A Family-Friendly Guide to Crested Butte: Hiking, Food, and Small-Town Charm

I’ve been to Crested Butte a few times before—once in the summer and once in the winter—but both of those visits were short and, honestly, a blur. Back then I was younger, single, and not really paying attention to the details that now matter most. This most recent trip, however, was totally different. My husband, our two kids, and I spent nearly a week in town, and we squeezed in as much as possible.

And let me just say—Crested Butte has officially climbed to the top of my list of favorite ski towns. It’s cozy, laid-back, and welcoming, with just the right amount of mountain-town charm. Unlike Aspen or Vail, which I also love but in a more “glitzy” way, Crested Butte feels refreshingly unpretentious.

That said, the town hasn’t had an easy few years. Like many ski destinations, Crested Butte was hit hard by COVID and the soaring housing market. Locals who work here often can’t afford to live here, which has forced restaurants and shops to scale back their hours. When we visited in mid-August, many businesses were closed from Sunday through Tuesday. It’s clear the town is working on affordable housing solutions, but progress has been slow.

August also happens to be the off-season—right after summer crowds leave and just before ski season kicks in. The upside? Fewer visitors and quieter streets, which made it feel even more like a hidden gem.

Here are some of the top things to do in Crested Butte based on our trip (and a few we’ll be saving for next time).

1. Take a Hike

If you come to Crested Butte, hiking is non-negotiable. The trails are stunning and offer something for every comfort level.

Rustler’s Gulch
Hands down, this was one of the best hikes we’ve ever done. It’s 8.8 miles round-trip, though if you’ve got an SUV with good clearance, you can shave off about a mile by driving farther up the dirt road to the trailhead. The views are breathtaking from start to finish—you’ll be staring at Maroon Bells almost the entire way, and the trail ends at a gorgeous waterfall. I’d call it easy to moderate, but it does take 4–5 hours, so I wouldn’t recommend bringing small kids.

Crested Butte Summit
This one is not for the faint of heart. You can either hike the mountain straight up or take the Silver Queen Express lift and tackle a one-mile climb to the summit from there. The last half mile involves scrambling over rocks with your hands, and the drop-offs are no joke. My husband loved every second, but I was equal parts terrified and exhilarated. Definitely skip this if you’re carrying kids in a pack—it’s better suited for older, adventurous hikers.

Judd Falls
This was our least favorite. It’s a short two-mile round trip, but the trail is rocky, and the waterfall at the end, while pretty, didn’t feel worth the trek. There’s only one bench for viewing, no railings, and not much space if you’ve got kids in tow.

Other Trails to Try Next Time
We heard great things about Green Lake, Baxter Gulch, Copper Creek to Copper Lake, and the epic Crested Butte-to-Aspen route via West Maroon Pass (locals say it’s worth going a mile over the pass just for the views, then turning back).

2. Childcare Options

Traveling with kids means sometimes you need a break. Two ways we’ve found childcare on trips:

• Care.com: You can book sitters here, and once you’ve connected, you can coordinate directly.
• Ask locals: More than once, we’ve found babysitters just by chatting with waitresses. Many of them nanny on the side or know someone who does.

3. Go Horseback Riding

We skipped this time since our kids are still little, but if you can swing it, book a trail ride with Fantasy Ranch. I’ve gone before, and it’s a beautiful way to experience the mountain scenery.

4. Explore Downtown

Downtown Crested Butte is ridiculously charming—colorful storefronts, quirky boutiques, cozy coffee shops, and plenty of restaurants to keep you busy. If you’re here in the summer, don’t miss the Sunday farmer’s market. It’s small but full of fresh produce, local art, and mountain-town energy.

Where to Eat:

• Secret Stash: Their pizza is legendary. Ask for a table in the basement—it’s the coolest spot in the building.
• Montanya: A rum distillery with surprisingly good food. Their Passion Fruit Sour cocktail? Absolutely delicious.

Not Our Favorites:

• Ryce: Maybe we caught it on an off night, but it didn’t wow us.
• Paradise Café: Also a bit of a letdown despite the hype.

Still on Our List:

• Sunflower: Book early—this one fills up fast.
• Dogwood: Known for creative cocktails, but we completely forgot to go. Next time!

5. Ski the Slopes

I’m not much of a skier myself, but Crested Butte is famous for its terrain. My husband swears it’s some of the best he’s ever seen. The town also turns into a winter wonderland around Christmas—twinkling lights, cozy après-ski vibes, and plenty of holiday spirit.

6. Drive Kebler Pass

If you’re visiting in summer or fall, this drive is a must. Kebler Pass stretches between Crested Butte and Paonia and is lined with one of the largest aspen groves in the world. In autumn, it’s a sea of gold. In summer, it bursts with wildflowers. Either way, it’s one of the prettiest drives you’ll ever take.

7. Catch a Summer Concert

Every summer, Crested Butte hosts the Alpenglow Concert Series—free weekly shows behind the Center for the Arts. Bring a blanket or chairs, grab food and drinks from the vendors, and enjoy live music with the mountains as your backdrop. The bonus? It’s right next to Pirate Park, a giant playground that kept our kids entertained while we soaked in the music.

Final Thoughts

Crested Butte may not have the polish of Aspen or the buzz of Vail, but that’s exactly why I love it. It’s unpretentious, family-friendly, and bursting with natural beauty. Whether you’re conquering a summit, sipping cocktails downtown, or just wandering its colorful streets, Crested Butte is a place that feels equal parts adventure and home.

We’re already planning our next trip back—and I have no doubt this mountain town will keep winning us over, one visit at a time.