Top 6 Easy Crested Butte Hiking Trails Close to Town
Youโve finally made it to town, but where should you hike? Fortunately, you donโt have to go far to experience amazing wildflowers, jaw-dropping landscapes, and peaceful nature. Just a few minutes drive, bike, or walk from town will have you in Crested Butteโs beautiful surroundings. These trails can also be enjoyed by all ages, fitness levels, and dogs.
Woods Walk
Easyย โ Despite being oneย of the easiest trails in the area, this trail offers great views of Mt. CB, Peanut Lake, Gothic Mountain, and the Slate River Valley. Enjoy some mixed wildflowers in the summer and aspen foliage in the fall. For detailed trail info: Click Here
Lower Loop
Easyย โย This popular trail is perfect for a more extended walk/hike, townie ride, or mountain bike ride. Beautiful views of the Slate River Valley and Paradise Divide can be soaked in from aย number of benches that are located throughout the earlyย part of the trail. For detailed trail info: Click Here
Brush Creek
Easyย โ Brush Creek is aย quick drive from town and typically missedย by visitors. Located on the east side of Mt. Crested Butte, this trail takes you through hillsides whereย wildflowers flourish in the summer. Itโs hard to find a better wildflower trail this close to town. For detailed trail info:ย Click Here
Long Lake (Meridian Lake)
Easyย โ Care for a swim? This is your trail. In addition to offering refreshing fresh water lake swimming (perfect for triathletes wanting to get their miles in), Long Lake is home to a variety of wildflower species, which bloom along its perimeter. For detailed trail info: Click Here
Judd Falls
Easy/Moderateย โย A short drive past Mt. Crested Butte into the East River Valley, andย just past the old mining town of Gothic lies the Judd Falls trailhead. This is a pretty short, but rocky trail peppered with wildflowers in the summer and golden aspens in the falls. Views of Mt. Crested Butte and Gothic Mountain dominate the scenery. For detailedย trail info: Click Here
Snodgrass
Moderateย โย The toughest hike of this list offers the best views of Mt. Crested Butte. Wildflowers smother the surrounding hillsides in early/mid summer. Feel free to turn around at any point, since this is an out and back hike. We recommend the less busy Snodgrass ย Mountain trail (vs the Snodgrass Trail) to avoid mountain bike traffic and especially in the fall for aspen foliage. For detailed trail info:ย Click Here
Many of these hikes have wildflowers. Please donโt pick, cut, or walk on wildflowers or other plants. Removing wildflowers from the wild can adversely affect pollinators and other animals that depend on that species for food and cover, and can affect the flowers long-term survival in that location.
