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, be sure to purchase a day pass at the Nordic Center, located at 620 2nd St. in the town of Crested Butte.
Need a place to stay? Find the most affordable winter lodging in the valley at Three Rivers Resort in Almont.
Miles of Exploration
Click photos to view gallery
Ungroomed Trails
| Trail | Area | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Snodgrass | Washington Gulch |  |
| Upper Upper Loop | Brush Creek | |
| Brush Creek | Brush Creek |  |
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 $20 rentals for snowshoes, boots, and poles. Additionally, rentals are 20% off for seniors (65+) and free for kids 17 and under. You can snowshoe all of their trails (over 50km!) and the Nordic Center also offers guided backcountry tours, starting at $90 for a half day and $60 for each additional person. Tours meet at The Nordic Center and are available 7 days a week. Bring a backpack with essentials such as water, layers, and sunscreen.
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.
Crested Butte Mountain Resort
12 Snowmass Rd, Mt Crested Butte, CO 81225
(970) 349-2222 • Website • Map
CBMR offers daily tours leaving the base area at 12:30pm and are $85 per person. Tours last about two and a half hours, and you can expect to hike about two miles.
Featured Lodging
Three Rivers Resort is located in the historic mountain town of Almont, Colorado on the Taylor River about 20 miles south of Crested Butte. The resort features cabins dating back to the 1800’s, which are a short walk from the merging of the Taylor and East Rivers to form the Gunnison River. Offering a hotel, solo cabins with personal hot tubs, RV spots and more.
