Colorado’s Gunnison and Crested Butte are worth a trip any time of year, but there’s something extra special about visiting during leaf-peeping season. The gloriously golden aspen groves that sweep the area play a big role in that. So do the outdoor adventures that await below the treeline. Between romps in nature — be it hiking, mountain biking, or fishing — both towns are also filled with spots to grab a delicious brew or bite and some epic places to lay your head (including campsites and cabins that showcase the best of the seasonal scenery). Here’s how to make the most of a fall trip to Gunnison and Crested Butte.
Get into the aspens for mesmerizing leaf-peeping.
Kebler Pass. Photo: AndTheyTravel/Shutterstock
Commonly known as the “Wildflower Capital of Colorado” during spring and summer, Crested Butte turns into a mosaic of yellow and crimson hues when the temperatures start to drop. It’s a spectacle that rivals New England’s legendary fall palette, and one of the best places to revel in this beauty is Kebler Pass, the 10,007-foot summit of County Road 12 just west of Crested Butte. You’ll be surrounded by aspens here — in fact, the pass plays host to one of the biggest groves in the country. Taylor Canyon, seven miles northeast of Almont, is another stunning spot. It’s best known for its granite formations but is also thick with aspens that practically glow in the fall.
To the south, Gunnison and its surrounds are a high-desert playground filled with rocky ridges and sagebrush that conjure an alluring Old West vibe. When fall begins to emerge, the Rainbow Lake area transforms into an excellent (and pleasantly uncrowded) leaf-peeping location — specifically the stretch between mile two and mile 10 on Rainbow Lake Road. Just northwest of Gunnison, Ohio Pass is another great place to spot fall foliage. It sits at an elevation of 10,078 feet and showcases iconic views of The Castles, a renowned local rock feature.
Grab your adventure gear and head outdoors.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Photo: Galyna Andrushko/Shutterstock
Crested Butte is famous for its iconic ski slopes, but the truth is it offers all-season adventure for all types of outdoors lovers. In the fall, popular activities include hiking on Snodgrass Mountain for views of Mount Crested Butte and heading to Judd Falls for a mellow but rewarding walk in the area. For mountain bikers, Teocalli Ridge and Strand Hill are two places to work up a sweat among the changing leaves. Those in it solely for the vistas can opt for a gentler ascent via the ski lift at Crested Butte Mountain Resort.
There’s some great fall hiking in Gunnison, too, like the Mill-Castle Trail that crosses meadows in view of jagged pinnacles. Anglers, on the other hand, may want to seek out lower elevations in the Gunnison Basin to test out its well-earned reputation for excellent trout fishing. The Gunnison River, which flows through town on its way to Blue Mesa Reservoir, is home to record-sized brown and rainbow trout. Fall is also a particularly exciting time to fly fish for kokanee salmon, owing to Gunnison’s famous kokanee salmon run. The non-native fish get extra feisty as they swim toward their spawning grounds in the East River, creating a fun challenge for the anglers who travel from all over to participate.
If the name Gunnison rings a bell, you might be thinking of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, whose mammoth cliffs tower over the Gunnison River. The park is about one hour west of the city of Gunnison via US-50. If you’re up for a scenic fall drive, craggy rim hikes with dramatic views of an extremely narrow and deep canyon await.
Savor some of the best mountain cuisine around.
1880 Tapas + Spirits. Photo: David Dieckhaus
Legendary outdoors destinations are made that much better when there’s a culinary landscape as good as Gunnison and Crested Butte’s to keep you fueled for your adventures.
Gunnison’s food scene is anchored by a down-to-earth collection of tasty restaurants. Take Garlic Mike’s, a family-friendly joint with checkered red tablecloths that claims to dish up the “finest Italian food west of New Jersey.” The meaty, mushroomy tortellini commarato is a guest favorite. Another great sit-down option is 1880 Tapas & Spirits, which plates traditional Spanish tapas made with local ingredients that pair nicely with an ever-changing cocktail menu. For something more casual, beeline it to The Dive for craft brews, pub grub, patio seating, and good vibes.
Up in Crested Butte, eateries range from casual cafes to upscale establishments. The Hideout Bar + Kitchen is a relatively recent arrival, with a menu that features both traditional bar food (think wings and nachos) and more elevated dishes like the crab cake salad. Brühaus is another new spot with a varied menu that’s anchored by German-leaning fare — hunker down on the wide-open deck with a soft pretzel and a Franconian lager after a long ride. Secret Stash serves a wide assortment of classic and creative pizzas, including all-out pies like the Mac Daddy (made with triple cheese, shaved ribeye, pickles, and even more toppings on sesame seed crust). As far as cocktails go in Crested Butte, look no further than The Dogwood, which is located in a historic cabin and has a lengthy drinks list.
Stay the night in town, snag a cabin, or pitch a tent.
Photo: AndTheyTravel/Shutterstock
With so much to do on a fall visit to Gunnison and Crested Butte, you’re going to need a place to post up for a while. Most of Crested Butte’s hotels are located on the mountain and serve as a great base camp for nearby hiking and biking trails in the northern part of the valley. One such spot is Elevation Hotel & Spa, which provides full-service dining, classy rooms, and treatments for detoxification and general wellness. Lodging in Gunnison is straightforward, simple, and generally provides more affordable alternatives to Crested Butte. Many guests enjoy the Inn at Tomichi Village, which has recently renovated rooms and amenities including a pool. Staying here also puts you close to West Elks, Hartman Rocks, and Ohio Creek — a huge perk if outdoor recreation and foliage tours are on your list of autumn activities.
For a fully nature-focused, budget-friendly fall getaway, you’ll have no shortage of unique options for pitching a tent around Gunnison and Crested Butte. You can camp for free on national forest land in Lost Canyon, Cement Creek, Brush Creek, Slate River, and Washington Gulch. You can also reserve campgrounds on Blue Mesa or in Taylor Canyon online for a reasonable fee. But if you’re new to sleeping under the stars, consider heading to Campfire Ranch. Situated on the Taylor River, the camp has tent sites along with one cute, compact cabin and rents out all the gear you need for easy overnights in nature. For a more spacious cabin experience, you’ll find idyllic riverside accommodations in Almont: Three Rivers, Harmel’s, and Almont Resort are all fantastic options.
The irony of visiting Gunnison and Crested Butte during leaf-peeping season is that it’s so dreamy, you’ll be tempted to stay straight on through winter. But, hey, the two towns are snowy wonderlands, too — so pack your bags this fall, and feel free to stick around as long as you’d like. 