Although it feels like time is running out before the snow comes, fall is a great time for a weekend in the Butte. CB local Lani Bruntz, a ski/mtb instructor and guide with Irwin Guides, shares the best way to make the most of your time.
#1 THAT SHORT MOUNTAIN WINDOW OF RIDE TIME
Crested Butte’s lower trails can open up earlier than you might think, but the rides that are really worth waiting for take a bit longer. Plus, you may as well wait for the wildflowers to peak, which is late June to early July, depending on how the weather has been. If you can’t make a summer trip happen, fall can be amazing with huge stands of aspens turning gold, and the crisp air softening the intensity of high-altitude sun. Early- to mid-September is a perfect time.
#2 GO PREPARED
Even with this year’s weather-induced late MTB season kick-off, we can imagine you’ve already put miles on your bike and suspension this year. Call to schedule a routine maintenance check – or refer to our recent blog post detailing suspension service specifics – before you go, so you can focus on having fun rather than dealing with mechanical problems. As with any high-mountain experience, you’ll want to bring layers, a rain jacket, and sunscreen. Also, take lots more water on your rides than you think you need. It’s true that the trick to feeling good at altitude is staying well hydrated.
#3 PLAN YOUR RIDES
There is way more to do in the Butte than you can accomplish in a single weekend. But the upside is that you can come back many more times before running out of good rides! For a first time visitor, here are Lani’s picks for quintessential CB trails.
On Friday evening, arrive in town and take a mellow cruise on Lower Loop to Lupine to shake out your legs and take in the eye-popping beauty of the area. This short ride is a great way to get acclimated without putting in a big effort.
On Saturday, prepare for some of the best backcountry singletrack around. Three distinct climbs and descents make up the CB classic known as Reno/Flag/Bear/Deadman’s Gulch, offering up 3,200 feet of gain and loss over 19 miles. The variety and fun factor of this loop is tough to beat, with interesting climbs and long, ripping descents. But for folks who can set up a shuttle, the new-school version of this ride removes Deadman’s Gulch and replaces that switchback-filled descent with the amazing rip down Doctor Park. That option clocks in at 27 miles and is an incredibly satisfying day.
On Sunday, enjoy a shorter but no less mind-blowing ride on the famed 401 trail. Most people cruise up Gothic Road to Schofield Pass, then climb/descend on the singletrack of 401. Prepare yourself for sweeping high-mountain views in all directions, massive expanses of wildflowers, and a flowing descent that will make this 14-mile ride feel like it was over much too soon.
#4 FOOD AND DRINK!
Breakfast: Paradise Cafe is the best choice for a sit-down meal, with all the hearty options you’d want before a big ride. Check out the French toast made with Hawaiian sweet bread. Or if you don’t have time for that, do what the locals do and grab something from the Gas Cafe, located inside the gas station at 6th and Butte. Seriously. It’s the spot. Our Sales Manager sported a Gas Cafe hoodie for years before it fell victim to a home improvement project. They have a sizable menu of options for breakfast and lunch, including burgers with locally raised meat. Might as well fill up with gas while you’re there!
Coffee: Stop by Camp 4 Coffee and lounge outside with your latte, checking out all the old license plates attached to the rustic building.
Lunch/Dinner: Visitors love The Secret Stash pizza, and it’s well deserved; just be prepared for the wait. Lani also loves Montanya Distillery’s rum bar. “They have great food and amazing rum drinks, plus there’s usually live music. In the summer you can sit on the front and back patios. It’s a good hang.” She also frequents Bonez Tequila Bar for happy hour, getting chips, tacos and margaritas. We had the tacos el pastor in July and they exceeded expectations. “They have good ambiance, good everything. It’s more off the beaten path.”
Other things to do: swim at Long Lake; stand-up paddle board the lower Slate River (Lani recommends starting at the Rec path in town and pulling out at Skyland Ranch); go on any number of amazing hikes; raft the Taylor River.
Have a non-riding spouse? They can hire Irwin Guides to take them to do almost anything: rock climbing, backpacking, kayaking, fishing, hiking, you name it. Whatever you put on your itinerary, you’ll realize very quickly why “48 Hours in Crested Butte” is on every Sports Garage team member’s annual calendar.