Oct 21 (edited) in Local Guides
Creste Butte, CO
Calling (some not all) leaf peepers! Y’all are reproducing like roaches!
The Butte (no I’m not local) is home to a wonderful community with access to hiking trails, views, and a winter/summer sports playground. Not a bad food scene either… if we’re talking former abandoned mining towns.
A healthy drive from Denver, Colorado - don’t make it a short weekend trip. Book at least 2.5-3 days to explore a town showcasing the best Colorado offers.
Activity Recs
Green lake via carbon trail hike - This hike is roughly 10 minutes from downtown Crested Butte. A perfect trail to hike after a long drive to loosen those legs and reset the mind to embrace its new environment. The trail is wooded to start, opens to an incredible valley view, and ends with a stop at Green Lake to enjoy a bite and a dip in nature's best cold plunge.
Fly Fishing - I’m claiming this recommendation as a good friend of mine (who happens to share MY name) believes Crested Butte has the best fly fishing in Colorado. He proved his point as he had his best weekend of fishing this year during our last visit in September. If you’ve got the cast and can embrace that fishy smell, click the link and choose your river.
Fall Colors - Crested Butte is known for its incredible fall color scene. The area is blessed with vast aspen groves courtesy of Kebler’s Pass. Time your visit with the changing leaves using the link shared, or, around the chili and beer festival every fall.
Resilient Threads - A thrift store that’s not too big. An affordable outlet. You won’t be overwhelmed - you’ll be inspired.
Cop a Patagonia and start asking people, “How long have you lived in Denver?”.
Camping! - This campground is about 30 minutes from Crested Butte. It provides an ideal location to begin your trip as you can set up your temporary home before exploring the area. It also shaves 30 minutes off a heck of a drive when heading back towards the Denver area.
Tables, fire pits, power, and bathrooms are provided. Loyal readers know I’m a sucker for a high-end outdoor restroom. If you visit in the fall, pack warm!
Food Recs
Butte Bagels ($) - Worth the wait. The best quick breakfast in town. Talk to fellow tourists in line & enjoy a hearty meal before a day of exploration.
Sunflower ($$$) - I’m passing along this recommendation from those who know food far better than I do. If you have the budget, make a reservation here and enjoy a culinary experience during your stay.
Clark’s Market ($$) - Clark’s is a staple in many mountain towns in Colorado. Stop by to fuel up and hydrate before you take on the mountains. Remember, they’ve been here a lot longer than us.
Dissuasions
Brühaus- Crested Butte ($$) - This place has work to do. The beer menu is subpar and expensive - featuring a $29 glass of beer. The food and service haven’t been dialed in either. This establishment was new when I visited the town, and I intend to give it a second chance on my next visit. However, if you’re on a tight timeline and want to make the most of your trip, keep this watering hole off the itinerary.
Estimated cost key
- $ ($0-20 pp)
- $$ ($20-40 pp)
- $$$ ($40+ pp)
Song Rec:
No Hotel California - although this jam is on the album. Enjoy the listen. People don’t write lyrics like this tune anymore.
Book Rec:
A dense, informative read. Attia describes how to shift mindset and practice from medicine 2.0 (retroactively patching health problems) to medicine 3.0 (proactively avoiding health problems). I recommend reading this one with a notebook handy.
Quote to consider:
“He who jumps into the void owes no explanation to those who stand and watch.”
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Creste Butte, CO
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