Crested Butte Colorado History and Recreation

Crested Butte Colorado at an elevation of 8,924 ft with a current population of 1,550 people, was incorporated as a town in 1880. This area was first inhabited by the Ute Indians until fur trappers came, followed by silver and coal miners during the 1860's and 70's.

Starting off as a supply town for area mines, trappers, and ranchers the town began to grow until the bottom fell out of the silver market. Coal mining continued during the early 1880's. This small town became the areas leader for coal and coke production. The creek flowing through the middle of town is called Coal Creek and in spring time can really rage.

After coal mining stopped the town decreased in population except for cattle ranching. Even the school closed and the children were then schooled in near by Gunnison.

During the 1960's a ski area was built on Crested Butte Mountain which brought new life to this town. Slowly more people began to move back, not just for the skiing but for many other outdoor activities as well.

Home to the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame Museum, this type of bicycling is very popular on the trails in this location. It is also the proclaimed "Wild Flower Capital of Colorado," when spring comes and the wild flowers start to bloom at high altitude.

Billed as "Colorado's Last Great Ski Town," there is much charm in this small town with it's laid back atmosphere and old historic buildings. Crested Butte Mountain rises to 12,162 ft, with 14 lifts and great expert ski terrain which has attracted the X Games and the US Extreme Skiing Championships to be held here. There is also a network of groomed cross country ski trails in this area and a Nordic Center.

Kebler Pass from Paonia Reservoir to this town is a very nice drive in the summer and provides access for outdoor activities like hunting and fishing. On the very top of Kebler Pass is the historical mining town of Irwin cemetery that still has some of the headstones of the 50 people that were buried here. This is a great place to pull over to walk and look at some of these old burial sites of this tree filled cemetery.

In summer months, Crested Butte Colorado has many festivals for art, mountain bikes, music and wildflowers. Backpacking, Rafting, fishing, and hunting are also very popular in this scenic mountain area. There are many good places to dine and shop. This town is 28 miles from Gunnison Colorado that has a regional airport serving both.

Get a map here for directions and different area views.

For more information go to the Crested Butte Colorado Chamber of Commerce.

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