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Crested Butte's seclusion sets it apart from other Colorado ski resort towns.
The small town of about 1,500 people is 224 miles from Denver and about 30 miles from Gunnison - that's a good thing for those who want a mountain vacation without the crowds. Bikers, hikers, fisherman, golfers and other outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the great outdoors the way it should be: in solitude.
Mountain bikers, in particular, will enjoy the Crested Butte area. It's known as the birthplace of Mountain Biking and home to the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame and Museum and the Fat Tire Festival. The 401 Trail, Paradise Divide, Poverty Gulch are world-renowned trails that traverse through wildflower fields and around alpine lakes. The 12,705 foot Pearl Pass takes riders from Crested Butte through forests, waterfalls and panoramic views all the way to Aspen.
The Gunnison National Forest (which surrounds the town) may be the highlight of a Crested Butte vacation. The area is ideal for river runners, climbers, hikers and bikers. Visitors can see historic mining sites, thick forests and an array of wildlife. The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Forest is about a two-hour drive from Crested Butte, but it's worth the trip. With sheer cliffs that jut 2,000 feet into an abyss of shadow, it rivals the Grand Canyon in scope and awe-inspiring views.
Campers, hikers and fisherman can explore a number of lakes and rivers like Sheep Lake, Coal Creek, Anthracite Creek, Taylor Reservoir, Texas Creek, Willow Creek, Lake Irwin, Cimarron River and Silver Jack Reservoir.
Despite the town's small size, it also boasts unique festivals and various restaurants, boutiques and spas. Some of the summer festivals visitors should plan for include: Alplenglow, the Crested Butte Music Festival, the Wildflower Festival, Reel Fest film festival, Wild Mushroom Festival, Mountain Biking Festival, Festival of the Arts and Cattleman's Days.
A stay in Crested Butte gives visitors good access to the Gunnison National Forest while also being able to take advantage of resort activities and amenities. Don't miss out on what could be Colorado's secret getaway.
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