Experience Crested Butte at vacation home rentals
There aren't many places that can claim to be 'the capital' of 2 prime outdoor sports. But Crested Butte can. Its 12,000-foot cone-shaped peak is as much loved by skiers when blanketed in snow, as it is by mountain bikers, when swathed in summer's blanket of wildflowers. And the seasonal hordes of thrill-seeking skiers and bikers find plenty of room to express themselves on the mountain's iconic slopes. Those booking Crested Butte vacation rentals will also find a charming historic town with an easy-going vibe. Its hip restaurants, funky shops, and cool film and music festivals are legendary.
Attractions near Crested Butte vacation rentals
Many of the best-located Crested Butte vacation rentals lie on its mountain-top resort—but don't neglect lodgings in town. At the Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum, you can explore an intriguing backstory that includes silver and coal mining. Or you can take in a play at the Crested Butte Mountain Theater. If you're here in spring, then a drive up the Kebler Pass is a must. This is the Wildflower Capital of the West and the sweeping colors of the mountain meadows—alight with Indian paintbrush and columbine—are a real heart-leap moment.
Things to do near Crested Butte vacation homes
There's a host of sports to delight in when staying at this winter-thrills wonderland. But extreme skiing has most defined Crested Butte's scene. There are hundreds of acres of jagged slope set aside for the skiing hardcore, as well as miles of broad curving trails to satisfy the need-for-speed crowd. In summer, you're never far from a snaking alpine bike trail in a resort that practically invented mountain biking. But there are other challenges to conquer, too. Rock climbing, white-water rafting, and horseback riding all provide alternate angles on Crested Butte's inspiring outdoors spectacle.
Local weather for your stay in Crested Butte vacation homes
It's no surprise that this capital of extreme skiing has winters of seemingly endless frozen potential. Book a Crested Butte cabin from November through March, and you'll have 300 inches of snow to play with—whether on a snowboard or skis. Come the spring and it's time to switch to 2 wheels, but remember that it takes time for snows to thaw. The higher mountain trails don't open until July. It's worth the wait, though. Bikers, hikers, and tourers are rewarded with vivid swathes of mauve, blue, and saffron this month.
Nature center-stage at Crested Butte
It may be the elegant pinnacle of Crested Butte itself that draws the eye, but this Colorado town is surrounded by natural spectacle. The town lies at the head of Gunnison Valley, just west of the mountain, while the resort itself—where many Crested Butte vacation rentals are found—is higher up at 9,100 feet. The Gunnison National Forest covers all this area and more. It is a natural playground of meadows, mountain, and glaciers. Pause long enough on its trails and you may hear the wail of a coyote or see a mountain lion slink by.
Transportation to and around Crested Butte
The nearest airport is in Gunnison, CO (GUC-Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional), located 23.2 mi (37.3 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that works for your travel itinerary, you can also fly into Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE), which is 25 mi (40.2 km) away.
Kid-friendly attractions near Crested Butte vacation homes
Crested Butte is filled with family-friendly attractions for adults and children of all ages. Vacation homes are available near places like the Trailhead Children’s Museum, a unique museum with educational exhibits for kids, and Crested Butte Town Park, a vast park with recreational areas in scenic woodland surrounds. Kids will also like Rainbow Park, a lively regional park with sports fields and events.
Romantic vacation homes in Crested Butte
Couples looking for a romantic retreat will enjoy the scenic beauty of Crested Butte. Vacation rentals can be found near places like Snodgrass Mountain, an alpine peak with hiking and biking trails to a high summit with sweeping views of the mountains, and the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame, a museum commemorating the history of mountain biking. You could also visit Crested Butte Nordic, a winter sports facility with cross-country terrain and an ice rink.