Crested Butte Colorado

Transcription

1 Crested Butte Colorado it doesn t get any better than this

2 Are you craving alpine adventure, exhilarating water sports and unrivaled natural scenery? Discover the beckoning national forests, majestic mountains, blooming wildflowers and unspoiled wilderness areas of Crested Butte and the Gunnison Valley. The sixth largest county in Colorado, over 85 percent of Gunnison County is comprised of public lands. Positioned on the western slope of the Continental Divide, Gunnison County is approximately 200 miles southwest of Denver. Virtually every day is bathed in sunshine, making this the perfect place for hunting, hiking, rafting and fishing. Of course, skiing, snowmobiling and mountain biking are also popular activities. Situated on 350 picturesque acres in Gunnison, Western State Colorado University is one of the state s oldest higher learning institutions. With limitless access to public land and world-class skiing just 28 miles north of campus, Western State students have a recreational paradise at their disposal. The area economy relies heavily on the university, along with thriving tourism, a robust ranching industry and diverse small business sector. Recognized as a Historic National District, our town is graced with quaint, Victorian storefronts, fascinating museums, gourmet restaurants and performing arts venues second to none. With a fond remembrance of the past and a flare for modern sophistication, now is the time to embrace the mountain lifestyle in Crested Butte and the scenic Gunnison Country. Taylor River near Gunnison and Crested Butte, Colorado Boasting 96 miles of shoreline, Blue Mesa Reservoir is ten miles west of downtown Gunnison. Gunnison is Colorado s largest body of water. It was formed by the completion of Blue Mesa Dam in 1965, the first of three dams built on the Gunnison River. As the nation s largest lake trout and Kokanee salmon fishery, the reservoir lures fishing enthusiasts by the boatload. Visitors also frequent Blue Mesa Reservoir for sailing, waterskiing, rafting, wind surfing and more. The dramatically varied topography of the surrounding area promises a memorable journey, whether you experience it on foot, ATV or horseback. The Blue Mesa Reservoir borders the West Elk Wilderness Area to the north. With over 175,000 acres in the Gunnison National Forest, it offers some of the state s best hunting. Campgrounds, RV parks & two full-service marinas are available for all of your recreation needs.

3 Blue Mesa Reservoir lies near the edge of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, one of Colorado s most remarkable attractions. Sculpted over two million years by the raging waters of the Gunnison River, this park is characterized by ancient rock, jagged spires and steep cliffs. From the forests of scrub oak, pinion and juniper lining the rim, to the riparian environment along the river and the canyon walls in between, a diversity of ecosystems harboring all manner of wildlife exists within the park. Hike the manicured trails along the north and south rims. For a stiffer challenge, negotiate the unforgiving terrain of an un-maintained gully descending to the rushing river below. Formed by the confluence of the East and Taylor Rivers, the Gunnison is designated as Gold Medal and Wild Trout Water, making it a popular destination for anglers. At the end of the day, pitch your tent or park your RV at one of the many campgrounds. Would you rather admire our region s scenery from the comfort of your vehicle? Several scenic drives pass through Gunnison County, showcasing the area s rich history and natural allure. These drives are best enjoyed in autumn, when the landscape is illuminated by a dazzling palette of color. Ohio Creek Road in north Gunnison traverses the valley, revealing the spires of the Castles, remnants of volcanic debris erupted from the West Elk Volcano, now extinct. In a few more miles you will come upon the abandoned buildings of Baldwin, a once bustling company town for one of the largest coal mines in the area. The Anthracite Range is also visible in the distance. Eventually, the road ascends to Ohio Pass, roughly two miles from the intersection with Kebler Pass. Kebler Pass Road travels along the old Narrow Gauge Rio Grande Railroad grade, passing deserted mining camps and towns. It journeys through the Anthracite Creek drainage and spectacular aspen groves before ultimately merging with Highway 133, a popular route to the resort town of Aspen. With a variety of runs suited for beginners and experts alike, Crested Butte Mountain Resort is the obvious choice for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. Crested Butte Mountain tops out at an elevation of 12,162 feet, and the ski area Ohio Pass, Colorado Fall base is at 9,375 feet. Such events as the US Extreme Skiing Championships and the X Games have been held here at Crested Butte Mountain Resort, thanks to the large amount of extreme terrain. In total, the resort offers 14 lifts serving 1,058 acres of ski area. If snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or snowmobiling is your preference, the town of Crested Butte maintains a number of groomed trails. Additionally, the surrounding mountains are said to offer some of the best backcountry skiing in all of Colorado. Residents often say Crested Butte is where the sport of mountain biking was born. The area is home to an abundance of challenging and scenic bike trails. Alpine forests and dramatic vistas create a breathtaking backdrop for your two-wheeled adventure. Perhaps the most famous of these routes is Paradise Divide Loop. It follows the East River drainage through Gothic, and then rises gently past Emerald Lake to Schofield Pass. Then, the trail turns west and makes a steep climb to Paradise Divide, affording an unforgettable view of the surrounding landscape. Arts and culture are alive and well in Crested Butte and the Gunnison Valley. The area boasts numerous museums, galleries and performing arts venues. The Crested Butte Mountain Theatre is the longest continuously operating community theatre in Colorado. Some 200 plays have graced its stage over San Juan Range of Colorado Rocky Mountains

4 Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Danni Ranch near Crested Butte Crested Butte Mountain Resort the past 30 years, including classical, contemporary and original productions. The theatre also encourages growth within the arts community through several educational programs. Crested Butte Center for the Arts hosts a vast array of live performances, including dance, theater, musical acts, special speakers and conferences. The Gunnison Arts Center offers a handson, artistic experience through an assortment of programs in the visual, literary and performing arts throughout the year. This facility features two exhibition galleries, a gallery shop, 75- seat theater, dance studio, clay center and meeting rooms. From its humble beginnings as a coal-mining town in the 1880s to its current status as a skiing and mountain biking Mecca, our town s history is meticulously chronicled at the Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum. Be sure to check out the model town and railroad, a vivid depiction of life in 1920s Crested Butte displaying scale replicas of buildings, streets, Coal Creek and the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad. Our community looks forward to a number of celebrations and special events throughout the year. Among the most anticipated of these is the Crested Butte Film Festival. This fourday, international celebration of cinema features 90 films, including narratives, documentaries, outdoor adventure and shorts as well as children s programming and filmmaker talks. The Crested Butte Music Festival is one of the most dynamic musical experiences in the nation; spanning six weeks, this festival spotlights internationally acclaimed performers in jazz, orchestra, opera, chamber and dance. The event also includes opera, bluegrass and gypsy jazz mini-festivals. In 1990, the state legislature deemed Crested Butte the Wildflower Capital of Colorado. Come to town during the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival and find out why. Embark on hikes and ATV tours through some of the region s most vibrant wildflower meadows. Classes on gardening, photography, watercolor, field sketching, wildflower aromatherapy and many other floral-themed topics are available. Indulge in Wildflower Happy Hour, co-hosted by the Crested Butte Music Festival. The evening includes delightful cocktails, appetizers and chamber music. You can even shop for that perfect souvenir at the Blossom Boutique. As you can see, Crested Butte is much more than a ski resort. Whether it s music, art or the great outdoors, you can follow your passion in the Gunnison Valley. When you re ready to move to a place where happiness is always in bloom, contact the friendly professionals at United Country Gunnison County Realty & Auction. With 37 years of real estate experience in Gunnison County, broker/owner Mindy Costanzo can help you find the property you re looking for. Call Mindy at (970) You can also reach her by at Mindy@ CrestedButte.net or Mindy@Gunnison.com.

5 318 Elk Avenue, Ste 12 PO Box 3911 Crested Butte, CO GunnisonCo-RealEstate.com Americas # 1 Resource for Buyers & Sellers of Country Real Estate! Call for a Free Real Estate Sampler catalog ext951