Crested Butte, CO
A Fall Escape to Crested Butte
As Thursday evening rolled around in Denver, we hit the road, excited for a weekend escape to one of Colorado’s most picturesque fall destinations—Crested Butte. The drive brought adventure, and the timing couldn’t be better for catching the last of the season’s peak foliage. Just as we crested Kenosha Pass, the sunset lights up the valley in shades of gold and orange, the aspens shimmering like gold against the horizon. It’s a sight that makes every mile of the drive worthwhile—nature’s golden hour at its finest.
Kebler Pass
Friday morning greeted us with a clear blue sky, and it was off to Kebler Pass. The pass offered a scenic drive through one of the densest forests of Aspen trees, which in autumn was something we couldn’t pass up.
The pass was filled with countless scenic spots where the vibrant aspens are perfectly framed by the dramatic peaks of East Beckwith, West Beckwith, and Marcellina Mountains.
These towering mountains provided a stunning backdrop to the shimmering groves, creating picture-perfect scenes around every bend. Each overlook offered a new perspective, and the combination of the autumn foliage with the jagged peaks in the distance made Kebler Pass a dream.
Three Lakes Hike
The activity for the day was the Three Lakes Trail, where the mix of gold leaves and turquoise waters made for a peaceful and awe-inspiring trek. The trail wound through endless groves of aspens, their golden leaves shimmering in the sunlight and fluttering down like confetti around us. As we continued along the path, the scent of fresh pine filled the air, a refreshing reminder of the surrounding wilderness. The three lakes themselves were stunning, their calm turquoise waters perfectly reflecting the aspens and deep blue sky above.
It felt like stepping into a painting. Wildlife was abundant, with deer frequently crossing our path, adding to the serene and untouched feeling of the landscape. Every step revealed new views, with the mix of colors and crisp mountain air making it one of the most beautiful hikes I’ve ever experienced.
Hike the “Red Lady”
Saturday starts with the perfect fall breakfast: loaded omelets, warm pumpkin spice coffee, and fresh apple cinnamon donuts that gave us an autumn feel. Fully fueled, it’s time for the day’s challenge—an 8+ mile hike up Mt. Emmons. To get to the trail, we had to take a rugged road up to a remote lodge and even let some air out of the tires as to not puncture.
Our hike up Mt. Emmons began at a remote lodge tucked away in the mountains, where the peaceful quiet of the surroundings felt miles away from the hustle of everyday life back in Denver. The trail started with a steady ascent through a dense forest of towering pines, the air cool and filled with the earthy scent of the trees.
As we climbed, the path grew steeper, and soon we emerged onto Scarps Ridge, where the landscape opened up, revealing stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Above the tree line, the terrain became rugged and challenging, with rocky outcrops and steep inclines pushing us onward toward the summit. The 3,000 feet of vertical gain was no easy feat, but every step brought us closer to the top, where the sense of accomplishment grew with the altitude. Along the ridge, we could see for miles in every direction—an endless panorama of jagged peaks and rolling hills bathed in the golden light of fall.
At the summit of Mt. Emmons, we were met by a small group of locals who were celebrating more than just the climb—they were celebrating the end of their battle to protect the mountain from a mining project. Champagne bottles popped, and we shared a simple but satisfying lunch with them.
The views from the top were breathtaking, with rugged peaks stretching endlessly into the distance, a perfect reminder of the wild beauty that makes Crested Butte so special.
As the day winds down, there’s just one thing left to do—catch the sunset over Crested Butte. The town, nestled in the valley, glows in the fading light, and it’s the perfect moment to snap a few photos to remember the weekend by.
Town of Crested Butte
As the sun begins to lower in the sky, we headed back into town for dinner. On our way, we caught some great views of the town just as the sun was dropping below the horizon behind us.
Back in town, I indulge in one final reward for the day: a stop at Secret Stash for their legendary pizza. The combination of fresh ingredients and creative toppings is the perfect end to a fall weekend adventure, and as I take my last bite, I already know I’ll be back.
From the brilliant aspens to the epic hikes, Crested Butte in the fall is nothing short of magical. It’s a place where nature’s beauty, small-town charm, and a spirit of community all come together, making it an unforgettable escape.
For more pictures of Crested Butte click here.
