yes |
| Gothic | End of Gothic Road | No | Snowmobile Track |
| Snodgrass | End of Gothic Road | No | No |
| Brush Creek | 3 miles east of town | No | Snowmobile Track |
| Washington Gulch | 4 miles north of town | No | Snowmobile Track |
Click to view maps
Crested Butte Nordic Center
620 2nd St, Crested Butte, CO 81224
(970) 349-1707 • Website • Map
If you fly into the Gunnison Airport, it may be difficult to transport your snowshoes. The Crested Butte Nordic Center offers rentals for snowshoes, boots, and poles. Full day rentals are $20 for adults and $10 for kids 16 and under. You can snowshoe all of their groomed trails (over 50km!) and the Nordic Center also offers guided backcountry tours.
Irwin Guides
218 Maroon Ave, Crested Butte, CO 81224
(970)-349-5430 • Website • Map
Irwin Guides also offer a unique backcountry guiding experience. Your half day snowshoe experience is guaranteed to be a time to remember for you, friends, and family. Explore open meadows, aspen groves, and dark timber, while enjoying pristine views and wildlife during this all inclusive tour. $175 for one person and $125 each for a party over two.
Featured Lodging
The Pioneer Guest Cabins are located just south of the town of Crested Butte. Nestled in a stunning mountain valley, along a tranquil creek the Pioneer offers the quintessential Colorado cabin experience. Combining rustic beauty with modern conveniences the Pioneer is a truly unique mountain lodging experience. Surrounded in all directions by National Forest, you can hike, bike, fish, ski or snowshoe right from your cabin door!