How to Get to Crested Butte Colorado: The Easiest Ways + How I Got There (2026)

Crested Butte isn’t the easiest ski resort in Colorado to reach, which is probably part of its charm. Fewer people make the trip, which means quieter lifts, shorter lines, and an overall more relaxed vibe. But because it’s a little out of the way, I thought I’d share a quick guide on how to get to Crested Butte Colorado.

I recently went on a family ski trip here and loved how peaceful it was, especially compared to bigger, busier resorts. I’m convinced the slightly tricky access is a big reason why.

Here are the main ways to get to Crested Butte: drive from Denver, fly (almost) directly into Crested Butte, or arrange a private shuttle from Denver International Airport. Let’s break it down.

How to Get to Crested Butte – My Experience

Before our trip, I did a fair amount of research on what Crested Butte is like and, more importantly, what’s the best way to get there. For me, this usually comes down to one big question whenever I visit a ski resort: Will I need a car once I’m there, or not?

If I’m staying in a nice hotel close to the lift, with proper ski-in/ski-out access, then I probably won’t need a car at all. In that case, flying in and taking a shuttle might be easier and more convenient.

But on a family ski trip how we did one, it’s a different story. I’m usually bringing all my own gear, staying in a cabin or holiday home a little outside the main base area, and planning to do grocery runs, cook meals, and drive to the lifts each morning. So, a car is essential.

That’s exactly what we did. We stayed in a holiday home about a five-minute drive from the ski lifts and decided to drive all the way from Denver, which took around four hours. Yes, it’s a long drive, but since we stayed for three nights, it was totally worth it.

Having the car meant we could bring all our snowboards, skis, and boots, stock up on groceries and snacks on the way, and fully enjoy our rental with its hot tub and fireplace. For the way we like to travel, skiing, relaxing, and making the most of a cozy home base, driving to Crested Butte was definitely the right call.

1. Denver to Crested Butte by Car

Driving from Denver to Crested Butte was honestly pretty straightforward. We took Highway 285 down to Monarch Pass, which turned out to be one of the most beautiful drives I’ve done in Colorado. 

Snow-dusted trees, winding mountain roads, and stunning alpine views, it felt like the vacation had already started before we even got there.

The drive took us around four hours, which might sound long, but we left early (packed the car the night before) and arrived just in time for check-in. Splitting the driving between a few of us made it much easier.

Honestly, having our own car was such a game-changer, especially if you’re staying in a holiday home or vacation rental in Crested Butte. It meant we could do grocery runs, pack all our gear, and explore the area at our own pace.

2. Fly into Gunnison Crested Butte Airport

I haven’t personally done this, but you can basically get direct flights to Crested Butte by flying into the regional airport of Gunnison Airport Crested Butte. From major hubs like Dallas and Houston you can easily book flights, which makes things infinitely easier than the long drive from Denver.

Once you land, you’re only about a 40-minute drive from Crested Butte. From here, you’ve got two main options: book a shuttle service (like Crested Butte Shuttle) or rent a car at the airport.

Whether or not you rent a car really depends on where you’re staying. If you’re in a ski-in, ski-out lodge right by the lifts, a shuttle might be all you need. But if you’re planning to stay in a vacation rental a bit outside of the resort, having your own car will make life a lot easier.

From Gunnison you also have access to the Gunnison Valley and Gunnison National Forest

Click here: Gunnison Airport Car Rental

3. Denver to Crested Butte Shuttle Service

Another option I came across during my research is the Denver to Mountain Shuttle, which offers direct service from Denver to Crested Butte.

This can be a great choice if you can’t find a good flight deal or if you’d rather bring your ski equipment without the hassle of checking it on a plane. A shuttle makes that much easier.

That said, I’d only recommend this if you’re confident you won’t need a car once you’re there. 

However, after visiting myself, I can say that having a car in Crested Butte makes life much easier, especially when you want to move between Crested Butte town and the mountain/ski resort area. Still, it’s nice to know this shuttle option exists if it fits your travel style.

Where to Stay in Crested Butte Colorado

When staying in Crested Butte, location really matters. Don’t just type Crested Butte into a booking site and book the first thing that pops up. The town is split into two distinct areas, and where you stay can completely change your trip.

Crested Butte Old Town is the historic part of town, full of boutique shops, restaurants, and a charming small-town feel. 

But it’s important to know that this isn’t where the ski lifts are. About a 5–10 minute drive up the road, you’ll find Mount Crested Butte, which is home to the ski resort. This is where the gondolas and lifts start, along with holiday homes, condos, hotels, ski rentals, and a handful of restaurants and bars.

There is a shuttle service between the two, but I personally love staying close to the gondolas, it’s just so much easier to walk straight to the lift in the morning. If that’s not possible, I’d go for a holiday home or condo somewhere nearby and plan to drive to the lifts each day (another good reason to have a car here).

Here are a few great hotels and holiday homes I recommend or have stayed at myself:

Click Here: Grand Lodge Crested Butte

Click Here: 3 Bedroom Condo Crested Butte

Click Here: 3 Bedroom Holiday Home (This is where me and my family stayed!)

FAQs About How to Get to Crested Butte from Denver

Is Crested Butte worth visiting?

Absolutely. I really like Crested Butte. It might not be the most buzzing ski resort, but it’s perfect for a relaxed family ski trip over a weekend.

Is there good hiking in Crested Butte?

Apparently so. I haven’t gone hiking in Crested Butte myself, but I’ve heard the trails are amazing, especially in summer when the wildflowers are out.

Is Crested Butte expensive?

Ski and mountain resorts always lean on the pricier side, but in the grand scheme of things, Crested Butte is definitely one of the more affordable ski resorts I’ve visited.

How do I get to Crested Butte from Denver?

I recommend driving. Yes, it’s about a four-hour drive, but from my experience, having a car in Crested Butte makes the trip so much easier and worth it.

Final Thoughts on How to Go to Crested Butte

All in all, I think Crested Butte is an amazing ski resort, especially for a shorter weekend trip or even a 3–4 night stay with family. It’s perfect for skiing, relaxing, and spending quality time together.

When it comes to how to get to Crested Butte, I’m a big fan of driving. It gave us the freedom to rent a full holiday home with three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a fireplace, hot tub, full kitchen, and living area. 

We cooked a lot, had drinks in the hot tub, and really made the most of it. Having the car for grocery runs and getting to the lifts just made everything easier, which is why I recommend driving from Denver to Crested Butte.

Check Out My Crested Butte & Denver Travel Guides

Crested Butte Restaurants: My Top Places to Eat in Crested Butte

Best Time to Visit Crested Butte: My Seasonal Guide t Crested Butte

Is Crested Butte Worth Visiting: My Honest Review

Where to Stay in Crested Butte: The Top Hotels & Holiday Homes

How to Get to Crested Butte: The Easiest Ways to Get There