Your Guide to Where to Stay in Crested Butte

👉 Jump to:Best Places to Stay in Crested Butte | Neighborhoods & Areas | Tips | FAQ

Not long ago, few could point to Crested Butte on a map. But the ski industry has revitalized the former mining town. The same can be said of mountain biking, the annual wildflower festival, and other Crested Butte attractions that keep tourists coming back. Now a year-round destination, it offers plenty of lodging options from historic hotels to cozy slopeside condos.  

I’m a Colorado local and in this guide, I’ll help you decide where to stay in Crested Butte.

Below I cover the town’s four key areas and the best accommodations in each. I also share dining recommendations, things to do, and more tips for visiting one of my favorite mountain towns. But, first, a quick summary for those of you in a hurry:

Best Places to Stay in Crested Butte

Just looking for a quick answer on the best places to stay in Crested Butte? Here are my top picks: 

• 🏆 Best Overall Hotel – Elk Mountain Lodge
• 🗺️ Best Location – Public House Lofts
• ⛰️ Best Near Crested Butte Mountain Resort – The Lodge at Mountaineer Square
• 💎 Best Luxury Hotel – Vaquera House
• 👪 Best for Families – Elevation Hotel & Spa
• 💻 Best for Business – Old Town Inn
• 🛎️ Best Boutique – Nordic Inn
• 🏨 Best for Large Groups – Skyland Lakefront Property
• 🛏️ Best Budget – Crested Butte Hostel

Ok, let’s do a deep dive into the best areas and neighborhoods in Crested Butte: 

4 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Crested Butte

Downtown Crested Butte is set at the northern terminus of State Highway 135. It’s also on the eastern end of Kebler Pass, which is open to vehicle traffic seasonally.  

Mount Crested Butte lies northeast of downtown and is best known for its ski resort. You’ll find residential communities southeast of downtown. These include Skyland, Riverbend, and Riverland, as well as South Crested Butte. Short-term rentals are plentiful in these areas. 

See these Crested Butte maps to further get a lay of the land. 

Downtown Crested Butte

👉 Best Area For First Timers | ✨ Best Downtown Crested Butte Hotels: Elk Mountain Lodge • Old Town Inn • Public House Lofts

Downtown Crested Butte offers more conveniences than any other area in town. Elk Avenue is the main drag, where you’ll find colorful historic buildings housing retailers and restaurants. Public House Lofts is also set along this strip. It offers a modern saloon experience with a taproom and live music hosted downstairs.

Elk Mountain Lodge is a great pick if you prefer something a bit quieter. Still, it’s only a 5-minute walk to downtown attractions. Complimentary bikes are available to guests, making for an even quicker commute. Its airport shuttle is another key perk. 

The free town shuttle also makes local attractions easily accessible. It provides transit to Crested Butte Mountain Resort, which is located just 10 minutes away, as well as other sites.  

Pros of Staying in Downtown Crested Butte:

• Has the town’s best selection of restaurants and bars 
• Centrally located; easy to walk, bike, or catch a shuttle 
• Offers more affordable lodging options, like Old Town Inn and Crested Butte Hostel

Cons of Staying in Downtown Crested Butte:

• Not as accommodating to large groups 
• Suitable but not the most convenient pick for skiers/snowboarders

Mount Crested Butte

👉 Best Area For Outdoor Recreation | ✨ Best Mount Crested Butte Hotels: The Lodge at Mountaineer Square • Elevation Hotel & Spa • Nordic Inn

Mount Crested Butte is the best area for outdoor activities, regardless of the season. Several accommodations are just steps from Crested Butte Mountain Resort. This includes Elevation Hotel & Spa, which is especially ideal for families. Select rooms sleep up to five guests and all have a fully-equipped kitchenette. Restaurants, a heated pool, and two hot tubs are also on-site.

This area offers a great après-ski scene. Toast beers with locals and other visitors after full days spent exploring the resort. It’s one of experts’ favorite Colorado ski areas, as black and double-black runs make up nearly two-thirds of its terrain. In summer, it becomes a popular destination for mountain biking and hiking.

However, you should head to the nearby Snodgrass Trail if you want to witness Crested Butte’s prolific wildflowers. Fantasy Ranch, which offers guided horseback rides, is right next to the trailhead. Meridian Lake is also nearby and an absolutely stunning place to go paddleboarding. 

Pros of Staying in Mount Crested Butte:

• Close to year-round outdoor attractions
• Slopeside bars offer a great après-ski scene
• Ski-in, ski-out lodging options
• Accessible via the free town shuttle   

Cons of Staying in Mount Crested Butte:

• Hotels and rentals can be pricey
• Fewer walkable attractions than downtown 

Skyland, Riverbend, and Riverland

👉 Best Area For Golf Getaways | ✨ Best Skyland, Riverbend, and Riverland Hotels: Skyland Lakefront Property • The Club at Crested Butte Duplex • Skyland Lodge Studio

Skyland, Riverbend, and Riverland are residential neighborhoods located around 10 minutes southeast of downtown. The Club at Crested Butte is this area’s key draw, offering 18 moderately challenging holes and gorgeous mountain views. During its operating season, public tee times are available daily between 11:30 am and 2:30 pm.

Several short-term rentals are set right along the course, including The Club at Crested Butte Duplex. Play a round, then watch others take their swings from the home’s patio, which sits right above the eighth green. The duplex sleeps up to 8 people, though the area has a range of rentals from two-person studios to massive estates.

This pet-friendly Skyland Lakefront Property is especially ideal for large groups. Its six bedrooms and four bathrooms accommodate up to 14 guests. It’s perfect for family reunions with spacious common areas including an open-concept kitchen and living room. There’s also a scenic deck complete with a hot tub. 

Pros of Staying in Skyland, Riverbend, and Riverland:

• Close to The Club at Crested Butte 
• Short-term rentals offer privacy and homey amenities
• Lodging caters to groups of all sizes  

Cons of Staying in Skyland, Riverbend, and Riverland:

• You’ll need a car, as the town shuttle doesn’t service this area
• The Skyland Clubhouse is the only walkable dining option   

Crested Butte South

👉 Best Area For Peace & Quiet | ✨ Best Crested Butte South Hotels: Crested Butte Getaway • Large Luxury Home • Riverfront Cabin

Crested Butte South is another residential area located about 15 minutes southeast of downtown. Similar to Mount Crested Butte, it offers tons of outdoor recreation but in a more peaceful, less touristy environment. 

Start your morning with a walk to Camp4Coffee, a local cafe with housemade pastries. Spend the day hiking among wildflowers or casting lines into the East River. Fly fishers will especially love accommodations like this Riverfront Cabin, where trout swim right past its back patio.

Dining options in Crested Butte South are limited. But Tully’s burgers and beers hit the spot after a day outdoors, and it’s a great place to meet the locals.  

Pros of Staying in Crested Butte South:

• Outdoor activities are less crowded 
• Offers a more local experience 
• Short-term rentals cater to various group sizes

Cons of Staying in Crested Butte South:

• Further from key attractions in Crested Butte
• You’ll need a vehicle; public transport is unavailable

Tips for Staying in Crested Butte

Think Twice Before Riding Up the T-Bars

I’ve experienced 10 Colorado ski areas and by far, Crested Butte features the most challenging terrain. As one local put it to me, “This mountain will humble you.” Another local told me that some runs should be ranked as triple black diamonds.

Rambo off the North Face T-bar is a prime example. It’s the continent’s steepest cut ski run and features a dizzying 55-degree pitch. Hike-to terrain via the High Bar Lift leads to equally challenging runs within Teocalli Bowl. 

Ride with a partner for safety and consider visiting in January or February for the best snow coverage. More rocks become exposed later in the season and the slopes can become icy, particularly in the early morning hours.

📚 Related Reading: 12 Best Ski Resorts Near Denver

Avoid Visiting During Mud Season

I’ve visited Crested Butte in the summer and the winter, and both are worth experiencing. However, I’d recommend avoiding a trip during Colorado’s mud season. From mid-April through late May, the snowmelt causes muddy trails that aren’t suitable for hiking or biking. This time of year is also too late for skiing, but too early for water activities. 

Granted, outdoor recreation isn’t the only reason to visit Crested Butte. But even scenic drives like Kebler Pass are inaccessible during mud season. The same goes for nearby Gothic, one of Colorado’s ghost towns. Point being, it’s often worth paying peak season rates to get the best experience.

Do Visit During the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival 

The Crested Butte Wildflower Festival takes place annually in mid-July. In 2024, programming will occur from July 12 – 24. Expect guided hikes, Jeep tours, workshops on nature and art, a photography contest, and more — all in celebration of the town’s bountiful blooms. Without question, it’s one of the best festivals in Colorado.

Take Advantage of the Free Town Shuttle

The free town shuttle offers rides every 15 minutes and is a great way to get around. It’s especially convenient if you’re staying downtown and want to access Crested Butte Mountain Resort. This way, you save $15 to $30 on daily parking fees. Plus, it allows you to safely engage in some après-ski fun. Bikes and pets are also permitted on the shuttle. 

Pick Up Drinks from Mountain Spirits Liquors

There’s nothing like sipping a slopeside cocktail in the sunshine. But $18 drinks quickly rack up a hefty tab. Cut costs by stopping at Mountain Spirits Liquors when you get into town. Canned mixed drinks are available, including spicy bloody Marys for the morning. The shop also has an awesome craft beer selection featuring several breweries from nearby mountain towns.

FAQs

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Thanks for reading my guide on where to stay in Crested Butte! Be sure to download our Colorado packing list so you arrive prepared for all your adventures.