Crested Butte might be my new favorite Colorado mountain town. In September my husband and I spent several days there basking in the early fall glory of breathtaking beauty in the upscale environment. The town plus nearby environs adds up to a perfect getaway.

We all know that Crested Butte is particularly known for it’s glorious July wildflowers, and I’m sure a summer visit does not disappoint. By September the crowds have thinned, there is no waiting at the restaurants, and the trails are not overrun with hikers and bikers. A scenic 3-4 hour drive will take you there from Colorado Springs, and you will arrive relaxed and ready for adventure.

In 1974 the town became a designated Historic District. The first miners arrived in the 1870s, and Crested Butte was incorporated in 1880. Unfortunately the downtown area was almost completely destroyed by fire in 1890, so most of what we see today is the charming, Victorian village that rose from the ashes.

There was never a mining bonanza in Crested Butte like in Leadville or Cripple Creek. Instead the discovery of coal sustained the town from 1880 into the 1950s. The result was the development of a small, working-class town populated by folks who worked hard, played hard and relished the splendid mountain scenery.

Pots of colorful blooms are everywhere and the downtown vibe is welcoming with an air of excitement. There are plenty of shops, restaurants, coffee cafes and bars to take in during the time you spend in town. We had excellent meals at Teocalli Tamale, Paradise Cafe, and McGill’s. Dining choices offer a culinary wonderland.

I bought a walking tour brochure at the Crested Butte Museum for $1 and proceeded to immerse myself in the town’s history. This great little pamphlet guides you up and down Elk Avenue and along several side streets, highlighting the historical structures and their unique characteristics that have survived since being built in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

A few highlights included a stop at the Elk Mountain Lodge, that served as a boarding house for miners. Today it is a charming boutique hotel that welcomes tourists into a spacious lobby with adjoining alcoves for relaxing downtime. Stores and houses from yesteryear have been delightfully renovated and refurbished. Check out the unique two-story outhouse connected to The Company Store. Several old schoolhouses have been repurposed as businesses, a library and town offices.

Once you shop, dine and explore downtown, it’s time to hit the trails. We did two excellent hikes and although there are limited wildflowers this time of year, the scenery nestled among the Elk Mountains and Ruby Range is nothing short of magnificent. While you hike you will be gifted with amazing 360-views around every bend in the trails.

We chose 2 wonderful trails to explore. The Lower Loop trailhead is a short distance from town, and follows the Slate River. This trail provides a relaxing level hike; but be aware you will be sharing it with mountain bikers who are polite, but like to ride fast. You can meander through meadows strewn with late-summer blossoms that parallel the slow-moving waterway.

Our favorite hike was the Oh Be Joyful Trail located northwest of town. The paved Slate River Road gradually shifts into a washboarded dirt byway, ending at the rustic Oh Be Joyful Campground. This challenging high alpine trail is know for its waterfalls and stunning mountain views. The trail ascends through the trees gaining 2,300 feet, but as an out-and-back trail you can turn around whenever you wish. We kept turning in circles to take in all the views including the flowing creek, cascades and rising peaks. We were delighted that we didn’t have to compete with bikers, as the trial is limited to pedestrians only.

A visit to the old mining town of Gothic is a must when staying in Crested Butte. Of course the drive is scenic, passing through the ski village of Mt. Crested Butte, meadows, aspen stands, along the East River and by the West Elk Mountains. Gothic is the former site of a late-1800s silver mining town. Today, a handful of the original buildings still standing are part of the Rocky Mountain Biological Lab, a research station and learning center. Next time we visit, we will definitely take one of the offered tours to learn more about the renaissance of this area. There is a visitor’s center that is staffed by knowledgeable, and friendly guides who are happy to share fascinating information about Gothic’s history, current status, and future plans.

Crested Butte is the quintessential Colorado town, that feels a bit off the grid due to its relative remoteness from many other tourist sites. The scenery, history, art scene, and diverse range of activities are sure to please the most discriminating visitor, who is seeking a journey off the beaten path.