Crested Butte Vacation Travel Blog

During the summers Mount Crested Butte opens up its chair lifts for summit hikers and Downhill Mountain Bikers. Each year they continue to add downhill riding trail to their repertoire. Quite a few of these trails offer wooden built banking ramps and jumps. Because of all the XC Biking trials around this area, this was the first time I had made it to the Mountain to try their XC trails. By linking them together and riding from town I was able to enjoy a 15 ½ mile ride with a 1,500 ft elevation change. After riding the rec trail up to the mountain I combined the Columbine, Horse Shoe and West Side Trails to explore the resort. Just to get the most out of my ride home I took Upper Loop to Tony’s Trail back into town. This is a great way to get some great views and see what the slopes look like without the snow.

Wow, what a ride. Long known as one of Crested Butte’s best rides, this trail has it all. Three challenging heart pumping hill climbs offering great views and scenic peaks. And three spectacular downhills that will leave you with a grin plastered to your face. The first two are sweeping and fast with few technical sections. The last one down Deadman’s is famous for its 32 switchbacks. Roughly 3,400 feet of elevation gain over 20 miles, this trail takes 3 to 5 hours and is rated an “expert” trail.

For more information on Crested Butte Trails click here.

This trail has long been known as a Crested Butte classic. The crazy thing is how few people are on it, which tends to leave it wide open for almost private use most days. The trail is 10.5 miles long and offers a lung challenging 2,000 ft climb. The first 5.5 miles of the climb is on a double track which is followed by a final mile of single track offer you spectacular views of the West Brush Creek Valley where few people wonder. After all that climbing you are rewarded with unique views of Star Peak, Pearl Mountain, and the east face of Mount Crested Butte. The 4 mile downhill is split between fast and rocky, and just fast. Hit it just right and you will find yourself surrounded by some of the best flowers Crested Butte has to offer!

For more information on Crested Butte Trails click here.