Nestled in a remote valley in Colorado’s soaring Rocky Mountains, the small town of Crested Butte (named after nearby Crested Butte Mountain) got its start as one of many mining towns in the area in the 1860s. Today, it is renowned for its skiing, with powder aficionados coming from far and wide to take on the double black diamond runs and beginners taking it easy on the more accessible slopes.

In town, brightly painted wooden buildings line the streets, creating a distinctive contrast with the towering snow-capped mountains. Elk Avenue is Crested Butte’s main drag, and the surrounding side streets are home to more than 50 eateries and distilleries for refueling after a hard day on the slopes. Known as the “Wildflower Capital of Colorado,” Crested Butte is a popular place for hiking and mountain biking amongst a sea of blue flax and fleabane as the snow starts to melt, a time when you could also spot bighorn sheep and moose roaming free.

Winter and summer are the most popular times of the year to head to vacation rentals in Crested Butte. During the winter, this is a popular skiing destination, and the hills and mountains are scenic spots for hiking and mountain biking in the warmer months. Crested Butte is so proud of its wildflowers that every July it celebrates nature’s pageantry with a wildflower festival, featuring art classes, garden tours, and hikes.

The spring and fall are also great times to visit, with more space to roam the area’s picturesque trails. However, keep in mind that some local businesses may be closed during the off-season. Late September brings a film festival which showcases over 100 films from around the world.

Green Lake Trail

Just a five-minute walk from town, the Green Lake Trail offers scenic aspen groves and trout fishing. With an elevation gain of almost 1,800 feet, there are some steep climbs, but getting to the end is rewarded with commanding views of the clear waters below. The hiking season is a long one, lasting from May until October. During the summer, Crested Butte’s wildflowers explode into a kaleidoscopic carpet across the valley floor, and, in the fall, the leaves burst into a dazzling array of red, yellow, and orange.

Skiing on Crested Butte Mountain

Over 1.7 million acres of National Forest envelop Crested Butte Mountain, which has been a well-known skiing destination for decades and is home to both crowd-pleasing freestyle championships and family-friendly facilities. Its location away from the highway provides uninterrupted vistas. The Adaptive Sports Center ensures that everyone can enjoy the fresh powder.

The Club at Crested Butte

At 9,000 feet of elevation, the Club at Crested Butte was designed by a world-famous course architect to offer a unique golfing experience. The area’s only course features trout-filled lakes and untouched wilderness beneath the magnificent backdrop of the towering Elk Mountains. Tee off in the winter to admire the surrounding snow-capped peaks as they’re reflected in the glassy water.