Fall in Crested Butte and Gunnison

Grab your bike and come explore the Gunnison Valley’s huge variety of roads and trails during your Colorado vacation travel this fall! With Gunnison and Crested Butte less than 30 miles apart, you can explore the high desert and the high alpine all in one trip.

Aspen groves around Crested Butte’s high alpine mountain biking trails turn gold in September and October, adding pops of color to the already-majestic landscape. Delve deep into the area’s world-famous backcountry MTB trails for epic adventure.

More than 1,100 miles of dirt roads in Gunnison County provide endless options for gravel biking routes, too. Explore lightly traveled roads through high desert landscapes south of Gunnison, or climb mountain passes with epic views near Pitkin and Taylor Park. Roads around Crested Butte offer challenging ascents and panoramic mountain scenery.

It’s easy to fall in love with the picturesque historic buildings and vibrant atmosphere of Crested Butte. From brightly painted town buses to jewel-toned townie bikes lined up on the Elk Avenue bike racks, Crested Butte puts a new spin on “Colorful Colorado.”

28 miles south, Gunnison is an easygoing college town with a heart for outdoor recreation. Gunnison is home to Western Colorado University and also boasts a lively downtown. 

In fall, plan a trip on weekdays for lower lodging rates and fewer visitors.