Crested Butte to Denver stop spot?

Question

Hello. Can you recommend a stop for a day or two on our way driving rental car end of June from Crested Butte to fly out of Denver?? Thank you so much.

Answer

Hi there,

Driving from Crested Butte to Denver in late June offers some fantastic opportunities to explore Colorado’s scenic mountain towns and natural attractions along the way. The direct drive takes about 5–6 hours, but breaking it up with a day or two of stops will make the trip much more enjoyable.

Here are some recommended stopovers and activities:

Salida: A charming small town along the Arkansas River. Known for its art galleries, historic downtown, and river activities. Great for a leisurely lunch, a short hike in the nearby Collegiate Peaks, or a float trip on the river.
Buena Vista: Ideal for outdoor adventures. You can go rafting on the Arkansas River, try kayaking, or take a short drive up Cottonwood Pass for stunning mountain views. The town itself has nice cafes and local shops.
Gunnison/Crested Butte area detour: If you didn’t fully explore Crested Butte, consider spending an extra morning hiking wildflower trails or driving Kebler Pass for scenic views before heading east.

Another option is to stop closer to the mountains east of the Continental Divide for a more alpine experience:

Leadville: Historic mining town at high elevation with unique old buildings, the Colorado & Southern Railroad Museum, and nearby hikes. A short drive up to Mount Elbert trailheads or Turquoise Lake is possible.
Georgetown: A quaint town with preserved Victorian architecture. You can ride the Georgetown Loop Railroad or explore nearby trails and lakes. This is a scenic stop before descending toward Denver.
Idaho Springs: Perfect for a final stop near Denver. Hot springs, small-town charm, and easy access to hiking or the Mount Evans Scenic Byway if you want a last mountain view before returning your rental car.

Overall, a combination of Salida or Buena Vista for one night and a brief stop near Georgetown or Idaho Springs on the second day offers a nice balance of small-town exploration, outdoor activities, and scenic drives. This route also keeps you close enough to Denver for a stress-free rental car return and flight.

Crested Butte to Denver stop spot?

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