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

distance from Denver: around 4 hours

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

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!