Crested Butte Trails: Rec Path

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The Crested Butte Rec Path connects the town of Crested Butte to Mt. Crested Butte in a little over 4 miles. The path gets steep at the base of Mt. Crested Butte, leading to more challenging walking and biking. Ride it up get to the base area of the mountain, ride to the Snodgrass trailhead, cruise down to the Slate River, or into town to head to Elk Ave. The Rec Path is beautiful, surrounded by wildflowers in the summer, and accessible for nordic skiing in the winter months. Dogs must be leashed up at all times.

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Highlights:Mountain Views, Wildflowers, Town Transportation
Difficulty:Easy/Intermediate
RT Length:4.6 miles
Approx. Time:2 hours
Elevation Gain:428 feet
Max Elevation:9,274 feet
Trailhead Elevation:8,846 feet
Travel Time to TH:5 minutes

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Directions

From the town of Crested Butte, head North on Highway 135 (or 6th Street at it's marked in town) towards Mt. Crested Butte. Turn right onto Gothic Ave. heading East towards Rainbow Park. At the end of Gothic Ave, the street turns left onto 9th Street. Once you turn left onto 9th Street the paved Rec. Path will be visible on the right. Park anywhere along 9th Street. Begin walking North along the Rec. Path towards Mt. Crested Butte. Map

From Mt. Crested Butte, access the Rec. path starting on the sidewalk in front of Treasury Liquors & The Store. Head south on the sidewalk towards the town of Crested Butte. Map


Route

The trail is very obvious, as it is a paved sidewalk from the town of Crested Butte up to Mt. Crested Butte.  You may turn around at any time during this hike to shorten the length. If you're walking or biking the path from Crested Butte to the base area, you can catch the free Mountain Express town bus back down the mountain, just check the route times on their website to time it right (they have bike racks). Or, take the bus up to the base area and walk the Rec. path back down!

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This is a pet friendly trail, abide by the leash law at all times. Yield trail right of way to all others when hiking with your dog. Tread lightly on the trail to avoid damaging the ecosystem and remember to pack out all doggy doo.

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Practice leave no trace. Pack out all trash to trash cans located along the route. Pick up trash you find, keep our Rec path clean.

Trail Map

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Enjoying this trail? Help support the people who maintain it. Donate to the Crested Butte Conservation Corps.

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After a restful sleep in one of five comfortable bedrooms, wake to the smell of fresh-brewed Camp 4 Coffee and the aroma of the morning’s home-cooked breakfast. Innkeeper and chef Chris Haver will serve up your delicious meal while offering tips on the best trail or activity of the day. There’s even a daily craft beer tasting in the living room.