Things To Do
Crested Butte Wildflower Festival
Crested Butte is known as the wildflower capital of Colorado and has a diversity of plants and animals. Every year during peak wildflower growth, a festival takes place with tours, art, and photography. This year it will take place July 10-19, so if you are in town the days leading up to the wedding, this is a great opportunity to learn about the unique high alpine flora.
Emerald Lake
Take County Road 317 about 10 miles back to reach this beautiful lake. You can drive right up to this lake, but it requires driving on a dirt road and a car with some clearance. Reach out to Kyle and Gina for more specific directions if you are interested.
Kebler Pass Scenic Drive
One of our favorite scenic drives in the area. If you attend the Pre-Wedding Lake Hangout you will see a part of this drive. A great way to see the mountain landscape without hiking and plenty of photo opportunities.
Scenic Lift Ride
If hiking up a mountain isn't your thing but you still want to get up high for some mountain views, the ski lift in the summer is a great opportunity!
Copper Lake (Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness)
Copper Lake is a great way to get back into the alpine wilderness surrounding Crested Butte. This is a moderate intensity, but long 10 mile round trip hike. The hike is mostly flat, with slight uphill, and about a mile of uphill towards the end. You don't need to go all the way to the lake to get the most out of this hike as the entire route is beautiful.
The Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory
This is where Kyle and Gina met while studying plants and marmots! The Rocky Mountain Biological Lab (RMBL) was established in 1928 as a field station and houses scientists studying plants, pollinators, mammals, and atmospheric sciences. There is a visitor center with lots of interesting info, souvenirs, a coffee shop, and beautiful views! If you drive up County Road 317, you will pass the lab.
Judd Falls
This is a mellow, short hike to a modest waterfall.
Devil's Punchbowl
This is a short, 1 mile hike along the gorgeous Crystal River to a large swimming hole and waterfall. Note that getting to this trailhead requires a vehicle with decent clearance and access in July will depend on the snowmelt.
Fishing
One of our favorite things to do in the area is go trout fishing! The week leading up to the wedding, you can be sure we will be doing this. If you are interested in tagging along, we usually have an extra pole. Reach out to Kyle and Gina for info. If you want to fish, you must purchase a fishing license from the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website.
Camping
There are tons of camping opportunities around Crested Butte. Kyle and Gina will be camping Tuesday July 14th through Thursday July 16th before the wedding. We will be posting up at a large group spot. If you want to camp or just come hangout at the campfire, please reach out!