We are planning a trip to Colorado in early August..we will be in Durango for 2 nights and had planned on staying in Grand Junction one night before settling in for 4 nights in the Vail/Beaver Creek area..Ive been reading about Crested Butte however and was wondering if that may be a better option than Grand Junction??? any advice or input would be appreciated..

Don't even think twice - Crested Butte! A very special place to visit. I live here and its beautiful. Grand Junction is nice town but CB is both a summer and winter destination resort area. I don't think you will be disappointed.

Crested Butte has a lot more to offer than Grand Junction. Although Grand Junction is a pleasant community, as a short term vacationer, Crested Butte has more "tourist type attractions" with a ski lift ride, bike rental, beautiful hiking, ghost towns, and gorgeous scenery. However, logistics need to be considered. Crested Butte is about 3 hours (drive) from Durango. Then, you have to either backtrack to Highway 550, and drive toward Grand Junction, then I-70 to Vail. Or go over Monarch Pass to Buenoa Vista on Highway 24, through Leadville and on to Vail. Either way is another 3 hour drive. The state map shows a route over Kebler Pass. Although Kebler Pass, is a very beautiful route, it is a dirt road, (not 4WD), slow going at times, and might be difficult for those not used to such driving. And, although it saves miles, it might not save too much time.
On the other hand, Grand Junction is about a 3 hours drive from Durango, but less than 2 hours from Vail. Grand Junction tends to be quite hot in comparison to Crested Butte, Vail, or Durango. You could take a morning hike in the Colorado National Monument. (If you do go there, enter from the lower entrance in Grand Junction, rather than the upper one off I-70- I like this view better). You might also consider a night's stay in Glenwood Springs. They have great hot springs that are open in the evening, and feel great after a long day of driving.

You would take Cottonwood Pass rather than Monarch during the summer to get to Buena Vista, Leadville and then Vail. Cottonwood saves you about 30-40 minutes. Its a dirt road but OK for all cars. A beautiful drive

Thanks for all the info and advice!! What pass would I take if I wanted to go through Aspen from Crested Butte?? I was thinking of going there before I get to the Vail area..or would Aspen be a separate day trip from Vail??

You would take Kebler Pass to Aspen. About 2.5 - 3 hours. Then on to Vail.

As the crow flies, Aspen is very close to Crested Butte. But the drive is long. The pass road between Aspen and Crested Butte is a very rugged 4WD and not advisable. As Paul said, ebler Pass is the best alternative. Where are you from? Back roads in Colorado can be very uncomfortable for people not used to them. I agree Cottonwood Pass is a pretty good dirt road (on the west side of the pass, and paved road on the east side), but you can not travel too quickly. I took an aunt from the East Coast on a good dirt road, and she was scared to death of exposure, narrow lanes, and isolation. So your comfort level should be considered. If you are wanting to stay in Aspen, then Crested Butte (beautiful as it is) is too far out of your way. The best way to Aspen is from Delta. Take #92 to #133 through Paonia, and over McClure Pass to Carbondale. Marble might be a nice little stop. There is an old marble quarry that is again operating that might be of interest. It is a bit off the main road for a little adventure.
Then, from Carbondale, take #82 to Aspen. All good driving roads.
Another stop of interest is Black Canyon near Montrose, just made a National Park. There is an easy rim drive to several overlooks.
From Aspen, the quickest way to Vail is back to Carbondale, to Glenwood Springs and I-70 and Vail. It should take less than 2 hours. A truly scenic route, (slightly scary if you are not used to pass roads without guard rails) is the road over Independence Pass. Good paved road, stunning scenery, and a bit thrilling. Continue to #24 and onto Leadville, and Vail. It should take about the same time, maybe a little longer if you are a hesitant mountain driver. Most mountain towns are pretty quiet during the week, but should have special activities on the weekends. If you want to know any special activities on the weekend, I might be able to check it out for you in the paper.