Crested Butte, Colorado, is a beautiful mountain town known for its world-class skiing and outdoor recreation opportunities. But when the snow starts to melt and the ski season comes to an end, the town enters into what is known as “mud season.”
While this time of year may not be as busy as peak ski season, there are still plenty of things to do and see in Crested Butte during mud season.
Here are some of the top activities to enjoy in Crested Butte in 2023 during mud season:
HIKING AND MOUNTAIN BIKING
FLY FISHING
Crested Butte is home to some of the best fly fishing in the country! If you’re a fishing enthusiast, you’ll be delighted to know that the nearby mountain streams, rivers, and lakes are teeming with Rainbow, Brown, Brook, and Cutthroat trout in the spring, summer, and fall. To help you make the most of your fishing adventure, Crested Butte Angler and Dragonfly Anglers are just a few of the excellent fishing shops and guide services available. So gear up, cast your line, and get ready to reel in some trophy-worthy catches amidst the scenic beauty of the mountains.
One of the most popular areas to fish on the Gunnison River is the Black Canyon. This section of the river is located within the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and offers a unique and challenging fishing experience. The canyon is known for its steep cliffs and towering walls that create a breathtaking backdrop for fishing. The river in this section is a little more challenging due to the fast-moving water, so it’s important to be cautious and prepared.
In addition, the hatchery that produces cold water fish known as the Roaring Judy Hatchery can be found in Gunnison County, located on the East River at the base of Flat Top mountain. It boasts the largest Kokanee Salmon run in the United States and has been in operation since 1963. A key goal of the hatchery staff is to conserve the cutthroat trout population. In 2016, following the Hayden Pass Wildfire, the hatchery rescued 158 district cutthroat trout from Hayden Creek. Biologists are currently working to spawn these fish to safeguard their distinct genetic lineage, which serves as a crucial link to Colorado’s angling history.
Moreover, due to the snowfall that occurred during the winter, the high alpine streams and lakes will only become accessible in early summer.
HOT SPRINGS
After a long day of outdoor activities, there’s nothing quite like soaking in a hot spring. The area around Crested Butte is home to several hot springs, including the popular Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort and the lesser-known Cottonwood Hot Springs. The distance from Crested Butte to Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort is around 57 miles, which takes about an hour and a half by car. On the other hand, Cottonwood Hot Springs is located about 58 miles away from Crested Butte, which also takes around an hour and a half to reach by car. Both hot springs offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and are a perfect destination to relax and unwind after a day of adventure in the outdoors.
RELAX AND RECHARGE
Crested Butte is a picturesque town that offers visitors an array of options for relaxation and rejuvenation. For those looking for a massage, there are several excellent options to choose from. One popular spot is Creekside Spa, which offers an ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation where each treatment is designed to optimize your physical and mental wellbeing. With tranquil waters of Coal Creek flowing just outside, their studio creates a calming environment to enhance your experience. Another great option is if you’re looking for something unique, try the Tibetan Singing Bowl Massage at Elevation Spa. Or, if you prefer a mobile massage, Crested Butte Mobile Massage can come directly to your hotel or vacation rental. No matter which option you choose, you’re sure to leave feeling relaxed and refreshed.
In addition, Crested Butte is a small town known for its beautiful natural scenery and a variety of dining options. Even during the off-season in Spring 2023, there are still many great restaurants open to satisfy your appetite. Pitas in Paradise is a popular spot for traditional cuisine such as Greek, Mediterranean, Pita and much more. They also have gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options. Another great option is the Camp 4 Coffee which offers a variety of sweet pastries, cookies, and donuts, as well as savory-filled croissants. They also offer espresso drinks, warm or hot, drip coffee, and smoothies made to order. They used their signature Sledgehammer blend for their in-house drinks. If you’re in the mood for some pizza, check out Mikey’s Pizza. For delicious sweet treats, head over to Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory for a handcraft chocolate in copper kettles, using recipes that have been handed down for generations, and elevating sweetness to new heights with our mountain-sized treats.
Here’s the list of the restaurants that are open for off-season. It is advisable to contact these establishments in advance to confirm their availability for the off-season.