Hiking Crested Butte, Colorado

The Trip

We will hike four “must do” trails near the town of Crested Butte. This area is considered the “wildflower capital of Colorado." Crested Butte rises 8,909 feet above sea level on the edge of the beautiful Elk Mountains in the Gunnison Country of Colorado's Western Slope. Between Crested Butte and Aspen, 25 miles to the north, are six 14,000-foot-high peaks with 12,000-foot-high passes and scenery that takes the breath away. Crested Butte began as a silver camp, but soon turned into one of the great coal towns of the West, with a rich heritage evolved from the mining camps. Because of its location, it is off the beaten path. We will stay at a guesthaus with a mountain view, fireplace, sauna, and Jacuzzi. Each evening we will walk a short distance to town to enjoy many of the excellent restaurants.

Day 1: We will meet following breakfast on Sunday, load our van, and drive to Crested Butte. This will be a five-hour scenic drive. We will go over several passes between 9,000 feet and 11,000 feet. One of the passes, Monarch Pass, is considered one of the most scenic in Colorado. We will stop for a picnic lunch on our way. We will drive through Johnson Village with Mt. Princeton (14,204 feet), one of the Collegiates, in the distance. We will check into our guesthaus that evening and get together for a welcome dinner in historic Crested Butte. Crested Butte is at 8,909 feet so we will continue to acclimate to the elevations in the Rocky Mountains. 

Day 2: Following breakfast we will drive to the trailhead for our first hike, Lost Lake Slough to Beckwith Pass. We will start at 9,597 feet and hike to 9,956 feet an elevation gain of 1,165 feet. The first mile is through thick spruce and then beautiful summer flowers. There are views of Marcellina Mountains, the Ruby Range, and East Beckwith Mountain. We will eat our packed lunches on the trail. Round trip will be 6.2 miles. If we are feeling strong and adjusted to the elevation we can also hike to Beckwith Bench and possibly observe elk.

Day 3: Again after breakfast we will drive to our second hike, Scarps Ridge. This trail has dramatic scenery with jaw-dropping vistas, an easy approach, and a quick escape from the ordinary. We will have views of peaks, cliffs, valleys, lakes, and a variety of colors. The trailhead is at 10,559 feet. Round-trip distance is 6.1 miles, with an elevation gain of 1,250 feet.

Day 4: This is our option day. Options include whitewater rafting Taylor Canyon, where you might see elk or big horn sheep, or horseback riding through the mountains and valleys of the Colorado backcountry. (These activities are not included in the trip price.) Today could also be a rest day to take in the views and read a book or walk into town to shop or visit museums.

Day 5: Our third hike will be West Maroon to Hasley Pass Loop. It is a 5.51 mile loop. The trailhead is at 10,417 feet and we will climb to 12,121 feet with an elevation gain of 1,816 feet.  In season, waist-high wildflowers smother the hillsides. From the summit, see Snowmass Peak. Its massive granite walls strike a contrast against the towering red peaks of the Ruby Range. The return route is higher than the approach route, allowing expansive views of Mount Bellview, Treasury Mountain, Paradise Pass, and the West Maroon Valley. This return route gets little use.

Day 6: Our final hike for the week will be Oh-Be-Joyful Pass Trail. The trail begins at 10,200 feet and the summit is 12,000 feet.  We will ascend up a picturesque glacial valley on the east side of the Ruby Range. The upper portion of the valley is well watered with lush greenery and an excellent wildflower display with flowers such as the Columbine (the state flower), Indian Paintbrush, and Avalanche Lilies. With the Ruby Range as a backdrop, this trail is a must-do. This is an out-and-back trail, and we could hike eight to ten miles.

Getting There

Plan to fly into Denver International Airport. You need to arrive a day early to avoid complications due to late flights or lost luggage. The trip leaders will stay at La Quinta Inn (Tower Road). The hotel is not listed in the trip price and you can chose to stay elsewhere. After breakfast we will load our vehicles for our scenic drive to Crested Butte. If you miss our departure, you can arrange for a shuttle or fly to Gunnison. You can also choose to drive yourself to Crested Butte and meet the group there. Please do not make travel arrangements until the leader has confirmed you as a trip member.

Accommodations and Food

We will stay at the Christina Guesthaus, a cozy bed and breakfast. Trip price is based on double occupancy, but single rooms are available at additional cost. It is just a short walk to town. Our lodge has a mountain view, fireplace, sauna, and Jacuzzi. Breakfast is provided by the lodge in the morning, and we will pack lunches for our hikes. An introductory meal and farewell dinner are included in the trip price. Other evenings you can chose from a variety of excellent restaurants in town (not included in the trip price).

Trip Difficulty

Participants need to be in good physical condition. Because of the elevation (9,000 to 12,000 feet) and elevation gain and loss, our hikes would be considered moderate -- for some they would be considered strenuous.  

Equipment and Clothing

The equipment list will be sent out after trip approval.

References

Books:

• Vandenbusche, Duane, Crested Butte.

Maps:

• Crested Butte Pearl Pass National Geographic Top Map 131

Conservation

Since the 1970s, several companies have attempted to mine molybdenum on Mount Emmons (called the "Red Lady") near Crested Butte. In 1977 W Mitchell was elected mayor of Crested Butte and led a campaign that stopped AMAX from building a billion-dollar molybdenum mine on Mount Emmons. Because of his battle against the anticipated environmental impact, Mitchell is known as the man who "saved a mountain". The same year, 1977, saw the formation of the High Country Citizens' Alliance (HCCA), an environmental organization dedicated to protecting natural resources within the Upper Gunnison River Valley.

Currently the rights for Mount Emmons molybdenum are owned by U.S. Energy Corp. On April 25, 2011, Thomson Creek Metals announced that it had terminated its Option Agreement with U.S. Energy Corp. to acquire an interest in the Mount Emmons molybdenum project. Although US Energy continued to maintain its commitment to moving the project forward on its own behalf, the withdrawal of Thomson Creek Metals was heralded as a major victory in the township of Crested Butte in its battle against the proposed molybdenum mine.

We also want to celebrate the 100th anniversary of national parks.

Sierra Club National Outings is an equal-opportunity provider and when applicable will operate under permits obtained from U.S. federal land agencies.