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Crested Butte is a town in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Many mountain towns in the Rockies began as mining towns back in the 1800s, and Crested Butte is one of them. Unlike other mountain towns, Crested Butte had an ability to survive the booms and busts of the mining days in Colorado.
Today, it’s not known for mining, but for its scenic views, quality ski slopes, and the colorful Aspens in the fall. If you ever take the time to visit Crested Butte, if only for a weekend, you will not be disappointed.
Where to Stay in Crested Butte
We loaded up our car from Denver, and headed to Crested Butte. Visiting Crested Butte during ski season, we tried to find the best deal on the resort. The accommodation we found was a ski in, ski out location with a hot tub. It was also next door where the free bus shuttle loads passengers to take them into town. This was a skier’s paradise!
Town of Crested Butte
If you’re looking to stay in the town of Crested Butte, there are plenty of options. We were torn between this guesthaus and Public House room, before deciding to stay at the resort. If you’re looking for a big group accommodation, look no further than the academy.
Where to Eat & Drink in the Town of Crested Butte
Kochevar’s Saloon
If you’re going to a town founded during the mining era, why not embrace the history? Kochevar’s Saloon opened its doors in 1886 and is the oldest bar in town. Rumors say that Butch Cassidy once drank so much at this saloon that he forget the gun he checked in on his way out. This saloon is one of the few family-friendly nightlife options, as it serves a full food menu on top of the libations. Our favorite part, apart from its history and decoration, is it it was the cheapest drinks we had in town.
Butte Bagels
If you’re having breakfast in Colorado, I’d usually suggest somewhere that has the Colorado breakfast burritos. Butte Bagels is the exception. Between the East Coaster on an everything bagel and the Fletcher on the Jalepeno bagel; they topped any bagels I’ve ever had in New York.
Secret Stash Pizzeria
Who doesn’t love pizza? Secret Stash Pizzeria came highly recommended by friends, and is raved online for its Apres ski food and drinks. This establishment did not disappoint and we are already planning a summer return! We ordered the crackin’ wings along with the Asher’s Pie pizza.
Camp 4 Coffee
The coffee shop of my dreams has to be Camp 4 Coffee. On the outside, Camp 4 Coffee looks like a small house that’s covered in license plates. Inside you’ll find some of the best roasted coffee in town (with the option to purchase bags for home.) We ordered best mocha cappuccinos for the drive home.
Public House
After our long drive, we checked into our accommodation and quickly took the bus into town. We ducked into Public House and had a smoked Gouda mac & cheese I will think about often. The fish ‘n chips here along with the chicken tenders were also a great meal to kick off our weekend in Crested Butte.
Honorable Mention: Bones
Bones is owned as the same owners of Secret Stash, and our plan was to have Bones for lunch one day. Due to weather, we left Crested Butte a little bit earlier than planned and had to skip Bones. It will be at the top of our list next time!
Where to Eat & Drink at Crested Butte Resort
Uley’s Cabin
Once home to a lonely miner, Uley’s Cabin is located on the mountain and accessible to skiers and snowboarders (green run friendly!) The Ice Bar here should be at the top of your list! We ordered Fire & Spice and Uley’s Hot Toddy in between runs and this was a highlight of our ski day.
If you’re looking for a break off the slopes with a great view and menu, Butte 66
If you’re looking for a break off the slopes with a great view and menu, Butte 66 is a fine choice. I ordered the soup of the day paired with a Kona Big Wave on draft. Butte 66 was the ideal pick me up before a few more runs.
When on vacation, divulging in sweets is a highlight. At Tin Cup Ice Cream & Desserts, you’ll find plenty of options for your sweet tooth.
Honorable mentions: The Umbrella Bar at Ten Peaks, Paradise Cafe, Coffee Bar
Things to Do in Crested Butte For All Seasons
Ski
We have the EPIC pass, so we already had ski lift passes here. If you don’t have the EPIC pass, you can choose to get day passes that ranges from $195-$215 depending on the day
Camping
We plan on camping this summer to return to this beautiful town. If you’re interested in booking a campsite, I recommend looking at https://www.recreation.gov/ to find a list of campsites.
Hiking
All Trails is a great source to filter length of hikes, intensity of hikes, and where exactly the trail head is.
Check back in regularly for updates as we add to this list as we continue to explore Crested Butte, Colorado!
You have the best and most exciting life. So happy for you and Justin. Love to you both!