Flight
This will be your cheapest option. You can rent a car and drive from Denver to Crested Butte in about 4.5 hours. The drive is absolutely beautiful and there are plenty of fun spots to explore along the way. If you're renting a car, there are quite a few rental options either at DIA or in the surrounding areas There is also a 'Bustang' shuttle which is a $40 bus ride that brings you directly to Gunnison (http://ridebustang.com/gunnison-denver-schedule/)
Flight
Located in Gunnison, this is the closest, but most expensive, option for flying into Gunnison/Crested Butte. From here, it is a 35-minute drive (29 miles) from Gunnison to Crested Butte. You can either rent a car from the airport here, schedule a shuttle (Alpine Express, see info below) or take the free bus from Gunnison to Crested Butte (the bus stop is 0.75 miles from the airport). Free Bus: http://www.gunnisonvalleyrta.com/ Alpine Express: https://letsride.co/locations/crested-butte/
House Or Rental
There are ample options for Airbnbs and VRBOs. We suggest looking early. Many listings don't open up until closer to the booking date (often about 6 months prior). You can look using no date range and then email the host inquiring about the dates you are interested in.
House Or Rental
Hotel
$$ You will pass Old Town Inn right as you drive into town. With 33 total rooms, you have a choice between two queen beds or one king bed. Four rooms are designated as pet-friendly. Please give the hotel a call, as they have told us they won't be taking bookings until 6 months out. They do however have a block for us!
Hotel
$$ - $$$ Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR) has various lodging accommodations at different price points. You can find anything from a dog-friendly room to multiple bedroom condos. All CBMR accommodations are on the mountain about a 10-minute drive or (free) bus ride from downtown Crested Butte.
Hotel
$$-$$$ Elk Mountain Lodge is 2 blocks from the main downtown strip of restaurants and stores and is also walking distance (1 mi) from reception. This lodge has 19 rooms and could be a fun place for a group of friends to gather- they have a bar and serve breakfast. Rooms are expected to fill up fast so if you like this option, book early.
Hotel
West Wall offers luxury condos right on the mountain.
Travel Note
The Crested Butte Free Shuttle service is a great way to get round town and down valley. The Mountain Express Summer Town Shuttle runs every 20 minutes between Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte from 7:35 AM to midnight every day. These painted buses are a very convenient (and free!) way to get around town! Check out the website to see the exact route and stops.
Travel Note
August 4, 2023 1:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Alpine Express offers a direct shuttle between Gunnison Airport and Crested Butte for $38.50/per person each way. The shuttle times are based on the times of the incoming and departing flights. We recommend reserving your shuttle spot as soon as your purchase your flight tickets.
Travel Note
Some of the bars in town stay open after the Crested Butte shuttle stops running. However, Alpine Express runs a late-night shuttle from 10:00 PM to 3:00 AM seven days a week. The shuttle costs a flat fee of $10 per ride. Late night taxi: (970) 209-0509
Travel Note
Bustang runs daily between Denver Union Station and Crested Butte. The bus has wifi and a restroom and costs $45. Keep in mind, there is only one departure time. The bus from Denver leaves at 1:50PM and arrives in Crested Butte at 7:35 PM. The bus from Crested Butte leaves at 5:15 AM and arrives in Denver 10:50 AM.