The Ultimate Guide to Crested Butte Activities
This is our family's "Black Book" of the best experiences in the valley. This guide ensures your week+ stay is filled with world-class adventure.
❄️ Winter: The Local Playbook
Skiing Made Easy: Use Black Tie Ski Rentals. They come to our heated garage to fit your group—avoiding the base area chaos and long lines is the ultimate luxury.
On-Property Snowshoeing: We provide five pairs of snowshoes in the garage. Head along the ridgeline away from the double garage door for incredible winter views. Safety Note: Stay back from the ledge!
Snowmobile Tours: Book a half-day tour with Action Adventures Snowmobile & ATV Rentals. It’s the best way to see the high-country "back bowl" scenery without a chairlift.
Nordic Center Fun: Head to the Crested Butte Nordic Center to rent cross-country skis or skates. They maintain a beautiful outdoor ice rink and miles of groomed trails for every skill level.
Sledding at Pyramid Hill: For a classic kid-friendly afternoon, grab the sleds and head to Pyramid Hill in town. It’s the local go-to spot for the best gravity-fed thrills.
Ice Fishing: Experience the quiet beauty of winter on the water. Local guides can set you up with a heated hut and all the gear needed to catch trout through the ice on the nearby reservoirs.
At-Home Snowmen: You don't have to leave the property for winter magic. We’ve provided snowman kits in the garage—everything you need to build a frozen friend in the yard!
🎨 Kid-Friendly Things to Do
The Trailhead Children’s Museum: A hands-on discovery center featuring the "Art Bar" for crafts, a STEM lab, and the "Dig Pit" for imaginative play.
Pooh’s Corner: A beloved local toy store on Elk Avenue packed with Legos, puzzles, stuffed animals, and a classic "toy wonderland" feel.
Town Park: The town’s central hub featuring a large playground, sports fields, and plenty of space to run near the Center for the Arts.
Rainbow Park: Offers a great playground for kids, a climbing boulder, and a scenic pond that reflects the surrounding mountains.
Ted Scheske Town Park: Located in Mt. Crested Butte, this park has two separate playgrounds—one specifically designed for toddlers and another for older children.
Big Mine Ice Arena: A covered outdoor rink where kids can go ice skating; rentals are available at the adjacent Nordic Center. There is also a skate park here in the summer months.
The Adventure Park: Located at the base of the mountain, featuring a bungee trampoline, rock climbing wall, and miniature golf.
Story Walk: A toddler-friendly trail in town where pages of a children's book are posted along the path to read as you hike.
Old Rock Library: A cozy spot with a dedicated children’s wing, offering weekly story times and a great selection of kid-friendly books.
Woods Walk & Judd Falls Hikes: For a quick adventure, try the Woods Walk, a flat, "cruisy" trail starting right from town that winds through beautiful aspen groves; for a spectacular reward, hike the 2-mile round-trip trail to Judd Falls (located just past Gothic) to see a powerful waterfall and stunning views of Gothic Mountain.
White Water Rafting and Horseback Rides: See details below under River & Ranch.
🌲 The Backyard: 72 Private Acres
The Vibe: You don’t need a trailhead to find adventure. Our home is surrounded by 72 private acres of pristine mountain wilderness that is yours to explore. While the Green Lake Trail is world-class, there is something special about having a private forest all to yourself.
The Route: There isn't one! We encourage guests to simply wander off-trail. It is the perfect place for kids to build forts, look for elk tracks, or play "mountain explorer" in a safe, private setting.
The Prize: Benches/picnic tables, a 5-hole disc golf course, tetherball, jumbo connect 4, teepees made of wood, yard art and acres of untouched rocky mountain wilderness. Wander the woods to the East and go explore! Please stay inside the main Wildcat Trail Road so you remain on our property/acreage and not our neighbors land.
The Pro-Tip: Since this is true "off-trail" terrain, keep an eye out for local wildlife. We frequently see foxes, deer, and the occasional black bear or moose passing through. Just remember to keep your distance from wildlife and follow "Leave No Trace" so the woods stay pristine for the next explorers!
🥾 Hiking: The "Backdoor" & Beyond
Most of our guests hike every day. Because our home sits directly on the Green Lake Trail, you have two incredible options right out the front door.
Green Lake Trail: Hike to Town (The Family Favorite)
The Route: Turn right out of the driveway. Follow Wildcat Road until you see the Green Lake Trail sign on your right. This is a 1.5-mile downhill trek (approx. 1 hour) that drops you directly into downtown Crested Butte.
The "Wildcat" Pro-Tip: We do this with 3+ year olds all the time. Have one person drive a shuttle car to town to meet you for breakfast or lunch. You get the scenic walk down, and a ride back up the 700-foot ridge!
Green Lake Trail: Hike to Green Lake
The Route: Turn right out of the driveway and pass the first trail sign. Continue until you reach the second Green Lake Trailhead sign on your left. This leads you up to the base of Mt. Axtell and a pristine alpine lake.
The Prize: The lake is full of cutthroat trout, so bring your fly rod. Because you start from the house, you skip the hardest 2 miles of the climb from town!
🏔️ Summit Mount Crested Butte: To summit the iconic peak of Mount Crested Butte, you don't have to hike from the bottom.
The Logistics: Drive to the base area and ride the Silver Queen Lift. From the top of the lift, it is a steep, strenuous 2-mile round-trip scramble to the 12,162-foot peak.
The View: 360-degree views of the entire valley. If some of your group stays at the house, they can use our telescope to spot the hikers standing on the summit!
Horse Ranch Park: The Fall Foliage Hike
The Vibe: For an easy fall hike to see the massive aspen groves changing colors, head 12 miles out Kebler Pass to Horse Ranch Park.
The Prize: This is one of the best spots in the world for autumn photography. The trail is relatively flat and winds through the largest aspen grove in Colorado.
🌊 Water Spots
Lake Irwin: (A Ringel Family Favorite) Located just 20 minutes from the house, Lake Irwin is a spectacular setting for a mountain picnic or a day on the water.
Activities: We recommend renting paddleboards from CB SUP in town or bringing a fishing rod to catch lake trout.
Ease of Access: There is a flat 2.2-mile trail that circles the entire perimeter, making it accessible for all ages.
Gun Sight Bridge: A local hidden gem for those looking to get close to the water without a long hike.
The Experience: Located on the Slate River, this is a beautiful spot for sightseeing or a quiet afternoon by the river. Bring the folding chairs in the garage and a snack.
The Access: It is an easy drive from town and serves as a great starting point for a flat stroll along the riverbanks.
🛶 River & Ranch: The Almont Loop
A 25-minute drive south leads to some of the most iconic "Old Colorado" experiences.
🎣 Fly Fishing with Gunnison River Guides: (Jordon’s Favorite) I have fished with Jason and Joel for over 20 years. Their custom drift boats and knowledge of the Gunnison River are world-class. Tell them Jordon says hello!
White Water Rafting: Launch from Three Rivers Resort for a guided float through the Almont Loop, combining gentle Class I-II rapids with the serene scenery of the local river-and-ranch landscape. Afterward, head to the Three Rivers Smokehouse for lunch to cap off the morning float. Little kid friendly if you do the Lower Taylor section.
🐴 Horseback Riding at Harmels on the Taylor: This is a must-do for horse lovers. We usually book the 2-hour horseback ride through the pines, then grab lunch and drinks on their patio overlooking the Taylor River. The kids love the playground and the general ranch vibe.
⛳ Golf & High-Altitude Sport
The Club at Crested Butte: Located just 15 minutes away in Skyland. This is a Robert Trent Jones Jr. course and is absolutely stunning with 360-degree mountain views.
Pro Tip: Non-members can book tee times on this “private” course after noon starting in mid-June. It is significantly nicer and closer than the public course in Gunnison. One of my favorite courses in the world!
Tennis & Pick-up Games: For free public use, head to the Town Park (near the Center for the Arts). They have fantastic tennis courts available on a first-come, first-served basis. You’ll also find beach volleyball, basketball courts, and horseshoe pits right there in the park.
At-Home Disc Golf: We have a private 5-hole disc golf course in the woods to the East of the house! Frisbees/discs are in the garage. You can also play for free at the Big Mine Disc Golf Course (located right near the Nordic Center). For a bigger challenge, the resort offers an 18-hole mountain course called 10-3, which starts at the top of the Red Lady Express lift.
At-Home Pickleball & Hoops: No need to head into town for a quick game. We have a pickleball net at the house for your use on the driveway. Also, the basketball hoop on the tree is a Ringel favorite —it’s the perfect place to challenge the group to a game of HORSE.
🚵 Mountain Biking: The Birthplace of Singletrack
Crested Butte is a world-renowned pilgrimage for mountain bikers, offering over 800 miles of legendary trails. Our ridge-top estate serves as your ultimate high-altitude basecamp, putting you in the heart of the nation's best riding.
The 401 Trail: The undisputed icon of Colorado biking. A short drive takes you to a ride featuring high-alpine views of the Elk Mountains and descents through waist-high wildflowers.
Green Lake Trail: No car required! Start this challenging and beautiful climb right from your front door for a true wilderness experience ending at a pristine alpine lake.
Lupine Trail: A local favorite offering incredible flow and breathtaking vistas of the valley, perfect for a mid-day loop.
Doctor Park: For those seeking the ultimate descent, this trail offers a world-class, high-speed forest ride that is frequently ranked as one of the best in the state. (My favorite ride!)
🚗 Scenic Summer Drives
While our ridge offers plenty of reasons to never leave the house, some of Colorado’s most iconic scenery is just a short drive away. These are our favorite routes for taking in the high-alpine views, historic sites, and hidden gems.
The Gothic Townsite & Science Drive: Just a short, scenic drive past Mt. Crested Butte brings you to the historic townsite of Gothic, home to the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (RMBL). It is one of the oldest and largest field stations in the world. The views of the valley are spectacular, and the wildflower meadows surrounding the research cabins are legendary—this is truly the "Wildflower Capital of Colorado."
Taylor Reservoir & Tin Cup (The Hamburger Run): Head down to Almont or cut through on Jack’s Cabin Cutoff and follow the river up to the massive Taylor Reservoir. The scale of the peaks surrounding the water is breathtaking. If you have extra time, continue on to the tiny town of Tincup for a famous burger at Frenchy’s. For a great stop closer to the main road, Harmel’s on the Taylor is a perfect spot for a riverside lunch or a drink.
The Ohio Pass Adventure (Crested Butte to Gunnison): For a stunning alternative to the main 135 highway, take the drive through Ohio Pass. You’ll wind through massive aspen groves and pass "The Castles"—spectacular rock formations that look like a medieval fortress. This route eventually connects you to Gunnison, making it a perfect loop for a morning coffee run or an afternoon exploring the valley. This is a must-do during the fall months when the leaves are changing!
The Kebler Pass Wine Run (Paonia & Aspen): Journey through one of the largest living organisms on earth—a massive, ancient Aspen grove that lines the scenic Kebler Pass. This stunning gravel route winds west toward Paonia, Colorado’s "Banana Belt." Here, the mountain air gives way to lush wine country, where you can spend an afternoon at boutique vineyards or gathering fresh stone fruit from local orchards. In the summer, this pass serves as the scenic shortcut to Aspen, and in the autumn, it offers what many consider the most spectacular fall foliage display in the American West.