Colorado is chock full of mountain towns with easy access to endless hiking trails. But there may be no more accessible a destination for wilderness hikes, backcountry adventures and off-the-beaten-path trailheads than Gunnison and Crested Butte. Especially in the summer when dozens of forest service roads that wind into the mountains are open to vehicles. We explored the area on our own in both winter and summer, but we invited friends, fellow outdoorists and rad local outdoor brands to chime in with their favorite places to hike. So you can be certain these 5 hikes in Crested Butte and Gunnison are some of the best of the best.
Do keep in mind that many of the unpaved roads that lead to some of these trails will be closed fall through spring due to snow. Check before you go to be safe! And if you’re coming from sea level and are worried about the altitude, read this article on how to prevent and treat symptoms of altitude sickness.
Mill Castle Trail: 3-9+ miles
When multiple folks from Gunnison and Crested Butte recommend the same hiking trail, you listen. This is one of those trails. Located in the sparsely visited West Elk Wilderness north of Gunnison, this trail is as long as you want it to be, but we recommend going at least 3.6 miles in (7.7 miles round-trip) so you can enjoy the beautiful views of peaks and the Castles formation. There are plenty of wildflowers in the summer, a mix of sun and shade, pine forest, plenty of aspens so stunning colors in the fall, and a cool creek nearby for much of the route.
Hiking the full distance (an extra 7.2 miles each way) to Storm Pass provides a more challenging option with unbelievable views and is a great option for backpackers. The road into the farthest dirt parking lot can be rough, so AWD or 4WD is recommended.
Judd Falls: 2.3 miles
In the summer, head past the end of the paved road beyond Mt. Crested Butte toward Gothic, a mining ghost town turned scientific outpost. The area is now home to the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (the hike itself was recommended by a RMBL Executive Director Jeni Blacklock) and it might be the coolest place to stop and learn about if you’re into science. You can even sign up for a tour, grab a coffee at the Coffee Lab, and pop into the visitor Center to learn about the extensive biological research being conducted there. Read this article I wrote about it for Popular Science. Then head just a bit farther up the dirt road (it’s easily accessible in any vehicle) to hike at Judd Falls.
You can park farther up the steep gravel road if you have a 4WD vehicle, but the hike up is partly shaded and plenty enjoyable, even if it’s not flower-lined single track. But don’t worry; about halfway to the falls that’s what the trail becomes and you’ll get big views of Mount Crested Butte, Gothic Mountain, and much of Gothic Valley. The falls at the end are more visible as a series of cascades between sheer cliff walls than actually dropping falls, but they still offer a pleasant destination for a trail lunch and a shady rest before or after exploring RMBL.
Hartman Rocks: 1-9 Miles
This trail system was recommended to us over and over again by multiple people who regular hike and bike in Gunnison. Hartman Rocks may be most popular with mountain bikers, but it’s just as interesting a destination for hikers. If you’re into constantly changing desert scenery, that is. What’s more, dozens of interconnected trails–single track and dirt roads–offer practically unlimited options for creating loops of any length. Don’t expect much shade, so bring your sun shirt, big hat and plenty of sunscreen, but do allocate enough time to scramble on rocks, investigate small riparian environments, and enjoy the views.
It’s a good idea to have a digital map on your phone (we like AllTrails) so you can keep track of where you are at the plethora of unmarked intersections, but otherwise, go nuts! It’s a popular area on weekends, but even then we only ran into a few other hikers and bikers over several hours of riding. The network of trails closest to the main entrance (Hartman Rocks Base Area) are often the most popular, but entering from McCabe Lane off Route 50 offers a smoother road for non-4WD vehicles and access to plenty of cool rock formations and vistas, too.
West Maroon Trail: 7.8 Miles
According to our friend Jake Thomas from Gunnison-based Pact Outdoors who’s not only passionate about recreation in his home state, but about keeping poop off trails, too, this is one of his top picks for adventure in the area. It’s a moderately challenging out-and-back that leads you up to a mountain pass. You can go farther if you wish (all the way to Aspen in just over 10 miles one-way), but also turn around sooner if you’re short on time.
“From my experience it offers the best wildflowers in the valley. The road can be rough, so 4WD (+ patience and care for other drivers) is encouraged. It’s a solid 45 mins of driving past Mt. Crested Butte, but, you’ll pass through the Ghost Town of Gothic, the famous 401 Trail [and Judd Falls], Emerald Lake and essentially all the attractions up the valley. The trail is packed with every color of wildflower imaginable (I’ve never seen so many varieties and colors packed together), and eventually rewards with views of the Maroon Bells to the north. Th best time for peak wildflowers is mid-July. Another pro tip to avoid the traffic on the road and experience this with less people is to head up in the late afternoon and experience it late in the day when the light is prime. Then, cruise back down the valley with your windows down and far less traffic.”
Three Lakes Trail: 3.5 Miles
For another off-the-beaten path adventure, Thomas also recommends you head into the mountains on dirt roads for this lovely spot. Bring your camping gear and plan to stay a while. “Lost Lake is a first come first serve campground and was recently named the best campground in America by Dirt users. It sits up on Kebler Pass, which is home to one of the largest aspen groves in the world. So, this whole area is prime for fall leaf peeping. You can drive up Kebler Pass (the pass that connects Crested Butte and Paonia), pull into Lost Lake day use parking, and hike the Three Lakes Trail, which navigates along three alpine lakes. Do some paddle boarding or fishing on Lost Lake and take in the incredible views,” Thomas from Pact Outdoors recommends.
Bottom Line
There’s plenty to explore besides just these 5 hikes in Crested Butte and Gunnison, but they’re a dang good place to start. And since people who live, work and play in these neighboring destinations are recommending them, you can practically guaranteed they won’t disappoint. So get out there and wander on!
