Month: October 2024

The Ultimate Crested Butte Guide: Our Top Picks for Food, Hikes, and More

distance from Denver: around 4 hours
Yellow aspen trees framing a mountain scene in Crested Butte in the autumn


Crested Butte is one of our absolute favorite mountain towns! This adorable town has beautiful mountain views, great food, and perfect vibes. We recently visited this fall, making that the third time we’ve been in the past five months. It’s our dream to live in the area one day. I’m going to be sharing some of our top spots in Crested Butte, from restaurants to hikes and everything in between. The list will be ever-evolving as we continue to visit again and again. Let’s get into it!

Food/Drink

  • Breadery
    Carbo-holics will love Breadery. Start your meal with the most delicious sourdough bread chunk. You can either go for the daily special or a basic sourdough. It comes with oil and vinegar, but you can also add herbed roasted garlic oil and various kinds of butter. The menu changes seasonally, which is something I love. I recommend making a reservation if you plan on dining here, which you should.
  • The Hideout
    We just visited here recently and it was fantastic. The Hideout offers an amazingly tasty fusion menu, a lovely outdoor space, and fantastic service. I definitely recommend the bao.
  • The Secret Stash
    If you’re in a pizza mood, check out The Secret Stash. They have tons of really fun and unique pizza flavors.
  • Mikeys Pizza
    Another great option for pizza is Mikey’s. We went here once when Jon smelled the pizza wafting through the air from outside. While I didn’t order anything myself, I had a bite of his giant slice. It was incredible.
  • Butte Bagels
    If you’re into bagel sandwiches, head to Butte Bagels. It’s a pretty popular spot, so be prepared to wait in line. They offer both breakfast and lunch sandwiches. Oftentimes, it’s our first stop when getting to CB.
  • McGills
    If you’re looking for more of a sit-down breakfast, head to McGills. This spot is a great classic diner. Jon and I enjoyed some French Toast and Corned Beef Hash and Eggs.
  • The Eldo Brewery
    I can’t imagine a trip to CB without visiting The Eldo. On top of great local beer, they also have a kitchen serving up Himalayan food, though it’s technically a separate business. Upon walking in, you’re welcomed by the smell of delicious spices. Be sure to try the Chicken Momo (and get it fried). They also have an awesome rooftop space with heaters.

Coffee/Tea

  • T-Bar
    T-Bar has a large menu of teas, coffee, smoothies, and more. The honey cold brew matcha is a must-try. I have yet to find a matcha I like as much as this one.

Shopping

  • Scout’s General Store
    A little off the main strip, Scout’s General is a cute shop with a little bit of everything. I love this store! I especially enjoy browsing their clothes and accessories.

Hiking

Autumn photo from the Cliff Creek Trail 840 to Beckwith Pass Trail 842 in Crested Butte.


Crested Butte has a variety of hiking trails that highlight the best of the area’s natural beauty, from wildflowers to vibrant aspens to mountain vistas. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely walk or a challenging hike, there’s something for everyone here. We’ve picked out some favorites to get you started. Check out our top spots in Crested Butte for hiking

  • Crested Butte Upper and Lower Loop
    I’ve done this hike multiple times within just a few months. It’s close to town, has beautiful views, and isn’t super challenging. This is also the first hike I took my friends on while they were visiting Colorado.
    Difficulty: Easy
  • Snodgrass Mountain Trail
    This trail is especially awesome during wildflower season, but is also great for fall colors!
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • Dyke Creek Trail
    Dyke Creek Trail is lovely for hikers and mountain bikers alike (as well as horseback riders).
     Difficulty: Hard
  • Baxter Gulch Trail
    I hiked about half of this trail last fall, which was absolutely gorgeous. It’s actually where I captured the cover photo on this blog post.
     Difficulty: Hard
  • Cliff Creek Trail 840 to Beckwith Pass Trail 842
    Jon and I enjoyed this lovely hike one autumn morning. It was the perfect way to start the day.
    Difficulty: Moderate

Biking (Jon’s Corner)

Crested Butte is often regarded as a mecca for mountain biking, and for good reason. With its expansive network of trails, ranging from beginner-friendly loops to challenging alpine adventures, this town offers something for every level of rider. Whether you’re looking to cruise through wildflower meadows, navigate aspen groves, or test your skills on a high-altitude single track, Crested Butte has it all. While the options are seemingly endless, we’ve highlighted a few must-ride trails that capture the essence of this mountain biking paradise.

  • 401 Loop
    This trail is often hailed as the crown jewel of Crested Butte mountain biking, and for good reason. Though it’s located about half an hour from town via Schofield Pass, the journey is more than worth it. The classic route begins with a challenging climb up the Schofield Pass 4×4 road, offering a perfect chance to take in the striking beauty of Emerald Lake before you hit the 401 singletrack. The best time to ride this trail is in mid-summer when the wildflowers are in full bloom, providing a colorful and unforgettable backdrop.
    Difficulty: Intermediate
    Pro Tip: Start early in the day to avoid afternoon thunderstorms, which are common in the mountains during the summer.
  • Crested Butte Upper and Lower Loop
    These trails, which Helaina also recommends for hiking, are equally popular with mountain bikers. They’re perfect if you’re pressed for time or just starting out, yet still want to soak in the stunning scenery of Crested Butte. Located conveniently close to town, this loop offers a great mix of flowing singletrack and mild climbs that cater to beginners while still offering scenic views.
    Difficulty: Beginner
    Pro Tip: Ideal for a quick post-work ride or as a warm-up trail before tackling more challenging routes.
  • Lupine Trail
    Running parallel to the Upper and Lower Loops on the opposite side of the Slate River, the Lupine Trail is a scenic ride through breathtaking meadows filled with its namesake lupine flowers. You’ll also find yourself riding through groves of aspens, making this trail a must for wildflower season but just as spectacular in the fall when the leaves turn golden. The varied terrain makes it an accessible yet rewarding experience for both beginners and intermediates. If you’ve already tackled the Upper and Lower Loop but are craving more, be sure to cross the river and check out the Lupine Trail for an extended adventure!
    Difficulty: Beginner/Intermediate
    Pro Tip: Ride in the morning or evening to catch the best light for photos, especially during leaf-peeping season.
  • Reno/Flag/Bear/Deadman’s Gulch Loop
    This classic Crested Butte route is a favorite for those looking for a big backcountry adventure. Covering about 18 miles and 3,000 feet of elevation gain, it offers a perfect mix of long climbs, fast descents, and varied terrain. You’ll start with a steady ascent up Reno Divide, followed by a fun, flowy descent down Flag Creek. After climbing Bear Creek, the trail rewards you with a technical, yet exhilarating, downhill through Deadman’s Gulch. With its wide-open meadows, dense forests, and creek crossings, this ride has it all. Be prepared for a challenging but unforgettable day in the backcountry.
    Difficulty: Intermediate/Advanced
    Pro Tip: Pack plenty of water and snacks, and always start early to avoid afternoon storms.

Sweet Treats

  • Tin Cup
    This ice cream shop serves homemade ice cream from Third Bowl. The offer some bizarre (but yummy) flavors and typical flavors, which rotate depending on the season and the day. I had the green chile honey this fall, and it was really good. Jon loves the ice cream sandwiches loaded with tasty toppings.

Misc.

  • Gunnison Rec Center
    If you’re camping in CB and want somewhere to grab a shower, the Gunnison Rec Center, which is about 30 minutes away, is a great option! They also have a climbing wall, an aquatic center, and traditional gym equipment.
  • Crested Butte Library
    Looking for a peaceful place to focus or catch up on some work? The Crested Butte Library offers a quiet, cozy space to settle in and get things done. And, of course, read!


We hope you enjoyed our collection of some of the top spots in Crested Butte! This is a really special classic mountain town, with butte-iful views, delicious food, and great vibes.

Have you been to Crested Butte? Share your favorite spots in the comments – we’d love to hear about them!

Conquering the Trails: My First Mountain Biking Adventure

ABOUT 1 HOUR 15 MINUTES
Lai on a mountain bike with the Dillon Resovoir in the background during her first mountain biking adventure.
sun, oct 6, 2024

I recently embarked on my first mountain biking adventure. I knew I wanted to try mountain biking one day, but I hadn’t made it happen yet. I’ve loved skiing and hiking for years, but mountain biking remained an unexplored territory. While I didn’t see it as something I would dive deep into, I wanted to at least give it a try to see what it was like. The idea of exploring the mountains in a new way excited me, but I was definitely scared. Earlier this month, the perfect time came for me to finally give it a shot.

We had been throwing around different ideas for our Sunday plans and landed on mountain biking. We were in the mountains for the weekend, as we often are, this time at a hotel in Breckenridge. Sunday was check-out day and we wanted to stick around the area and enjoy some more mountain air before returning to Denver. It felt like the perfect moment to finally go for it, especially because Jon mentioned there were beginner-friendly trails at the Frisco Peninsula, making it an ideal spot for my first ride.

I hadn’t even been on a regular bike in close to a decade, with cycle class being the closest I’d come. But as the saying goes, ‘It’s just like riding a bike,’ and in this case, it literally was. I hoped the muscle memory would kick in. I put on my athletic shorts, a tank top, and Jon’s Big Sky flannel, and we headed to Christy Sports to rent the bike.

Bertha was a black full-suspension bike that had a lovely holographic sheen in the sun. Once the shop adjusted Bertha to my measurements and gave me a rundown on how she worked, it was time to see how I felt on a bike after so many years. I had Jon give me another explanation of how to use the gears and move the seat and I began riding around in the parking lot.

Once I felt comfortable enough riding the bike period, we set off. We took a paved road to get to where the trails were. I felt a little awkward at first, but it started to feel smooth eventually. Once we left the paved path and got to the trails, it got a little more scary. Ok, maybe a lot more scary, even though it was far from anything crazy. The trails we stuck to were truly for beginners, yet any sort of downhill, paired with narrow paths and a few rocks, made me nervous. And going uphill was quite tiring.

Jon was very supportive and cheered me on. He gave me tips to improve my form, such as bending my arms in a push-up position and using my shoulders when I needed to make turns. Despite my challenges, I had moments where I felt like I got in my stride, having fun riding comfortably, adjusting the gears based on the terrain, and moving my seat up and down. I enjoyed the feeling of flowing on the path and turning the bike along the curves. It felt so good! Of course, there were also those wonky times. I got off the bike more than once, whether out of nervousness about descending or fatigue (and more nervousness) while climbing uphill.

The Frisco Peninsula was really pretty and I enjoyed looking at the lake and the trees. I didn’t expect there to be fall colors here for some reason, but there definitely were. The scenery made it even more amazing, as typically is the case with mountain sports. I loved taking in nature in this way!

We got to a point where I needed to take a beat, so I relaxed by the water for a little. After recharging, I felt more confident and refreshed when I got back on Bertha. It was great! We rode a little longer on the trails and then diverted to a normal road for a bit. After some smooth sailing, we dipped back into the trails a tad more, before making our way back to Christy.

During our ride, I had moments of feeling nervous, unsure, or frustrated with myself, but that’s simply part of learning new things. It was all worth it for those moments when I was feeling good and having fun. It was also another great thing to enjoy together! Mountain biking is Jon’s thing, so it was fun to experience more of his world, even though it was nowhere near the level of biking he normally does. I loved riding with him. This also meant I got to watch him shred in person, which was really fun.

My first mountain biking adventure was an awesome experience, filled with nerves, fun, growth, and beauty. I’m glad I finally tried it, getting out of my comfort zone and appreciating nature’s thrills in new ways. I didn’t send it down crazy hills, or even attempt anything above a green, but I rode a mountain bike! Even in the few hours I rode, I got more comfortable and improved my skills. I look forward to biking again in the future, but probably not until next year.

I don’t plan on getting super into mountain biking. For one thing, it’s another sport to throw a ton of money into. I also don’t see myself going super hardcore with this stuff. It would, however, be fun to ride around easier trails a few times a year. I’ll probably continue to dabble in mountain biking now and then, and I’m excited about it! I also learned that I love wearing Jon’s Big Sky flannel, so I’ll probably be borrowing that more often.

For your entertainment, check out this super awkward video of me tensing up while going down a small hill.