From the Mountain to Town: Exploring Elk Avenue

Posted on Feb. 24, 2023
If you’re visiting Crested Butte Mountain Resort, don't miss out on spending some time in the Town of Crested Butte. Located just two miles south of the resort, Crested Butte was developed in the late 19th Century as a supply hub for coal and silver mines in the surrounding area. As mining operations began to decline in the mid-20th Century, Crested Butte survived and even grew thanks to its long history of ranching. Today, this rich history of mining and ranching is still prevalent in the town’s identity.
Snow covered storefronts in the village at Crested Butte, CO.

The heart of downtown Crested Butte is Elk Avenue. Elk Ave – as locals call it – is a bustling stretch with dozens of quaint restaurants, bars and shops, many of which still inhabit buildings that date back to Crested Butte’s mining days. The colorful facades match the rich history of Crested Butte, giving visitors a fun, to provide a fun, unique avenue to explore!

Elk Ave has something for everyone. The youngest guests will enjoy the toys at Pooh's Corner, while adults will appreciate the eclectic mix of restaurants and funky artwork lining the sidewalks.

A stop at Camp 4 Coffee to fuel up before your day on the mountain is a must. Foodies should be sure to check out The Secret Stash for gourmet pizzas or Soupçon for an unbelievable upscale French-American Bistro. If you’re looking for a spot to unwind and enjoy a drink, Montanya Distillers is a local distillery that produces award-winning rum. Montanya has a large selection of rum drinks, matched equally by kid favorite “mocktails” and delicious small plates. 

Located right in the middle of Elk Avenue is the Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum. It features rotating exhibits on the town's historical past. Seasonally, the Museum also offers historic walking tours for the biggest history buffs!

Something is always happening on Elk Avenue, from the weekly Farmer’s Market in the summer to the annual Alley Loop cross-country ski race in the winter! Unique and exciting events are hosted downtown throughout the year, showcasing the characters who make this town special.

The best part of it all is how easy it is to get to Elk Ave! Once you’re at the resort, just hop on the Mountain Express in Mountaineer Square and take the free shuttle into town.

Whether you are coming to Crested Butte to ski or to relax, be sure to head downtown to explore picturesque Elk Avenue!