Some things are worth a little extra effort, and Crested Butte is certainly one of them! Actually, getting to Crested Butte is very convenient with the Gunnison Airport (GUC) about a thirty minute drive from the resort. Daily nonstop service is offered from Dallas, Houston, Chicago, and Denver. Connections into these airports from most major cities are readily available. Additionally, Montrose Airport (MTJ) is an hour and half from the resort, and other Colorado airports like Grand Junction and Denver are available for those who do not mind a bit of a drive after arriving in Colorado. Rocky Mountain Getaways will arrange your shared or private shuttle service as well as car rentals from any of these airports. Those driving to Crested Butte will find the route easily navigable from any direction with a few mountain passes along the way that could be weather affected.
By Car
No matter where you’re coming from, traveling to Crested Butte by car is a scenic and easy way to go. We have no doubt that you’ll be tempted to stop and take photos along the way: the views are breathtaking. Drive time from Denver is 4 hours, and just under 4 hours from Colorado Springs.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
DENVER (4 HOURS)
Denver is the 5th busiest airport in the United States and services flights from all over the country. The drive from the Front Range through the heart of the Rockies to Crested Butte is a fantastic tour of some of the most scenic places in Colorado.
Directions from Denver International Airport to Crested Butte:
- Take Pena Boulevard towards 1-70
- After 11 miles merge onto 1-70 West
- Stay on I-70W through Denver (24 miles)
- Take Exit 260 onto CO-470 East
- After 5 miles take the exit for US 285 South towards Fairplay
- Stay on US 285 South until you reach the outskirts of Buena Vista
- Turn left to stay on US 285 South for another 21 miles
- Turn right onto US 50 West
- Arrive in Gunnison after 60 miles
- To reach Crested Butte turn right at CO-135 North and continue for 28 miles
MONTROSE AIRPORT (1.75 HOURS)
Montrose is the second closest airport to the Gunnison Valley and Crested Butte. It services flights from Allegiant, American, United, and Delta from both coasts. One of the best things about flying into Montrose is that you pass the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and the Blue Mesa Reservoir on the way to Gunnison and Crested Butte.
Directions from Montrose Regional Airport to Crested Butte:
- Turn left out of the airport onto US 50 East
- Follow US 50E for 60 miles to reach Gunnison
- Turn left on CO-135 North and continue for 28 miles to reach Crested Butte
COLORADO SPRINGS (3.5 HOURS)
Take route 115 south to Penrose and make a right turn onto highway 50 as it winds through Canon City. Feel free to stop and check out the Royal Gorge just off to your left hand side. It’s worth the 10 minute detour to see one of the world’s highest suspension bridges (if you haven’t already). Continue on highway 50 through Poncha Springs and over Monarch Pass. In less than an hour from the summit you’ll be in Gunnison and taking a right at the stoplight onto 135 north. Enjoy the ride up Gunnison Valley for another 30 minutes into Crested Butte. Map
By Plane
The easiest way to get to Crested Butte is via Gunnison/Crested Butte Airport (GUC), located just 30 minutes from Crested Butte. The airport is serviced by both American Airlines and United Airlines.
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Luggage and Ski Shipping Service
Avoid the hassle of carrying and checking bags by sending your luggage and sports equipment ahead with Luggage Forward, the official luggage and sports equipment shipping service of Beaver Creek. Arrange your shipping booking online.
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