- County
- Gunnison
- Base elevation
- About 8,900 ft
- Population
- 1,639 (2020 census)
- Downtown Denver
- About 230 mi ยท about 4.5 hr
- Nearest commercial airport
- Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional (GUC), about 27 mi
- Ski area
- Crested Butte Mountain Resort in Mount Crested Butte
Drive times are typical and change with traffic and weather.
Living in Crested Butte
What it's like to live in Crested Butte
Crested Butte is a town of about 1,600 people at the north end of the Gunnison Valley, 27 miles up Highway 135 from Gunnison. It is a historic town with a compact grid of streets, and the state named it the Wildflower Capital of Colorado in 1990. The ski area sits about 2 miles up the road in the separate town of Mount Crested Butte, and a free bus runs between the two. Summer is as big here as winter, with hiking, wildflowers, and mountain biking.
In town, homes are mostly older houses and newer infill on small lots. Mount Crested Butte has condos and townhomes near the lifts, including some ski-in/ski-out buildings. Subdivisions such as Skyland and Crested Butte South sit down valley and give you more room. I could not verify a current median price for the town, so ask for recent sales on any area you are looking at.
The Town of Crested Butte caps unlimited short-term rental licenses and limits how many can sit on one side of a block. Getting here takes time, about 4.5 hours from Denver, and the shortcut passes like Kebler and Cottonwood close in winter. The valley floor near Gunnison is one of the coldest spots in the country. I live on the Front Range, so for Crested Butte I team up with a local agent I trust and stay with you through the whole move.
Where it is
Where Crested Butte sits in Colorado Mountain Towns
Hover a pin for a quick look. Click to open that town's guide.
Neighborhoods
Where to look in Crested Butte
Town of Crested Butte
The historic core, with older homes on a tight street grid close to shops, restaurants, and trails. Short-term rental licenses are capped here.
Mount Crested Butte
A separate town of about 940 people about 2 miles north, at the base of the ski area. Condos and townhomes, some ski-in/ski-out.
Skyland
A subdivision down valley from town, with homes and lots around a golf course.
Crested Butte South
A larger subdivision down valley toward Gunnison, with single-family lots and a longer drive to the lifts.
Gunnison
The county seat, 27 miles south, with about 6,500 people, Western Colorado University, and the regional airport.
Get outside
Things to do in Crested Butte
- 01
Crested Butte Mountain Resort
About 1,547 skiable acres with a 12,162-foot summit. Vail Resorts announced its purchase in 2018.
- 02
Trail 401
A classic loop of about 13.6 miles with about 8 miles of singletrack, big views, and wildflowers in season.
- 03
Crested Butte Wildflower Festival
A summer festival in the town the state named the Wildflower Capital of Colorado in 1990.
- 04
Kebler Pass
A mostly gravel road west of town that tops out at 10,007 feet and closes in winter.
- 05
Mountain Express
A free bus between the town of Crested Butte and the ski area base.
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FAQ
Crested Butte questions, answered
How far is Crested Butte from Denver?
About 230 miles, or roughly 4.5 hours. US 50 and Highway 135 stay open all year. Shortcut passes like Kebler and Cottonwood close in winter.
Can I rent my Crested Butte home short-term?
The Town of Crested Butte caps unlimited licenses at a set number and allows no more than two on one side of a block. A separate primary-residence license limits rentals to 90 nights a year. Mount Crested Butte and the county have their own rules. Confirm with the town for any address.
What is the elevation of Crested Butte?
About 8,900 feet in town. The top of the ski area is 12,162 feet.
Where is the closest airport?
Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport in Gunnison, about 27 miles south, roughly 35 minutes by car.
Which school district serves Crested Butte?
Gunnison Watershed School District RE-1J, which runs the K-12 Crested Butte Community School. Check the district boundary for any specific address.
Can you live in Crested Butte year-round?
Yes, about 1,600 people do. Winters are long and cold, and the valley near Gunnison has hit 47 below. Plan for snow removal and heating costs.
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