Summertime in Crested Butte
by Dana Donovan
It’s true that Crested Butte has some of the best snow skiing around—their double black runs will satisfy even the biggest adrenaline junkies. And it’s easy to see why Travel and Leisure listed it as one of the best small ski towns in America. But for me, there’s nothing like Crested Butte in the summer.
Crested Butte started out as a mining town in the 1800’s, and it wasn’t until the 1960’s that it developed into a ski resort. With no traffic lights and no chain stores, Crested Butte has a small town charm that is both endearing and absolutely gorgeous. Elk Avenue is the heart of this picturesque destination, with locally owned shops and restaurants lining the street. In addition, if you visit in the summer, you’ll see why the state legislature designated the town the “Wildflower Capital of Colorado” in 1990.
Whether you fly or drive, once there, there isn’t much need for a car. The free shuttle (which our family affectionately calls the “Hippie Bus” in honor of its brightly painted murals) makes a loop every 20 minutes connecting Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte, which are only a couple of miles apart. The only real need for a car is for scenic drives through the breathtaking mountains. Be sure to bring along a pair of binoculars and make a game out of who can spot the most wildlife.
Another way to experience the mountain is on horseback. Fantasy Ranch Outfitters on Gothic Road in Mt. Crested Butte offers different packages varying in length of time and destination. If your kids are old enough (mine were 9 years old, a perfect age), the longer rides are a great way to spend an afternoon.
There’s also Adventure Park, located at the base of the mountain, featuring a climbing wall, bungee trampolines, and a new 18-hole miniature golf course. The price for tickets for Adventure Park is a little high: $36 for adults, $32 for kids ages 7-17, and $16 for kids 6 and under. The good news is that unlimited use of the chairlift up the mountain is included in the price of your Adventure Park ticket—so plan your mountain hike for the same day you visit Adventure Park.
This summer, a new zipline guided tour debuts, which will include five ziplines and a series of features including an “Indiana Jones Bridge,” a net climb, and a spiral staircase. The guided canopy tour is an approximately 1 ½ – 2 hour-long experience. You’ll maintain control of your speed while riding the ziplines, and an auto-braking system will bring you to a stop on the ramp at each platform. Two guides accompany each group throughout the tour to ensure a one-of-a-kind guest experience.
Keep in mind that as the snow melts on the mountain there will be a muddy season that lasts until about late June. July or later is really the ideal time to experience Crested Butte in the summer, and with average high temperatures in the mid-70’s during peak summer months, it’s the perfect getaway for families in Houston trying to beat the heat.
Don’t Miss…
The Secret Stash
21 Elk Ave
Crested Butte
Located in a 100-year-old miner’s cabin, The Secret Stash has arguably some of the best pizza in the world! Be sure to get there early or the wait can be an hour or more. Believe me, it’s worth the wait.
Slogar
517 2nd
Crested Butte
A family style restaurant—the fried chicken, mashed potatoes and biscuits are to die for. Keep those platters coming!
Crested Butte Brewing Company
212 West Hwy. 50
Gunnison
The Crested Butte Brewing Company actually moved from Crested Butte to Gunnison in 2009—but don’t worry, it’s only 30 minutes away and well worth the drive.
Camp-4-Coffee
Crested Butte
402 ½ Elk Avenue
The “Best Coffee in Colorado.” We even have it shipped to Houston when we need a fix.
Accommodations
Lodge at Mountaineer Square
12 Snowmass Rd.
970-349-2222
Grand Lodge
6 Emmons Rd.
970-349-8000
Black Bear Lodge
701 Gothic Rd.
800-451-5699
Elevation Hotel & Spa and Nordic Inn
500 Gothic Rd.
970-349-2222
Old Town Inn
708 6th St.
970-349-6184
Elk Mountain Lodge
129 Gothic Ave
970-349-7533
Cristiana Guesthaus
621 Maroon Ave
970-349-5326
