Mountain Biking
Crested Butte is the mountain-biking center of Colorado. This is a place where there are more bikes than cars, and probably more bikes than residents. Many locals own two: a cruiser (or "townie") for hacking around and a mountain bike for serious hacking around. Nearby Pearl Pass is known as the route that got the fat-tire craze started.
After a group of motorcyclists rode the rough old road from Aspen to Crested Butte, a few of the town's cyclists decided to do the same ride in reverse. They hopped onto their clunky two-wheelers—a far cry from today's sophisticated machinery—and with that, the sport had arrived. The 40-mile round-trip trek over Pearl Pass can be done in a day, but it's tough, and you must be in excellent condition and acclimatized to the elevation.
Upper Loop. Great for beginners, the Upper Loop is a popular 1½-mile ride that will help orient you to the area. The views up the Slate River valley to the peaks of Paradise Divide are wonderful. Tony's Trail consists of a short, moderate climb leading to an intersection with the Upper Upper Loop Trail. Here you can take in the view of the town below and the mountains above, and then enjoy a fun descent or venture farther in either direction on the Upper Upper Loop. Crested Butte, Colorado, 81224. www.travelcrestedbutte.com.
Tours and Outfitters
Big Al's Bicycle Heaven. This full-service downtown bike shop, a favorite with locals, sells and rents all manner of two-wheelers, from knock-around "townies" to state-of-the-art mountain bikes, as well as bike trailers to haul kids. The shop also carries road and cross-country bikes and a full line of clothing, helmets, and other necessities. Best of all, the staff is willing to share the inside scoop on local trails. 207 Elk Ave., Crested Butte, Colorado, 81224. 970/349–0515; www.bigalsbicycleheaven.com.
Irwin Guides. Guided rides on the area's legendary single-track trails are available for riders of all skill levels. Irwin offers instruction, half- and full-day tours, and overnight tours with meals, lodging, and transportation included. 330 Belleview Ave., Crested Butte, Colorado, 81224. 970/349–5430; www.irwinguides.com. From $175 per person for a half day.
Festivals
Rentals
Crested Butte Sports. Come here to rent Orbea and Transition mountain bikes, plus helmets and other gear. It also has a full repair shop. 35 Emmons Loop Rd., Crested Butte, Colorado, 81225. 970/349–7516; crestedbuttesports.com. From $50 for four hours.
