Crested Butte is in the heart of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. What does that mean for visitors and the people who live there? Theyre at the epicenter of beauty and adventure that the majestic Colorado Rockies provide. Where to start? Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR) has put together a list of epic, yet authentically Crested Butte activities at the resort and in the surrounding area to give guests the ultimate Rocky Mountain summer vacation.
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Zipline Tours
Last summer, Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR) added a Zipline Tour to its on-mountain amenities. The guided tour includes five ziplines, and a series of suspension bridges. The Crested Butte Zipline Tour is available during the summer, fall and winter seasons. The Crested Butte Zipline Tour has been a resounding hit with resort guests, local residents and employees. Scream out loud, hoot like a monkey and do a superman dive, zipping through the tree tops on this 2 hour excursion.
Mountain Biking in the Evolution Bike Park
The Evolution Bike Park lives up to its name as it continues to evolve, with new trails and features every year. Now boasting over 25 miles and 16 trails from beginner to expert levels, the bike park is perfect for families wanting to ride together, an intermediate wanting to improve their skills in a lesson or the expert downhill mountain biker looking for fast speeds and big air. This summer the expert trail crew will build a Skills Zone in the base area for beginners to learn balance and bike control, as well as an intermediate gravity trail for riders to progress their downhill abilities.
Being one of the three bike parks in the country to partner with Specialized Bicycles, guests can demo a full range of Specialized bikes at the Crested Butte Rental and Demo Center and also sign up for bike lessons from the professional bike park staff. The Evolution Bike Park and the bike program at CBMR are unique. It is designed to progress any level of rider: get inspired, get on a bike, enjoy the trails and learn a life-long sport.
Hike to the Peak or take a mountain guided trip
Take a scenic lift ride on the Silver Queen Express from the base area to 11,500 feet, providing exquisite views of the valley floor and the towns of Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte. Once you reach to the top of the lift, hikers can continue on an hour-long hike to the iconic peak of Crested Butte Mountain (elevation 12,162 feet) with 360 degree views of the breathtaking Ragged Mountain and Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness areas.
Those looking to get to the peak in an adventure packed excursion can climb with Crested Butte Mountain Guides, along the famous Guides Ridge on a fixed rope route. For bookings, contact Crested Butte Adventure Services at 970-349-4554 for more information and reservations.
Horseback riding through the wildflowers
Whats a Colorado vacation without a horseback riding trip? In the Wildflower Capital of Colorado horseback riding transforms into a ride of beauty. With flowers of all colors reaching up to 5 feet tall, the mountains in the backdrop almost get lost. Crested Butte Adventure Services can book an outstanding horseback ride on some of the best trails in the valley.
Trail #401
Trail #401 begins just a few miles from the base area of CBMR. There is a reason this trail is internationally recognized as one of the best mountain biking trails in the world. The climb, the downhill, the views, the wildflowers and the smooth single track stand out above most any ride in the country. Whether a visitor hikes or bikes trail #401, unforgettable memories are abound.
Hike West Maroon Pass to Aspen
Crested Butte to Aspen is 24 miles as the crow flies, but hikers can take quite a few miles off by taking the West Maroon Pass trail. It begins in Schofield Park on the Crested Butte side and at Maroon Lake on the Aspen side. Shuttle transfers provide transportation at both trailheads to take guests to and from each town. Depending on your fitness level the hike can take six to ten hours, but it is worth every step. If starting in Aspen, do it as an overnight, stay at the Grand Lodge at Crested Butte and hike back within a couple of days for a true Colorado adventure. Free town shuttles between the mountain and town run every 15 minutes, so a car is unnecessary once in Crested Butte.
Taylor Park an off-road vehicle Paradise
About 45 minutes from downtown Crested Butte by car, off-road enthusiasts can enjoy over a thousand miles of motorized trails, connecting Taylor Park to the towns of Crested Butte, Aspen, Gunnison, Almont and Tin Cup, among other small townsites. To top off the notoriety of an ATV and motorcycles paradise, Taylor Park also has great camping throughout the area.
Rafting the Taylor River
Below the Taylor Reservoir lies the Taylor River where fishing and rafting are among the finest in the state. This steeper stream offers great whitewater for rafting adventures as well as eddys and water pockets to house big fish heading upstream to the dam. Rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout and cutthroat are throughout these gold medal waters and are some of the largest stream-born trout in the lower 48-states.
Rent a Townie
A townie, or cruiser bike as it is also called, is the main mode of transportation in Crested Butte. A great way to see and experience downtown, is to rent a townie from one of the numerous bike shops in the area. A tour on a bike is the perfect way to see this designated National Historic District, the old buildings and alleys and the views of the surrounding peaks.
The to do list goes on and on but regardless, adventure awaits in Crested Butte, Colorado.
About Crested Butte:
Nestled in the heart of Colorados Rocky Mountains, Crested Butte is committed to preserving the pristine landscape and mountain lifestyle. With vibrant Victorian store fronts and expressive local characters, the small historic town remains true to its heritage and radiates an unparalleled welcoming and inviting spirit that celebrates a simpler life and time. Thanks to a widely diverse landscape, outdoor enthusiasts of all levels will find a new challenge with each visit. From world-class mountain biking, to legendary skiing and snowboarding, to a secluded fly-fishing experience, Crested Butte is one of Colorados best-kept secrets. www.skicb.com
For more information about Crested Butte’s lodging, conference, meeting facilities, and special packages, call Crested Butte Vacations, (800) 600-2803 or visit the web site atwww.skicb.com.
