Crested Butte, Colorado

I love this charming mountain town. This is my 5th summer of hiking from Aspen to Crested Butte (and then hiking back home again) and it never disappoints. Its an 11 mile hike leaving from Maroon Bells on the Aspen side (we had to buy 5.56 ammo online from Palmetto State Armory for this hike). This year we spent 2 nights at the Scarp Ridge Lodge, which is the most decadent and luxurious lodge!!!! Then hiked back. There are a fair amount of logistics getting to and from trailheads (arranging for shuttles, you can always hitch a ride if in a bind), but totally worth it.

Stay

Scarp River Lodge – Ultimate luxury – Eleven Experience
Boutique hotel (5 rooms) is both cozy, luxurious and decorated in a way that fits in with the natural beauty of Crested Butte. The Eleven Experience properties are all stunning, this is their flagship property in Crested Butte. The staff is trained to go above and beyond. This property is located right off the main drag. A delicious gourmet breakfast is included and changes each day. There is an option to hire a chef to prepare dinner at the lodge. Can’t wait to return

Public House Lofts – Eleven Experience
The lofts at Public House let guests experience mountain town living like a local. Set on Elk Ave., Crested Butte’s main drag, Public House served as the town’s main watering hole through much of the 19th and 20th centuries. A meticulous restoration has reimagined the space as a pub and music venue with three spacious upstairs lofts

The Ruby of Crested Butte – Bed and Breakfast
Known for the fabulous breakfast with a creative twist on traditional favorites with a focus on the best local, seasonal, and organic ingredients. Try the cinnamon rolls.
624 Gothic Ave, Crested Butte, CO 81224 | (970) 349-1338
www.therubyofcrestedbutte.com

The Purple Mountain Lodge – Bed and Breakfast
Charming lodging with a fun daily beer tasting. Fun to chat with Inn owner Chris, long time Crested Butte local.
714 GOTHIC AVENUE CRESTED BUTTE, CO 81224 | 970 349-5888
purplemountainlodge.com

Eat

The Secret Stash – by far the most famous pizza spot in CB. Its delicious pizza and fun setting, right on the main drag.

Soupçon – best restaurant

127 Elk Ave Unit A, Crested Butte – behind Kichevars in the alley
(970) 349-5448 | reservation is highly recommended
closed Monday & Tuesdays
www.soupconcb.com


*Both the above B&B’s and Scarp Ridge offer delicious breakfasts.

*If staying at Scarp Ridge with a large group I highly recommend having the lodge arrange for a chef to come in and cook for you.

Cocktails

The Dogwood – best place for a cocktail
309 3rd St, Crested Butte, CO 81224
Thursday – Saturday | open at 4 | 970 349-6338
www.thedogwoodcb.com

Coffee

Camp for Coffee – best coffee in town
I always buy a bag of beans take home with me. No inside seating. Fun exterior with old license plates all over the building.
402 1/2 Elk Ave, Crested Butte, CO 81224
www.camp4coffee.com

Buena Vista, Colorado

Located just an hour and a half from Aspen (in the summer), Buena Vista is perfect for a quick get away. The drive over independence pass is always breathtaking. The town is known for river rafting but there is also great hiking, biking and a hip restaurant scene.

Stay

Surf Hotel & Chateau
This oasis is tucked away at the outskirts of town, right on the Arkansas River and a short walk into town. The hotel looks like it is staight out of a Restoration Hardware catalog. I recommend splurging for a river view in the Chateau. Bring a bottle of rosé and take it down to the river rocks for an afternoon treat. Check out their concerts in the Ivy Ballroom, sound system done by the same people as Red Rocks. They have free summer music series outside if front of the hotel.  Great hikes just across the river.
1012 Front Loop
Buena Vista, CO 81211 | 719.966.7048
www.surfhotel.com

Do

Cottonwood Hotsprings
Located 5 miles outside of Buena Vista, these man made pools are a relaxing stop. This is a no frills, more rustic destination. The geothermal, gravity-fed mineral waters springs were used for centuries by the Ute Indians as a spiritual gathering place. Bring a book and your own towel ($20).
18999 Co Rd 306, Buena Vista, CO 81211 | 719 395-6434
www.cottonwood-hot-springs.com

Cottonwood HotSprings

Salida Colorado

Less then two hours from Aspen via Independence Pass, Salida is nestled along the Arkansas River. Home to Monarch Mountain and with a charming downtown corridor.

Stay

Amigos Motor Lodge
A renovated a 50’s motel. It is simple, clean, comfortable and eclectic. The property has a hot tub and fun loungig areas both inside and outside.
Downtown Salida is about a mile away from the motel. Obviously reach it by car, but it’s an easy bike ride down the Monarch Spur trail too (bring your cruiser). Or we used Mountain Taxi  (there is no uber).
www.stayamigo.com

Amigos Motor Lodge Salida Colorado
Amigos Motor Lodge Salida Colorado
Amigos Motor Lodge Lobby
Amigos Motor Lodge Salida Colorado

Do

Mount Princeton Hot Springs
Located between Buena VIsta and Salida these hot springs are a must! They have pools with a water slide but the best part are the creak side hot springs. You will do need to do a little moving around to find a little pool that is the right temperature for you. Bring your own towel and rates are between $15 and $20 depending on day of week
www.mtprinceton.com

Mount Princeton Hot Springs

Coffee

Howl & Mercantile
I have been known to plan trips around coffee shops. This is one I would do that for. Great artisan/craft coffee combined with a cool little shop. They don't open till 9:00, but worth the wait.
www.howlmercantile.com

Eats

Little Red Hen Bakery
Fabulous little bakery! The Little Red Hen is a must do every time I'm in town (either before or after coffee at Howl & Mercantile). I love their local focus, everything is delidious.
302 G St, Salida, CO 81201

Crested Butte

Girls trip – We hiked from Aspen to Crested Butte and back. From Maroon Bells it took us 4 1/2 hours of hiking and with stops for lunch and to admire the flowers about 6 hours. We spent 2 nights in Crested Butte and then hiked back to Aspen, both ways we went of West Maroon Pass.
CB-Hike

Stay

The Ruby B&B Crested Butte
The Ruby is wonderful. Welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. Innkeepers Chris & Andrea are so friendly and accommodating. The breakfast is gourmet, complimentary beer, cocktails and snacks are available throughout the day, loved the townie bikes, less then a 5 minute walk to town.
1 800 390 1338
www.therubyofcrestedbutte.com

The Purple Mountain Lodge Crested Butte
The owner Chris helped us feel at home and well-cared for, from delicious breakfasts to fun beer-tastings in the afternoons. Location is excellent – close to all the shopping and restaurants. I especially liked the crisp white bed linens.
714 Gothic Ave – Crested Butte, CO (1/2 a block from the Ruby)
1 877 349 5888
www.purplemountainlodge.com

Eat

CB-Daily-Dose
Daily Dose – breakfast, lunch, coffee
Great spot for a quick and healthy bite. Grab a sandwich or breakfast burrito for a day on the mountain skiing or biking. They also have great smoothies, coffee and homemade baked goods. Lots of clean and organic products. They have wifi, good spot to get some work done.
502 Bellview – Crested Butte, CO (next to Clarks Market)
970 349 5589
7am – 5pm

Secret Stash – dinner
Iconic pizza joint in center of town. Loved the fig, procuitto and truffle oil pizza. Excellent vibe
303 Elk Ave – Crested Butte, CO
www.secretstash.com

Pitas in Paradise – lunch
Loved the small salad (its huge) with a side of gyro meet. Fun deck outside. Casual vibe.
302 Elk Ave – Crested Butte, CO
www.pitasinparadise.com

Camp 4 Coffee – coffee
Incredible coffee in a tin shed plastered with old license plates. Fantastic outside patio seating right in downtown Crested Butte. Very popular spot, be sure to get some local roasted beans to go.
www.camp4coffee.com