Two Days in Crested Butte, CO Schedule- Crested Butte is an adorable mountain town with stunning landscapes surrounding it, so much can be explored in this area. You can play and ski in the winter here but I think summer months such as June, July or August are the best for hiking and outdoor adventures. In those months you can hike and enjoy the gorgeous wildflower season in the Crested Butte area. I put together a schedule to map out all the best hikes, where to eat, where to drink, and excursions for two days or a short weekend trip! Including where to stay, camp, or other things to do in the area of Crested Butte.
This itinerary is best for the summer months, and on that does mind a decent hike. These hikes won’t take all day but are high elevation and distance. This schedule will be hiking in the morning and relaxing in the evenings.
Overview
How To Get There
We came from the Aspen area to get to Crested Butte. We visited Maroon Bells before heading into Crested Butte. There are two routes to take from Aspen, they both take about 3 hours and 30 minutes.
From Aspen
The first route will take you down CO-82 E to US-24 E towards Buena Vista. Follow State Highway 306, Co Rd 209 and Co Rd 742 to CO-135 N in Gunnison County. Turn right onto CO-135 N. This route is sometimes closed in the winter months.
The route is what we took. It might take a little bit longer but is much more scenic. It’s a slightly graveled road, so be prepared to go a little slower and watch for bad weather. But we did see some moose on this ride.
This second route will take you south on N Galena St toward E Main St. Follow CO-82 W and CO-133 S to Co Rd 12 in Gunnison County. Follow Co Rd 12 to Elk Avenue Crested Butte.
From Denver
Crested Butte is about 4 hours from Denver. There are 3 different routes to get here from Denver.
Where To Stay
Camping
We were in a KuKu Campers campervan, so we stayed at the Oh Be Joyful Recreation Area. It was perfect for our first hike, as the trailhead started from the campground. But it also put us only a 15 minute drive from town. It also gave us the option that we could still go into town for dinner or drinks.
Non-Camping Options
If not camping or campvaning then I would consider an AirBnB. Here is a list of the Best AirBnB’s in Crested Butte, or check out this map. There are a variety of rentals that are in downtown and cozy mountain rentals.
When To Go
If interested in skiing during their ski season typically runs from November to April. But I think the beauty of this area is best enjoyed in the summer. And if you can plan for July. It could be hot but this is the best time to view their wildflower fields along many hikes. It is stunning.
Two Day Itinerary
Day 1
Blue Lake Hike
Today was dedicated to hiking to the Blue Lake in the Oh Be Joyful Area with some relaxing at the end of the day. We stayed at the Oh Be Joyful Campground, in which the hike started at. But if driving from in town this will be about a 20 minute drive to the trailhead.
This hike was one of my favorites in Colorado. There were valleys, wildflowers, waterfalls, mountain peaks and of course a Blue Lake. It was a relatively easy hike as well since most of it was a flat through the valley but it is long, at 13 miles round trip. ON a hot day you can even jump in the lake to cool off! Read all about it on my post The Blue Lake Hike in Crested Butte.
We made it back to our campsite where we stuck our feet in the creek, read a book and enjoyed a beverage. But this would make a great day to enjoy dinner in town or visit a brewery.
I would recommend dinner at Sherpa Cafe and hop over to The Eldo Brewery for some local craft beers and cocktails.
Day 2
Scarp Ridge Hike
Another great hike in this area would be to the Scarp Ridge Hike. Because of the back roads this hike was an hour from our campground but it is a 25 minute drive from town. The trail actually starts at another campground, Lake Irwin. This hike is a family hike, it has high altitude but the path slowly inclines since it is along a ridge. The trail should take about 4.5 miles, depending on which route you should take. Read all about this hike on the post A Guide to Scarp Ridge in Crested Butte.
The great part of the Scarp Ridge Hike iis you can easily make it an all day hike by adding on extensions and utilizing other hikes in the area, such as the Green Lake, Ruby Peak, and Gunsight Pass.
After our hike at Scarp Ridge we stopped in town for lunch, I highly recommend the Ryce Asian Bistro. After lunch and looking in some shops and browsing around town we got in our car/campervan and started on our 2 hour drive to the South Rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
Other Hikes in the Area
Green Lake
The Green Lake looked pretty cool from Scarp Ridge, if we had more time we would have tried to complete this hike while we were in the area.
Ruby Peak
The color of Ruby Peak looked awesome.
Gunsight Pass
A hike through the Peeler Basin Gunsight Pass looks like a scenic hike.
**List of Short Hikes in Crested Butte (These are close to the town as well).
Where To Eat and Drink
Our Favorite
Sherpa Cafe was our favorite meal while in Crested Butte. The Sherpa Cafe serves authentic Indian and Nepalian food. We got the dumplings and Tibetan dumplings (Momo) and the tikka masala. I still dream about this dumplings and sauce.
Other Great Dining Options
Bonez– They have queso,tacos, and margaritas. They have both dine in and take out.
Brick Over Pizza and Pub– Local beers sold here.
Montanya Distillers– Rum Distillery with small plates and appetizers.
Another Options in the Area
- Visit the Best Restaurants in Crested Butte, Colorado.
- Sample Coffee and the best coffee shops in Crested Butte.
- Go Skiing at Crested Butte Mountain Resort.
- Horseback riding with Elk Mountain Lodge.
- ATV riding tour with Colorado Adventures.
You May Also Be Interested In These Articles:
South Rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Sky Pond Hike at the Rocky Mountain National Park
Tuhare Lake Hike in Minturn/Vail, Colorado
Visiting Maroon Bells in Aspen, Colorado
