Quick Info
Fly to: Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport (GUC), 28 miles away. From Denver: 230 miles, about 4 hours via Monarch Pass. Winter note: Only one road in—no shortcuts when passes close.
Crested Butte's remoteness is part of its appeal—and part of its challenge. The town sits in a box canyon with limited access routes. In winter, only one road leads in and out. This isolation preserved the town's character but requires more planning than hopping on I-70 to Vail.
Flying
Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport (GUC): The closest airport, 28 miles away. Direct flights from Denver, Houston, Dallas, and Chicago during ski season. The short flight from Denver (about 45 minutes) eliminates the drive.
Shuttle to town: Resort shuttles, rental cars, and private transfers available from Gunnison. The drive takes about 30 minutes.
Denver International (DEN): More flight options but requires the 4-hour drive. Consider flying to Gunnison for convenience if flights align.
Driving from Denver
The drive from Denver is about 230 miles and takes roughly 4 hours in good conditions:
Route via Monarch Pass:
- I-70 west to Exit 195 (Buena Vista/US-285)
- South on US-285 to Poncha Springs
- West on US-50 over Monarch Pass (11,312 feet)
- Continue to Gunnison, then north to Crested Butte
This is the only year-round route. In summer, additional options open via Kebler Pass from the west or Cottonwood Pass from the east, but these close in winter.
Winter Driving Considerations
Monarch Pass: Regularly plowed and maintained, but expect winter conditions. AWD or 4WD recommended; chains may be required during storms. Check COTrip.org for current conditions.
No shortcuts: When I-70 closes or Monarch is impassable, there's no good alternative. Crested Butte's isolation cuts both ways—plan for weather delays.
Timing: Start early to avoid driving Monarch at night. The pass is manageable but demanding in winter—better tackled in daylight.
Once You're There
Crested Butte itself is small and manageable:
- Free bus between downtown and Mount Crested Butte (ski area)
- Downtown is walkable
- Parking available but not always necessary
Many visitors rent a car for the drive in, then use the bus locally.
Tips
Consider flying. The Gunnison flight from Denver is short and avoids winter mountain driving. During ski season, direct flights from other cities expand options.
Check conditions twice. Look before you leave Denver and again before Monarch Pass. Conditions change quickly.
Fill up in Gunnison. The last reliable gas before Crested Butte. Don't arrive on empty.
Allow buffer time. Winter storms can delay travel significantly. Don't book tight connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the drive difficult in winter?
Monarch Pass requires attention but is well-maintained. It's not as intimidating as some Colorado passes, but expect winter conditions. AWD/4WD and good tires are important.
Are there shuttles from Denver?
Limited options compared to I-70 resorts. Private shuttles exist but are pricier due to distance. Flying to Gunnison is often more practical.
What about Kebler Pass in summer?
Kebler Pass offers a scenic route from the west (via Carbondale and Paonia). It's dirt road and closes for winter but gorgeous in fall—famous for aspen colors.
Do I need a car once there?
Not necessarily. The free bus connects everything in winter. In summer, a car is useful for accessing trailheads and Gothic.