Crested Butte Hikes with Stunning Views: 13 Trails to Explore in 2024
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Crested Butte Wildflower Hikes
Crested Butte, Colorado is a hiker's paradise, with stunning mountain views and an abundance of wildflowers. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just starting out, there are plenty of trails to explore. Here are some of the must-do hikes in Crested Butte.
Hiking in Crested Butte among the wildflowers can only be rivaled by sleeping under a star-studded night sky. Camping in Crested Butte — well, on the outskirts of this mountain town — puts you that much closer to endless outdoor recreation.
With so many stunning summer things to do in Crested Butte like hiking, mountain biking, paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, horseback riding, and wildflower viewing, you can see why Colorado residents love to camp and take their outdoor adventures here just as much as the out-of-state folks.
One of the best hikes in Crested Butte Colorado: East Maroon Pass towards Aspen
Sitting north of Gunnison, wander among twelve and thirteen thousand foot mountains amid wildflowers, trickling streams and dense forests.
The best time to hike in Crested Butte is July and into August if you want to see the Colorado wildflowers blooming in 2024.
Here are 11 stunning hikes in Crested Butte, followed by all of our favorite hops and more outdoor fun in this mountain town tucked into Colorado's Elk Mountain Range in the Rocky Mountains.
Easy Hikes in Crested Butte
Judd Falls
Judd Falls near Crested Butte
One of the best hikes in Crested Butte Colorado, the Judd Falls Trail is a moderate hike that takes you through a beautiful forest and ends at a stunning waterfall.
The trailhead is located near the East River and follows a gentle incline through the forest.
As you hike, you'll pass by several small streams and enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature.
The highlight of the hike is Judd Falls, a 40-foot waterfall that cascades down a rocky cliff. This hike is best done in the summer months when the waterfall is at its fullest.
This easy 2.2 out and back trail takes you to an overview of the magnificent Judd Falls.
You’ll start your hike 9600’ and climb 460’ total.
The best part is you can add on Copper Creek Trail #983, which takes folks up to hike the East Maroon Pass over to Aspen. See below under challenging hikes.
To reach the trailhead: Start this short hike from the parking lot on the right side of Gothic Road (317), just after the little town of Gothic. Or drive your car up another 1/2 mile to an upper parking lot to get a bit closer. 4WD is very helpful.
Meridian Lake aka Long Lake in Crested Butte
Meridian Lake (Long Lake) Two Ways
Meridian Lake is a popular spot for SUP paddlers and swimmers. Read about it in the SUP Crested Butte section below.
You can take the easy way to Meridian Lake, but be respectful of the private property once you cross the dam. Walk the road, through the gate, and continue one around one switchback to the lake.
Bright yellow wildflowers everywhere in summer.
Hike either direction around the lake as a loop, or turn around when you like. 2.4 miles round trip. About 500’ elevation gain.
Starting the hike to Meridian Lake
We took the more challenging uphill hike to Meridian Lake. The official trailhead for Meridian Lake is .9 miles from the tennis courts. You will park in a dirt parking lot.
Follow the sign toward the Washington Gulch creek. Find the narrow plank to cross or take off your shoes. Then follow the trail to the left into the trees. This is a very steep trail. Once at the lake, head in either direction or down to the water for a swim. 280’ elevation gain in the 1/2 mile trek straight uphill.
To reach the trailhead: From the Town of Crested Butte, take Gothic Road (Route 135) north 1.75 miles. Turn left onto Washington Gulch Road and drive 1.5 miles. Park in front of the tennis courts. To reach the official trailhead, drive an additional .9 miles and park in a dirt parking lot.
PRO TIP: Weather can change quickly in summer, especially in the afternoons.
Here are our go-to packable items for Colorado hiking year round:
Patagonia Nano Puff and why it should be in your closet
Be prepared for those afternoon storms with the waterproof Torrentshell
Whetstone Vista Loop
This easy 2.7 mile loop trail on the south side of Crested Butte is a spectacular mix of forest shade and Colorado sunshine. You will gain 500 feet in elevation and may meet bikes on the trail. Enjoy a field of Colorado wildflowers in mid summer and take in all of the breath-taking views.
To reach the trailhead: From Crested Butte, hop on route 135 south for 2 miles and make a left onto Brush Creek Road. Continue another mile to the trailhead on the left side of the road. One of the popular Crested Butte hikes among locals.
Lower Loop
A great hiking trail in Crested Butte or those just arriving and acclimating to Colorado altitude.
You’ll hike an easy 7 miles, but only climb 475’ in elevation.
Trail runners love this loop, as do fall leaf peepers. The Lower Loop is colorful in the fall with the yellow Aspens.
To reach the trailhead: This easy trail starts at Pooche’s trailhead at the west end of Butte Avenue in Crested Butte.
Moderate Crested Butte Hikes
The Scarp Ridge Trail
Scarp Ridge Trail is a challenging hike that rewards hikers with stunning views of the Elk Mountains.
The trail starts at the Irwin Lake parking lot and climbs steadily through aspen groves and wildflower meadows.
As you ascend, you'll be treated to panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.
The trail eventually reaches the top of Scarp Ridge, where you can take in the breathtaking scenery before descending back down to the parking lot.
For some of the best hiking in Crested Butte, this trail is best done in the summer months when the wildflowers are in full bloom.
To reach the trailhead: Park in the Irwin Lake parking lot.
Green Lake Trail
This moderate - strenuous hiking trail carries you up to Green Lake at 10,630 feet. You’ll climb 1,800’ over 4 miles among Aspens and Pines. Lovely views.
The trail climbs steeply, but has intermittent flat sections so you can catch your breath. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy by Green Lake. Carry bear spray.
To reach the trailhead: This trail begins in Crested Butte Town Park.
Some of Colorado’s best wildflowers are in Crested Butte
Trail 403
This 7.5 mile Crested Butte hiking trail takes you up over 11,000’. Trail 403 links up with other trails if you want to add more miles for a moderate out-and-back.
A real butt burner from the start, the Colorado wildflowers and spreading views of Gothic Valley are more than worth it.
To reach the trailhead: Drive dirt road County Rd 317 / Gothic Road from Mt. Crested Butte. Go past the Judd Falls / Copper Creek Trailhead, until you reach Washington Gulch Campground. Park here and begin your hike.
Rustler Gulch
Rustler’s Gulch is another favorite moderate hike for some. However, many say not to bother with this hike UNLESS you have a 4WD with high enough clearance to get you as close to the trailhead as possible.
The Rustler Gulch Trail is a challenging hike that rewards you with breathtaking views of wildflowers and mountain peaks. The trail takes you through a beautiful valley filled with colorful wildflowers in the summer months.
As you hike, you'll gain elevation and eventually reach a stunning alpine basin surrounded by towering peaks. You’ll hike 7 miles round trip and gain 1850 feet in elevation.
Some of the best hiking in Crested Butte, this trail is most lovely in the summer months when the wildflowers are in full bloom and the weather is mild.
To reach the trailhead: You access this hike from Gothic Road just after the town of Gothic.
Rustler Gulch Trail
Challenging Crested Butte Hikes
Mount Emmons (aka Red Lady) via Copley Lake
A favorite of a long-time local, you can keep this one easy and just hike to Copley Lake alone, or keep trekking toward Mount Emmons, aka Red Lady.
Perfect for a group of mixed hiking abilities: one group can hang at Copley Lake, while the others keep heading up to the summit.
The full round trip to Copley Lake is just 3.5 miles, but you’ll climb 1000’ to get there. Take breathers and smell the wildflowers along the way.
If you choose to keep climbing to Red Lady Summit / Mt. Emmons above the pines at 12,390’, plan for 3,390’ in elevation gain and an all day trek covering 10 miles.
Drink in all the views: Scarp Ridge, Crested Butte, and the Oh-Be-Joyful valley. Refuel and recharge at Copley Lake.
Keep your eyes out for the Lupine Colorado wildflower
PRO TIP: Make sure you have the right daypack packed with plenty of water and snacks and the proper hiking footwear.
To reach the trailhead: From the Town of Crested Butte: Take Whiterock Ave west out of town as it turns into Kebler Pass Road. Drive 4.2 miles up the road, eventually turning to dirt, until you find a small parking area on the left side. Look for 2 unmarked trails a few yards up the road from there on the right-hand side; hop on the trail that is further up the road.
Copper Creek Trail to Copper Lake
Hike from Aspen to Crested Butte to Copper Lake from East Maroon Pass
This 12 mile out and back hike begins at the Judd Falls trailhead at Gothic Road, mentioned in the easy hike section above.
A wonderful forested hike along Copper Creek to Copper Lake, and then on to the top of East Maroon Pass.
Copper Lake is an ideal picnic stop. You’ll log 2430’ in upward elevation when you reach the pass.
You may bump into a few backpackers headed to Conundrum Hot Springs or over to Aspen.
To reach the trailhead: Follow Gothic Rd. north out of Mt. Crested Butte and continue past the town of Gothic, the trailhead is to the right. The road to the trailhead can be difficult for 2WD vehicles. 4WD with some ground clearance is ideal.
Let’s Talk.
Pick our brains about hiking trails in Colorado. Book a one hour call with us and get knowledgable advice and tips. We write curated itineraries too.
West and East Maroon Passes
These two stunning treks are some of the best wildflower hikes* in Crested Butte. In fact, we include them in our 17 Top Colorado Trails for Hiking in Colorado.
Make memories for a lifetime when you hike between Crested Butte and Aspen over West Maroon Pass one day (allow 5-8 hours) and return by East Maroon Pass (allow 6-10 hours) the next day.
Wildflowers along the West Maroon Pass Trail
Both routes offer amazing views of the Maroon Bells and a chance to see wildlife, abundant wildflowers, and trickling streams.
Here’s your guide to Crested Butte wildflowers and what is blooming and when.
Due to their length mostly, both the West and East Maroon Passes are labeled hard hikes.
Some girlfriends and I went up to the West Maroon Pass on the hike from Crested Butte to Aspen in late August. We crashed in Aspen, then hiked back via the East Maroon Pass.
Get the full scoop about hiking these two passes, including where to park, how to get shuttled to and from trailheads, where to sleep and more.
Thinking of backpacking the Four Pass Loop in the Maroon Bells on your list? Melody and her daughter did it in summer of 2022 and loved it!
PRO TIP: While Aspen is on the north side of the Elk Mountains, Crested Butte is nestled up to south side. The range runs from northwest to southeast between the two towns, with seven 14,000 foot peaks and several thirteeners reaching to the sky and creating a formidable barrier. Find loads of summer hikes in Aspen too.
View of the Maroon Bells from the West Maroon Pass
Oh-Be-Joyful Pass Trail
The Oh-Be-Joyful Trail is a popular hike in Crested Butte that offers stunning views of waterfalls, wildflowers, and mountain peaks.
A harder trek, just because it’s long, this trail takes you over 10 miles one way up to Daisy Pass. The Oh-Be-Joyful Pass Trail ascends up a captivating glacial valley on the east side of the Ruby Range.
At mile 5.5 there is a fork in the trail, near the end of Oh-Be-Joyful Valley. This trail heads to the right and ascends 1200’ to Daisy Pass. You will gain over 2800’ in elevation and you will be standing at 11,660’. You will log 20 miles after hiking out and back.
You will see a lot of Colorado’s state wildflower, the Columbine, while hiking Crested Butte trails
But if you want a shorter hike ending at a lake, take the other spur heading left (south) at mile 5.5, along the Ruby Range for over 2 miles while ascending about 800’ to the very pretty Blue Lake. Total elevation gain is about 2300’ and you will be standing over 11,000’ at Blue Lake. You will log nearly 14 miles hiking out and back.
You have a choice about how you want to go on this hike, both with wonderful views and wildflowers.
Crested Butte wildflowers are abundant here. Look for the Colorado state flower, the Columbine, as well as Indian Paintbrush and Avalanche Lilies.
To reach the trailhead : Travel west on County Road 12, Kebler Pass Road, for approximately 11 miles. Horse Ranch Park dispersed camping area is an open meadow on the right just before the bridge. Follow the Dark Canyon Trail #830 for 2 miles, then take Silver Basin Trail #834 for about 3 miles to the junction with the Oh-Be-Joyful Trail #835.
Waterfall Hikes in Colorado
We rounded up 27 Waterfall Hiking Trails that cover a lot of our favorite Colorado hiking trails all over this Rocky Mountain state.
The Best Brews in Crested Butte
Our favorite place to eat in Crested Butte, as well as best spots for cold and hot brews:
Secret Stash Pizza Grab a slice of Notorious Fig Pizza, dig into a pasta plate or an amazing salad.Colorado brews include an Irwin IPA, Left Hand Milk Stout, Bristol Beehive Honey Wheat and more. Or try a Secret Sloshie. 303 Elk Ave, Crested Butte, CO
Camp 4 Coffee - Locally roasted craft coffee that’s oh-so-good, plus scrumptious baked goods. 402 1/2 Elk Ave. Crested Butte, CO
Elk Avenue
Don’t forget to check out Crested Butte’s funky main street, Elk Avenue for souvenir shopping, top notch dining for all sizes of budgets and more.
You’ll find Victorian storefronts splashed with vibrant colors in this Colorado family destination with a small-town feel.
Camping in Crested Butte
Crested Butte in summer just begs you to sleep under the stars!
If you’re not into tent camping, rent an RV near Crested Butte and glamp among Colorado’s finest wildflowers! Crested Butte campsites over fabulous, unhindered night sky views.
Don’t want to drive a big RV? Have your RV set up at your destination. We love all the options with Outdoorsy, the AirBnB of RV rentals.
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Outdoorsy RV Rentals near Crested Butte - this one sleeps 10!
Oh Be Joyful Campground
Just 5 miles from Crested Butte, Colorado, Oh Be Joyful Campground is a 30-unit campground along the Slate River.
This Crested Butte campsite is named for the nearby Oh Be Joyful Creek that features massive waterfalls and colorful wildflowers in the summer months. The campground is located at approximately 9,000 feet in elevation and the views are spectacular.
A foot bridge allows visitors to access the west side of the Slate River to hike along Oh Be Joyful Creek and into the Raggeds Wilderness.
Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping
Washington Gulch dispersed camping found near the Washington Gulch Trail #403, a very scenic trail popular with campers, hikers and bikers.
All roadside vehicle and tent campers are required to camp ONLY in designated sites: Sites are designated by the presence of a 6in X 6in wooden post with a site number and camping symbol along with a permanent metal fire ring.
All sites are first come first serve, so if a site is occupied please look for another site. Fires are only permitted in the established metal fire rings.
You can also try Slate River Road dispersed campsites in Crested Butte. Learn more on DyrtPro.
Lake Irwin Campground
But you will still have access to paddling on Lake Irwin, so we’ve been told.
One of the best places for camping in Crested Butte, Lake Irwin Campground is situated on the western banks of its picturesque namesake lake, approximately 9 miles from town.
Campers enjoy the area for its abundant trail opportunities, fishing and beautiful scenery. It’s a fantastic lake to SUP paddle board. Read more below.
How to reach Lake Irwin from Crested Butte: Travel west on Gunnison County Road 12, Kebler Pass Road, for 6.5 miles to Forest Service Road 826, Lake Irwin Road. Continue on FSR 826 for 2 miles, the campground is at the end of the road.
Own an RV? Wanna make up to $50,000 this next year?
Best side hustle yet! Rent your RV when you’re not using it. Folks are always looking for RVs to rent, especially Class B and Class C RVs.
Where to Stay in Crested Butte
We love the Nordic Inn in Crested Butte for a quick one night stay.
Beautiful Vacation Homes in Crested Butte
Looking for the comforts of home? Reserve a vacation home for your crew near downtown Crested Butte. We love the ones sitting right downtown, with its funky vibe and vibrant restaurant scene and shops.
These gorgeous CB vacation homes caught our attention:
Beautiful 2 bedroom apartment in the heart of Crested Butte historic district.
Enjoy Crested Butte with this centrally located 3 bedroom home in town! Just one block from Elk Avenue shops and restaurants.
The exceptional Cloud Cottage on Elk with outdoor space is close to all the fun in Crested Butte.
SUP Crested Butte
Crested Butte in summer offers some stunning Colorado SUP paddleboard spots.
PRO TIP: Bring your own SUP and skip the rental lines and time constraints. We believe ISLE inflatable paddle boards are the most versatile paddle boards you can travel and paddle anywhere with — so you can get on the lake when you want from sunup to sundown.
Lake Irwin
The Instagram worthy high alpine lake is filled with wildflowers in July and August, making it a great spot for SUP paddling.
Sitting at 10,200’ you’ll find a campground here, also by the name of Lake Irwin, flanked by the Ruby Mountain Range. Lake Irwin is popular with mountain bikers, hikers, fishermen and paddlers.
The Lake Irwin campground is only open seasonly, typically mid June through early October.
How to reach Lake Irwin from Crested Butte: Travel west on Gunnison County Road 12, Kebler Pass Road, for 6.5 miles to Forest Service Road 826, Lake Irwin Road. Continue on FSR 826 for 2 miles, the campground is at the end of the road.
Emerald Lake
Emerald Lake is perfect for paddle boards
Sitting pretty and sweet along Gothic Road, Emerald Lake is an idyllic high elevation picnic area in a picturesque basin providing a quiet restful summer experience. Sometimes there is a red canoe sitting there for your use as well.
You will pass Emerald Lake just before you park for the West Maroon Pass Trailhead. Travel north on Forest Road 317 for approximately 6.5 miles on narrow, rough road.
ISLE PIONEER is the best inflatable stand up paddle board for beginners. Stable, lightweight and extremely durable, this SUP is built for a wide range of activities and skill levels.
Meridian Lake (aka Long Lake)
Meridian Lake, also called Long Lake is a popular local Crested Butte lake up along Washington Gulch.
A perfect place for summer time swim, you’ll find SUP paddlers and picnicking families here too. Plenty of room for everyone to spread out along the long lake.
PRO TIP: Stay off private property located along the lake. To get to the lake, drive up Washington Gulch Rd. and park in the small lot where the road turns to gravel. Hop across the creek and hike the steep, quick .3 miles up the hill to the lake.
Lower Slate River
The Lower Slate is great for SUP paddling in Crested Butte
Wheelies and Waves recommended the Lower Slate River to us for our first SUP paddle in Crested Butte.
A popular area for paddle boards and floating, the Slate River winds through Crested Butte, Colorado.
There are two main sections: the Upper Slate and the Lower Slate. Beginner and intermediate paddlers should float the mellow Lower Slate River.
The Lower Slate runs from town by the Rec Path to Skyland. Respect wildlife and use only designated put-ins and take-outs. Float in small groups and be quiet. It helps to have a car parked at the take-out to shuttle folks back.
The Upper Slate River moves quickly with many twists, turns, and strainers and is only meant for experienced paddling in Crested Butte.
Put in for SUP paddling the Lower Slate in Crested Butte in early July
Taylor Reservoir
Nearly an hour’s drive from Crested Butte, spend a day at Taylor Reservoir.
Taylor Park Reservoir offers boating, fishing and swimming. Anglers throw out their lines for northern pike, kokanee salmon, and rainbow, brown, brook and cutthroat trout.
Find the boat ramp just below the campground. Bonus: Fishing and pontoon boat rentals are available at the marina.
Special fishing regulations apply. Please visit cpw.state.co.us for more info.
Mountain Passes near Crested Butte
Summer in Crested Butte means jaw dropping mountain passes for gawking at gorgeous mountains and Colorado wildflowers. Summer is your time to drive these four mountain passes to or from Crested Butte.
PRO TIP: For the latest road updates, visit Colorado Department of Transportations.
COTTONWOOD PASS
Connect Buena Vista via Cottonwood Pass. Stop for some SUP paddling at Taylor Reservoir.
Climb past the Collegiate Peaks and take in the views.
Not open in winter.
Cottonwood Pass between Buena Vista and Crested Butte
MONARCH PASS
Monarch Pass (US-50) tops out at 11,312 feet along the Continental Divide, offering awesome vistas all around.
Monarch Pass connects the western towns of Crested Butte, Gunnison, Montrose along US-50 with the eastern towns of Salida, Buena Vista, Colorado Springs.
The only pass mentioned here that is open year round, a winter snow has been known to close Monarch Pass from time to time.
KEBLER PASS
Kebler Pass connects Crested Butte with Paonia in the west. It’s an ideal seasonal shortcut to Aspen in the Roaring Fork Valley.
Kebler Pass is one of the best spots to see Colorado’s fall aspens, since it laces you through Gunnison National Forest and is open approximately mid-June to mid-October.
Pearl, Taylor, and Schofield Passes all offer shorter distances between Crested Butte and Aspen but you’ll need to be behind the wheel of a 4x4. You can also mountain bike these passes.
SCHOFIELD PASS
Driving the harrowing Schofield Pass requires a 4 Wheel Drive since it is one of the most hair-raising off-road expeditions in the state.
Linking the town of Marble with Crested Butte, drink in quiet wilderness views.
NOTE: Schofield Pass is typically only open for a month or two in the Late Summer, beginning in August.
Gothic Road near the Judd Falls Trailhead
Most high clearance vehicles can access Schofield Pass. But, for those heading north up to Crystal, a 4x4, ATV, or Jeep is mandatory.
Access Schofield Pass at the end of Gothic Road/ Country Rd 317, north of Mt. Crested Butte.
PRO TIP: Pearl, Taylor, and Schofield Passes offer shorter distances but require a 4-Wheel Drive. You can also bike on these roads.
What else would you like to know about outdoor adventures like hiking in Crested Butte?
More Colorado Mountain Towns with Great Hikes
Check out some of our other favorite Colorado mountain towns for hiking, views and brews:
