Gunnison-Crested Butte is Colorado Pure & Simple. . .

Curecanti National Recreation Area and Blue Mesa, Colorado's largest Body of water.

Visit our Web site www.gunnisoncrestedbutte.com

Crested Butte, Colorado | Gunnison, Colorado

Welcome to the heart and soul of the rugged Rocky Mountains in southwestern Colorado. If you're looking for something authentic and extraordinary, you'll be happy to get to know us! Our friendly 1880's Western and Victorian mountain towns make the Gunnison-Crested Butte Area a unique Rocky Mountain vacation destination -- spring, summer, winter, or fall.

Experience Western heritage, Victorian mining towns, the best of Colorado's outdoor recreation, Gunnison National Forest, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Curecanti National Recreation Area, festivals, Seasonal Events and Colorado's last great ski town.

Boat, fish, camp, kayak, raft, hike, bike, rock climb, snowmobile, snowboard, nordic ski, snowshoe, star gaze, and jeep tour are just a few of the activities that await you in Gunnison County!

Crested Butte is Colorado Pure & Simple. . .

The Town of Crested Butte, a registered National Historic District and turn of the century Victorian mining town is located just 28 miles north of the City of Gunnison and south of the famous Kebler Pass, known as the home to the largest living organism in the USA...an aspen grove! Crested Butte is also the Wild Flower Capital of Colorado and is home to the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame and the Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum.

In non-winter months, sightseeing, camping, biking, horseback riding, hot air ballooning and day hikes on gentle trails throughout the Gunnison National Forest are just a few of the leisurely activities our guests enjoy. And, winter sports are centered around Crested Butte Mountain Resort for alpine skiing, snowboarding, tubing and riding the terrain pipes! Gentle slopes to the extreme make our mountain perfect for all skill levels and ability! And, if "sliding" and slow walks in the glistening forest are more your style, the Crested Butte Nordic Center is just the answer. Take off on over 55 miles of groomed trails with you personal guide or with family and friends. Rent skis, snowshoes, sled and skates to make the most out of your visit to the Center. And, if you like to ride, our many outfitters can take care of snowmobile rentals or getting you hooked up for a dog sledding adventure!

Year around, picturesque Elk Avenue boasts an interesting assortment of shopping: from boutiques to outfitters and high fashion western home decor to whimsical children's stores and galleries featuring original objects d'art, paintings and photography from many local artisans. And, to please any palate, there are more than 20 restaurants from which to choose: Chinese, Italian, Mexican, Thai, pizza, middle eastern, seafood, sushi, breweries, western cuisine, continental, traditional and gourmet French!

For those interested in the performing and theatre arts, the Crested Butte Mountain Theatre and the Crested Butte Center for the Arts feature ongoing plays both original and renown; ballet, musicians from around the world and vocalists that hit the high notes at 8885 altitude!

Directions to Crested Butte:

From Denver International Airport take I-70 west, exit onto E470 and continue west, Then take Highway 285 south to Fairplay then through Poncha Springs; head west onto Highway 50 up and over Monarch pass, in Gunnison take Highway 135 north to Crested Butte.

From Colorado Springs take Highway 24 west, when it junctions with Highway 285 go south through Poncha Springs; head west onto Highway 50 up and over Monarch pass in Gunnison take Highway 135 north to Crested Butte.

Call 800-852-3227 for more information or vacation planning assistance.

Gunnison is Colorado Pure & Simple. . .

Gunnison is the gateway to our western heritage rich in ranching and farming as well as home to the beautiful high country campus of Western State College of Colorado.

The extra wide streets all through town are past signs of the city once designated to be Colorado's Capital. Gunnison, in the heart of the Gunnison National Forest is known for several seasons of hunting, fishing in the famous Gunnison River, the 2nd largest tributary to the Colorado River and biking at Hartman Rocks, home to the 24 Hours in the Sage Bike Race.

The newest attraction is the Gunnison Whitewater Park where competitions take place when locals aren't using it for perfecting their paddling style. And, to house the many sporting and music events and down home festivals, the spacious Jorgensen Park and Legion Park offer scenic venues for such activities as the Gunnison Car Show, Sundays at 7:00 and the Big Blue Marketplace.

Main Street and Tomichi Avenue offer guests a wide variety of dining options and unique shopping brings such things as handmade moccasins, turquoise jewelry, "uptown" fashion, saddlery and western wear, Colorado collectibles and unique country home furnishings.

For a trip down memory lane, visit the Pioneer Museum. This collection of 11 buildings house the original 1800's Gunnison Post Office, school, antique steam trains, homes and the full story of Gunnison's broad and rich heritage.

The arts are well represented at the Gunnison Arts Center. Regional and national art exhibits are joined with theatre, dance, pottery and painting instruction as well as other classes offered on an ongoing basis.

In Gunnison you'll find a pioneering spirit, love for the great outdoors, western hospitality, and some of the most spectacular scenery on earth! Gunnison County is home to nearly 100 miles of the West Elk Loop, one of 21 Scenic Byways in Colorado and the closest you can come to a wilderness experience in a passenger car. The Black Canyon of the Gunnison, on of our nation's newest US National Parks, is just one hour's ride from the City of Gunnison and Curecanti; a National Recreation Area is just 15 minutes from town. Here you will enjoy every imaginable water sport on Colorado's largest body of water, the Blue Mesa. Marina's provide rental options to explore the canyons that run along nearly 92 miles of shoreline.

With over a dozen sites with facilities for camping and RVing, this is a high country oasis for those who love the great outdoors. And, bring your horses because there are trails to explore in and around the Gunnison National Forest which surrounds the expansive Curecanti.

The surrounding mining towns of Marble, Crystal, Gothic, Powderhorn, Almont, Pitkin and Tin Cup each have a "special something" whether you are passing through or want to spend a few days.

Directions to GUNNISON:

From Colorado Springs take Highway. 24 west, when it junctions with Highway 285 go south through Poncha Springs; head west onto Highway 50 up and over Monarch pass to Gunnison.

Call 800-851-0589 for more information or vacation planning assistance.