Guest Guide
Well hey there, traveler. You’ve made it to The Outpost—and lucky you, I’ve rustled up a little black book of local magic just for our guests. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill recommendations. These are the Rambler’s handpicked experiences—tested, tasted, and trailed—each one carrying a stamp of Crested Butte soul. Let’s just say, you’re in for the good stuff.
– The Rambler
Sit Down & Slow Down Dining in Downtown Crested Butte
For evenings that linger and dishes worth remembering… These are your white-linen-but-worn-in kind of places. Where the lighting is soft, the menus are seasonal, and the best seats might be at the bar. Think Sunflower, Miette, Yukihana, Izakaya Cabin. You’re not rushing here — you’re settling in.
Sunflower
This one’s a heart-stealer. Sunflower keeps it close to the land — think wild mushrooms, seasonal greens, and Colorado lamb plated like a love letter. With just a few seatings per evening, dinner here feels like being let in on a beautiful secret. A top pick for romantics and flavor chasers alike.
👉 Text or call ahead: (970) 417-7767
🌱 Vegan & Vegetarian options available
Visit: www.sunflowercb.com
Soupçon
Tucked down an alley in a century-old miner’s cabin, Soupçon serves a French-American prix fixe menu with just one seating nightly. This is where you celebrate — an anniversary, a new chapter, or simply the joy of finding a place that still believes in butter.
👉 One seating at 6:30 PM, Wednesday–Sunday
Visit: www.soupconcb.com
Miette
A lighter, more playful sister to Soupçon, Miette serves elegant French-leaning plates with a slightly more relaxed tone. Think of it as Soupçon’s younger, wilder cousin — the one who shows up in vintage boots and a silk scarf.
👉 Two seatings, two nights a week (Monday & Tuesday)
📞 (970) 251-5362
Visit: www.miette-cb.com
Elk Ave Prime
If a hearty steak dinner calls your name, Elk Ave Prime will answer with USDA prime cuts, elk chops, and a whiskey list that means business. It’s classic without being tired — ideal for when you want something bold, familiar, and deliciously well-done.
👉 Open Thursday–Monday
Visit: www.elkaveprime.com
Izakaya Cabin
Sushi in the mountains? You bet — and it’s excellent. Izakaya Cabin pairs a full sushi menu with sake, house cocktails, and cozy cabin energy. Bonus: the bar food’s no slouch either.
👉 Open daily from 4 PM
Visit: www.izakayacabin.com
Yukihana Sushi & Sake Bar
Small, sleek, and big on creativity. Yukihana is where you’ll find fresh rolls, sashimi, and the kind of chef specials that keep locals whispering, “you’ve gotta try this one.” Reserve early — it fills up quick.
👉 Monday–Saturday, 5–9 PM
Visit: www.yukihanacb.com
Grab a Bite, Stay a While Dining in Downtown Crested Butte
No resos. No fuss. Just good food and the freedom to roam. Pizza joints, taco counters, noodle bowls, and sunny patios. Secret Stash, Teocalli Tamale, Ryce, Butte Bagels, and a breakfast burrito that might just save your day. Come as you are, maybe with trail dust still on your boots.
The Secret Stash
Legendary pizza, wild decor, and a locals-meet-tourists buzz that’s pure CB. Try the “Notorious F.I.G.” if you’re feeling bold (figs, prosciutto, blue cheese, and truffle oil — yes, it works), or stick to classic pepperoni with a cold beer.
🍕 Open daily 11 AM–9 PM
🌱 Vegan & Vegetarian options available
Visit: www.secretstash.com
Ryce Asian Bistro
A favorite for a reason — Ryce brings the flavor with pan-Asian stir-fries, curries, noodles, and sushi. Quick service, generous portions, and the perfect answer to a post-hike hunger.
🍜 Open daily (11:30 AM–close weekdays, 4 PM Sundays)
🌱 Vegan & Vegetarian options available
Visit: www.ryceasianbistro.com
Teocalli Tamale
No-frills burritos, tacos, and of course… tamales. Pro tip: order the mini burrito and you’ll still leave stuffed. CB through and through.
🌯 Open daily 11 AM–8:45 PM (noon on powder days)
🌱 Vegan & Vegetarian options available
Visit: teocallitamale.com
Bonez
Big tequila list, bold Mexican-American dishes, and a vibe that works for après-ski or casual dinner with a crew. Don’t miss the sizzling fajitas or house margs.
🌮 Open daily 11 AM–9 PM
Visit: www.bonez.co
The Hideout
One of the newer additions to Elk Ave, The Hideout nails the basics — burgers, sandwiches, salads — in a relaxed, welcoming space. Great for groups or kids who just want chicken tenders and fries.
🍔 Open daily 11 AM–10 PM
🌱 Vegan & Vegetarian options available
Visit: www.hideoutcb.com
Thai Chili 78
Surprisingly legit Thai food for a mountain town. Spicy, satisfying, and comforting — the kind of place you go twice in a week without shame.
🍛 Open daily 11 AM–9 PM
🌱 Vegan & Vegetarian options available
Visit: www.thaichilico.com
Butte Bagels
No-nonsense breakfast and lunch from a local favorite. Housemade bagels, schmears, and stacked sandwiches worth waking up for.
🥯 Open Wednesday–Monday, 7:30 AM–2ish
🌱 Vegetarian options available
Visit: www.butte-bagels.com
Frank’s Deli
Your classic sandwich shop, CB-style. Big portions, friendly service, and a great grab-and-go stop before hitting the trail or the road.
🥪 Open Monday–Saturday, 9 AM–6 PM
🌱 Vegan & Vegetarian options available
Visit: www.crestedbuttecatering.com
Daily Dose
Smoothies, juices, coffee, and breakfast sandwiches that lean toward the healthy-but-yummy side of things. A reliable start to your day.
☕ Open daily 7:30 AM–5 PM
🌱 Vegan & Vegetarian options available
Camp 4 Coffee
Legendary beans roasted right in town. Strong coffee, lively patio, and the kind of staff that remembers your name (and your order).
☕ Open daily 6:30 AM–5:30 PM
Visit: www.camp4coffee.com/locations
Rumors Coffee & Tea House
Tucked inside a bookstore, Rumors brews up cozy vibes with house-made teas, lattes, and a rotating list of local treats. A quiet place to linger or people-watch.
🍵 Open daily 9 AM–5 PM
Visit: www.tbarteahouse.com
The Outpost Guide to Summer in Crested Butte
*When the snow melts and the valley wakes up, Crested Butte becomes a rambler’s paradise — full of alpine paths, mountain lakes, and the kind of adventures that don’t require a lift ticket.*
On the Water
Cool mountain mornings. Midday paddles. Late-afternoon floats. Here's where to find your water moment.
Slate River Float
Slide in near the Rec Path bridge and let the mellow current take you through town. A favorite summer ritual — just don't wait past July when the water gets low.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Lake Irwin and Spring Creek Reservoir are go-tos for flatwater paddling with high-alpine views. Wheelies & Waves has your board ready.
Whitewater Rafting
Get splashy on the Gunnison. Scenic River Tours and Three Rivers Rafting both offer trips for everyone from thrill-seekers to float-and-photo types.
Biking
Whether you roll on knobby tires or rent an e-bike for the day, there’s a route with your name on it.
Lower Loop
Gentle, scenic, and dotted with wildflowers. A great intro ride or a mellow warm-up to your week.
Trail 401
It’s iconic for a reason. High alpine start, dreamy descents, and a backdrop that’ll make your jaw drop. Shuttle recommended. Legs required.
Lupine Trail
A spring favorite lined with its namesake flower. Fast turns, flowy lines, and one heck of a view.
Hiking
You don’t need to summit anything to find views that hush a room. But we’ve got a few climbs if you're craving the high route.
Oh Be Joyful
A trail as good as its name. Waterfalls, wildflowers, and a dramatic gorge make this a must. Pack a lunch, your camera, and a good sense of wonder.
Green Lake Trail
Start right from town and climb to a cold, clear alpine lake tucked beneath towering peaks. Moderate and memorable.
Long Lake
Short hike, big splash. Locals know it as the summer swim spot. Bring a towel — and maybe a floatie.
Rec Path to Tony’s Trail
Low effort, high reward. This loop near town delivers flowers, forest, and a front-row seat to Whetstone Mountain.
Judd Falls
Perfect for families or a first-day acclimation hike. Easy walking and a waterfall to cap it off.
Scarp Ridge
A high-alpine hike with serious payoff. Expect big views, lung-busting switchbacks, and wildflowers in full song.
Crested Butte to Aspen
A true Rocky Mountain epic. 11 miles over West Maroon Pass. You'll want a shuttle (or an overnight bag). Best mid-July through September.
Horseback, ATVs & More
Because sometimes two feet isn’t enough.
Horseback Riding
Saddle up with Fantasy Ranch and ride through wildflower meadows and open forest on Snodgrass Mountain. Sunset rides highly encouraged.
ATV & UTV Tours
Hop into a side-by-side and discover rugged backroads, hidden waterfalls, and your new favorite meadow. CB Motorsports and K10 Adventures are solid outfitters.
Outfitters We Trust
When it’s time to get geared up, these folks have your back (and your boots, rods, and bikes):
Irwin Guides Fly Fishing
Big Al’s Bicycle Heaven
Handlebar Bike Shop
Alpineer
Fantasy Ranch Horseback Adventures
JJ's Jeeps
K10 Adventures
Scenic River Tours
Three Rivers Rafting
Wheelies and Waves
The Outpost Guide to Winter in Crested Butte
*Powder days, yurt dinners, and sledding until sunset — this is winter at 8,885 feet. Here’s your guide to doing it right.*
Skiing & Riding
Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR) is the crown jewel — with terrain ranging from mellow greens to legendary steeps.
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1,547 acres of terrain
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121 trails
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15 lifts
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26% beginner, 57% intermediate, 17% advanced
Snowcat Skiing
Ten miles west of town, Irwin gets triple the snowfall and offers over 1,000 acres of guided terrain only accessible by snowcat. Advanced riders only. Powder dreams live here.
Nordic Skiing, Snowshoeing & Fat Biking
The Crested Butte Nordic Center grooms over 50 kilometers of trails winding through open meadows and thick aspen groves — right from town.
Want something slower or snowier? Snowshoes and fat bikes are also welcome on many trails. Just grab a pass and go.
Sledding & Ice Skating
Yes, you’re allowed to act like a kid again.
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Big Mine Hill: Groomed daily and great for all ages.
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Pyramid Hill: Big views and room to roam.
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CB Community School: Longer, steeper runs behind the school for adrenaline-seekers.
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Snodgrass Trailhead: Tallest sled hill around, with parking and easy access.
The Nordic Center also offers an outdoor ice rink — skates available to rent inside.
Magic Meadows Yurt Dinner
Ski out, dine in. A guided cross-country ski (or snowshoe) through the woods lands you at a warm yurt lit with candles and filled with laughter. Local ingredients, great wine, and only available in winter
Snowmobiling & Ice Climbing
Explore the backcountry on a snowmobile or test your limits on a frozen waterfall. Action Adventures runs snowmobile tours for all levels. For ice climbing, Irwin Guides can get you geared up and safely vertical in Lake City or Ouray.
Outfitters We Trust
Need gear, a guide, or just some good advice? Start here:
Black Tie Ski Rentals (delivery & fitting)
www.booknow.blacktieskis.com/portals/vaquerahouse
Crested Butte Nordic Center
Irwin Guides
Action Adventures
Big Al’s Bicycle Heaven
Alpineer
Handlebar Bike Shop
