A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Crested Butte, Colorado

Regional Classics Icon

Regional Classics

Discover the must-do hikes in the area, handpicked and curated by local experts who know the trails best. These routes are beloved for good reason, offering standout scenery, rewarding terrain, and detailed descriptions with tips that tell you exactly what to expect. Whether you are visiting for the first time or are a local doing them on repeat, they offer a reliable and memorable hiking experience.

Green Lake Trail

Classic Hike Route

Green Lake Trail

Birding
moderate
8.6 mi
+1,926 ft
Mt. Crested Butte to Aspen via East Maroon Pass

Classic Hike Route

Mt. Crested Butte to Aspen via East Maroon Pass

Birding
strenuous
28.7 mi
+3,125 ft
Peeler Lakes Backpack

Classic Hike Route

Peeler Lakes Backpack

Birding
strenuous
15.12 mi
+3,606 ft
Mount Emmons Summit Out and Back

Classic Hike Route

Mount Emmons Summit Out and Back

Fall Colors
strenuous
9.25 mi
+3,019 ft
Blue Lake Out and Back

Classic Hike Route

Blue Lake Out and Back

Commonly Backpacked
moderate
13.3 mi
+2,112 ft
East River Trail Out and Back

Classic Hike Route

East River Trail Out and Back

Family Friendly
easy
4.34 mi
+369 ft
Shorter Routes icon

Shorter Routes

These hikes keep it under 5 miles and climb less than 1,500 feet, making them ideal for quicker outings or lower-key days. Perfect for a morning stretch, a casual afternoon, or getting outside without committing to a big push. Don’t let the stats fool you — many still pack in great views and rewarding moments.

Woods Walk Out and Back

Hike Route

Woods Walk Out and Back

Birding
moderate
2.96 mi
+187 ft
Crested Butte Summit Path

Hike Route

Crested Butte Summit Path

Fall Colors
strenuous
1.51 mi
+799 ft
East River Trail Out and Back

Classic Hike Route

East River Trail Out and Back

Family Friendly
easy
4.34 mi
+369 ft
Scarp Ridge Out and Back

Hike Route

Scarp Ridge Out and Back

Fall Colors
strenuous
2.79 mi
+1,147 ft
Lake Irwin Loop Trail

Hike Route

Lake Irwin Loop Trail

Lake
easy
1.65 mi
+47 ft
The Caves Loop Hike

Hike Route

The Caves Loop Hike

Fall Colors
moderate
4.31 mi
+992 ft
Logo

Adventurous Routes

These routes go beyond 10 miles and are built for days when you want to cover more ground and push a little deeper. Expect longer distances, more effort, and bigger payoffs — whether that’s remote terrain, summit views, or a full-day challenge. Ideal for hikers looking to go farther and stay out longer.

Mt. Crested Butte

Hike Route

Mt. Crested Butte

Fall Colors
moderate
12.05 mi
+3,033 ft
Mt. Crested Butte to Aspen via East Maroon Pass

Classic Hike Route

Mt. Crested Butte to Aspen via East Maroon Pass

Birding
strenuous
28.7 mi
+3,125 ft
The Scarp Ridge Traverse

Hike Route

The Scarp Ridge Traverse

River/Creek
strenuous
10.46 mi
+1,996 ft
Peeler Lakes Backpack

Classic Hike Route

Peeler Lakes Backpack

Birding
strenuous
15.12 mi
+3,606 ft
Blue Lake Out and Back

Classic Hike Route

Blue Lake Out and Back

Commonly Backpacked
moderate
13.3 mi
+2,112 ft
Teocalli Ridge Loop

Hike Route

Teocalli Ridge Loop

Fall Colors
strenuous
11.21 mi
+2,426 ft

Other Nearby Routes

Not finding what you're looking for? These additional nearby hikes offer more ways to get outside and explore the area. With a mix of lengths, difficulty levels, and terrain, you're likely to find something that fits your plans for the day. And remember, you can always use the onX Route Builder to create your own adventure from scratch.

Green Lake Trail

Classic Hike Route

Green Lake Trail

Birding
moderate
8.6 mi
+1,926 ft
Lower Loop

Hike Route

Lower Loop

Fall Colors
easy
5.74 mi
+175 ft
Mt. Crested Butte: Guide's Ridge Technical Summit Route

Hike Route

Mt. Crested Butte: Guide's Ridge Technical Summit Route

Fall Colors
extreme
8.04 mi
+3,049 ft
Mount Emmons Summit Out and Back

Classic Hike Route

Mount Emmons Summit Out and Back

Fall Colors
strenuous
9.25 mi
+3,019 ft
Strand Hill

Hike Route

Strand Hill

Fall Colors
moderate
6.63 mi
+1,562 ft
Gothic Mountain

Hike Route

Gothic Mountain

Views
strenuous
6.98 mi
+3,467 ft