Summer Fun for the Family in Crested Butte
Crested Butte is the place to reconnect with what matters most - your family. Families can enjoy many activities from hiking in the surrounding National Forest to concerts geared towards young people.
One of the most popular activities is riding the chair lift at Crested Butte Mountain Resort. The Silver Queen Chairlift takes you to a great picnic spot with spectacular views of the surrounding area. The more adventurous family will want to hike to the peak of Mount Crested Butte, about an hour hike (with a short, steep section at the very end). The Red Lady Express Chairlift allows both passengers and their bike. You can take your bike on the lift and then ride the single-track trails and dirt roads around Mount Crested Butte.
» Download a pdf of the Summer Trail Map
Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy great hiking on the trails in the surrounding Crested Butte area. There are hikes that start in Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte. The hikes vary from easy quick hikes to more strenuous daylong trips. Visit the Chamber of Commerce in downtown Crested Butte or one of the local outdoor retailer stores for maps and suggestions.
For children 7 and up, horseback riding and white water rafting are great family activities. Fantasy Ranch has guided rides on the Gunnison River that are great for families which offer gentle rapids. For older children the rafting on the Taylor River is exciting and fun with more sizable rapids. Contact one of our local travel planners to reserve a trip that's right for your family. 800-810-7669 or 970-349-2222.
Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory, the Gunnison Valley Adventure Camp and the town of Mount Crested Butte all offer kid’s camps. Rocky Mountain Biological laboratory leads a nature camp to teach children about the area around Crested Butte. The Gunnison Valley Adventure Camp and the town of Mount Crested Butte day camp offer outdoor activities including hiking, rock-climbing and biking.
The Crested Butte Music Festival hosts the Divine Family Young People’s Concerts. The concerts are held on Saturdays in July and are aimed at children 4-12.
Another good source of Family activities is the Kid Friendly Magazine, a free magazine available in Crested Butte or online.
