Seek the Mt. Crested Butte Peak!

When visiting Crested Butte during the warm season, one thing is for sure: the peak beckons. Crested Butte Mountain Resort makes it easy for this summit dream to come true. Just buy a lift ticket to ride the Silver Queen up the mountain to around 11,430 feet. Once you reach the top, there’s a short – although very steep – climb to the top from the trailhead. You’ll hike just over a mile with a gain of over 1,000 feet. The last bit of the journey, the trail disappears, and it’s climbing over rocks with hands and feet to reach the summit at 12,162 feet.

Once you reach the top, bask in all your glory and all the magnificent bird’s eye views of Crested Butte and the rest of the valley. Particularly incredible is the view of Meridian Lake (or Long Lake). Please, be careful taking selfies. Almost always, there are others at the summit who are more than willing to help you snap your perfect picture. Before you descend, be sure to sign the summit log to record that you were there!

During the warm season, the Silver Queen Lift runs Memorial Day through Labor Day. If you’re hiking after Labor Day, there is an option to hike from the base to the summit. So get out there, and seek the peak!

Not feeling the steep climb to the summit? You can always relax and just enjoy the scenic Silver Queen chairlift ride. The views are still incredible, and you won’t be disappointed!