Town of Crested Butte | Crested Butte, CO

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The Town of Crested Butte, a registered National Historic District and turn of the century Victorian mining town is located just 28 miles north of the City of Gunnison and south of the famous Kebler Pass, known as the home to the second largest living organism in the USA…an aspen grove!

Originally serving as a supply town in the 1870s for the silver mining camps of Gothic, Tin Cup, Irwin, and Ohio City, Crested Butte came into its own in the 1880s when coal mining began. In 1881, the Denver and Rio Grande completed a spur line to Crested Butte from its mainline in Gunnison.

The worst coal mining tragedy in Colorado occurred in Crested Butte in 1889 when fifty-nine miners were killed in a gas and coal dust explosion. Coal mining is more dangerous than hardrock mining because of the hazards of gas, explosions, and fire. Coal mining in Crested Butte remained active until 1952 when The Big Mine closed.

Crested Butte was platted and developed by lumber baron Howard F. Smith so many of its buildings were built with wood. Most of the architecture in downtown Crested Butte dates from 1880 to 1910 when it prospered as a coal mining town. Noteworthy among these are the 1881 Denver and Rio Grande Depot, the old Rock School House built in 1893 and home of the community library, the Union Congregational Church, built in 1883 in the Carpenter Gothic style of architecture and the Old City Hall.

The former Colorado Fuel and Iron Company Store is reminiscent of the days not that long ago when there were more coal miners living in town than ski enthusiasts. CF&I, who ran the Big Mine also operated the company store closing it in 1952 along with the mine. Behind it is a rare example of a two-story outhouse, laying claim to the amount of snowfall Crested Butte receives every winter.

Crested Butte is a real town, a treasure--with an easy-going attitude and a lifestyle that you simply don't find everyday.

In summer, some of the world's best fishing, hiking, mountain biking, rafting, rock climbing and golf are at your doorstep. Enjoy! We're surrounded by millions of acres of National Forest and Wilderness--and not an interstate in sight! Join us for the Wildflower Festival, Fat Tire Bike Week, Festival of the Arts, Reel Fest, Crested Butte Music Festival and Crested Butte Fall Festival.

Crested Butte is also the Wild Flower Capital of Colorado, home to the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame and the Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum. In non-winter months, sightseeing, camping, biking, horseback riding, hot air ballooning and day hikes on gentle trails throughout the Gunnison National Forest are just a few of the leisurely activities our guests enjoy.

Winter sports are centered around Crested Butte Mountain Resort for alpine skiing, snowboarding, tubing and riding the terrain pipes! Gentle slopes to the extreme make our mountain perfect for all skill levels and ability! And, if "sliding" and slow walks in the glistening forest are more your style, the Crested Butte Nordic Center is just the answer. Take off on over 55 miles of groomed trails with you personal guide or with family and friends. Rent skis, snowshoes, sled and skates to make the most out of your visit to the Center. If you like to ride, our many outfitters can take care of snowmobile rentals or getting you hooked up for a dog sledding adventure!

Year round, picturesque Elk Avenue boasts an interesting assortment of shopping: from boutiques to outfitters and high fashion western home decor to whimsical children's stores and galleries featuring original objects dart, paintings and photography from many local artisans. To please any palate, there are more than 20 restaurants from which to choose: Chinese, Italian, Mexican, Thai, pizza, middle eastern, seafood, sushi, breweries, western cuisine, continental, traditional and gourmet French! For those interested in the performing and theatre arts, the Crested Butte Mountain Theatre and the Crested Butte Center for the Arts feature ongoing plays both original and renown; ballet, musicians from around the world and vocalists that hit the high notes at 8,885 altitude!

FUN FACTS TO KNOW AND TELL 1) One of the best preserved working man's towns from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. 2) Originally a silver boom town, Gothic was purchased in 1928 by the Rocky Mountain Biological Lab that remains a center of learning today.

OTHER PLACES TO VISIT 1) Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum 2) Walking tours of historic buildings provided by museum staff 3) West Elk Loop to access Baldwin, coal mining ghost town.

BEST TIMES TO VISIT Memorial Day - Columbus Day

BYWAYS West Elk Loop Scenic and Historic Byway