Crazy, But Crested Butte Is Better Without Snow

 

Crested Butte Is Excellent All Year

 

You might call us crazy but Crested Butte, Colorado is better without snow. We love to drive mountain roads in the Fall. That’s our happy place. We’ll show you an endless amount of fun in Crested Butte when it’s not winter.

 

Would sightseeing be interesting on an old rugged stagecoach route? What if it cut through some of the most gorgeous Colorado mountain views with streams, fields and wildflowers? Would you also believe that this beautiful Colorado scenery is from a forest road almost 8,900 feet in the Rockies? Above all, anyone can have this spectacular Rocky Mountain experience. We’ll show you how easy it is in Crested Butte, Colorado!

 

By the way, this road goes through a historic ghost town too.

 

 

About Crested Butte

 

 

You probably know Crested Butte as a popular destination for snow skiing and mountain biking. But, did you know this is also the designated wildflower capital of Colorado? You’ll understand why when you see the meadows that are all around. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to see beautiful mountains and blue sky as a backdrop! This is a great example of why Crested Butte is better without snow.

 

Originally, coal and silver mining in the area started this town. Many of the wood houses still reflect this with their bright colors and original window panes. With this in mind, take a walk down Elk Ave. Here, you will see plenty of houses that are shops, bars and restaurants. This town loves dogs too so It’s ok to bring them with you. We like this!

 

The Mountain Express is the free bus service. You can ride from the condos to town and then up to Mount Crested Butte.

 

 

What To See And Do Around Crested Butte

 

 

You won’t run out of things to do in Crested Butte!

 

First, walk the Rec Path to relax and unwind. As well as stunning scenery, this paved walking/bike path has benches and markers to read. Remember, Crested Butte is the wildflower capital of Colorado!

 

Second, look for wildlife. There are large herds of elk and mule deer in the area. Keep in mind, bears and mountain lions can be found in some areas so be careful. You could see moose, bighorn sheep and mountain goats too. If you like birdwatching, this area is on a migratory bird route.

 

Another great time to experience Crested Butte is during a festival. There are several to choose from. Crested Butte Wildflower Festival, Music Festival, Chili and Beer Festival and the Arts Festival are just a few.

 

There are plenty of fantastic hiking trails to explore. You will find out of this world views from walking these trails. In fact, trails are close to town for all skill levels.

 

If you like mountain biking, look into trail 401. It’s a 14 mile trail around Gothic. It has a reputation as one of Colorado’s best mountain bike trails.

 

Or, try your luck at fly fishing in the streams around Crested Butte. Brown, Brook and cutthroat trout are stocked here. Fishing guides welcome everyone from beginners and up.

 

For a unique view of the town and mountains, you can take a hot air balloon ride. Imagine seeing the morning sun rise and warm the mountain tops.

 

These are just a few things to do in Crested Butte. Accordingly, you’ll remember it’s fresh mountain air and dramatic scenery forever.

 

 

Don’t Pass Up This Scenic Drive

 

 

Forest Road 317 is a drop dead gorgeous drive. Up to a point, more about that later. This is such an easy road that anyone can do it. Bikers enjoy riding this road too. Surprisingly, the scenery looks like what you see on four wheel drive roads. Find a place and take a deep breath. Let the fresh alpine air clear your senses and relax before you start.

 

Read here for another unique adventure that we love.

 

 

Crested Butte to Gothic

 

 

Start in downtown Crested Butte then follow the signs towards Gothic. Just outside of town and on the right is the Crested Butte Cemetery. Next, will be the Mt. Crested Butte skiing village.

 

Beyond the village, a peaceful aspen grove welcomes you. This is a perfect place to bring your chair or hammock. In truth, we could have stayed here for hours. We think you’ll agree that Crested Butte is better without snow after seeing the aspen groves.

 

 

The Historic Ghost Town Of Gothic

 

 

Next, in about 8 miles is the historic ghost town of Gothic. Gothic is more active in the summer months. Mainly because of The Rocky Mountain Biological Lab. You’ll see students studying the ecosystem all over this area. What better place? You”ll see history and education come together.

 

Before, Gothic was a booming silver mining town. We picture this as a wild west town just like in the movies. Funny, A roll of the dice decided its first mayor. At its peak, Gothic had about 200 buildings. The silver market eventually crashed and by 1914 it was deserted.

 

This is an old stagecoach road that connected mining towns. One famous stagecoach rider climbed up into the driver’s seat for this part of the road.

 

During his presidency, Ulysses S. Grant wanted to see a wild mining camp. So, while in Colorado, they brought him to see Gothic. Gothic earned the reputation of the wildest mining camp in Colorado. Gambling, drinking and prostitution happened a lot here. It’s been noted that President Grant drove his stagecoach into this wild town to a cheering crowd.

 

 

Gothic To Emerald Lake

 

 

Just past Gothic, you’ll pass the Judd Falls/Copper Creek Trailhead. There are also two campgrounds just off of this section, Avery Creek and Gothic. This part has fantastic views of mountains and meadows. A good place to take photos is at the bridge that crosses the East River. It’s in between these two campgrounds and a nice place to walk around. In this area on the left, you will see a tall waterfall flowing off the side of the mountain.

 

Soon, the road will start to change on the way to Emerald Lake. It’s about three miles from the Gothic Campground to the lake. As you get closer to the lake the road will become more narrow and have some steep drop offs. Since other traffic might be coming make sure you drive carefully. Just before the lake take the left turn. This road will take you the short distance to the lake and parking area.

 

You can enjoy this alpine lake since Crested Butte is better without snow. Once you are at the lake you can hike the trails and just relax. In the past, someone has left a canoe and oars for others to enjoy. How fun!

 

There are a few small areas to pull off just before Emerald Lake. This might be a good place to walk to the lake if you don’t feel comfortable driving the rest of the way.

 

Also, check on road conditions before you go. People have driven to Emerald Lake in a Toyota Prius and Honda CRV. Some people will recommend taking a four wheel drive though. It really depends on what you’re comfortable with. Just remember to take it slow and easy.

 

Now, you can go back to Crested Butte and enjoy this beautiful alpine scenery again!

 

 

WARNING! Do Not Drive Past Emerald Lake

 

 

Even though FR317 is a gorgeous road, it becomes extremely dangerous. Do not go past Emerald Lake. Just past Emerald Lake is a sign that warns only high clearance 4X4 vehicles allowed. This is just before Schofield Pass. This road turns into Colorado’s most dangerous four wheel drive road. Many people have died by sliding over the edge of the mountain.

 

Some parts of this road have about one foot between your wheels and the edge of a cliff. Also, you will have to pass through a stream. Your brakes will get wet immediately before driving down a steep cliff. Wet brakes and steep cliffs don’t have a happy ending. In Fact, there are no places to turn around, so why risk it.

 

 

Final Thoughts

 

 

Too many people don’t believe they can get out to beautiful places. We enjoy showing how easy it is to find fun, accessible, beautiful and interesting places. Crested Butte, in particular Forest Road 317, is one of these places. We want everyone to realize they can do this too!

 

We hope you agree that Crested Butte is better without snow. Of course, tell us what you think in the comments!

 

Here’s a fun way to experience Americana through small towns. Check it out!

 

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