NORTH VALLEY
The north end of the Gunnison Valley includes the towns of Crested Butte, and Mt. Crested Butte. Mt. CB is home to Crested Butte Mountain Resort, a ski resort known for it’s incredible steeps. The surrounding areas, referred to in the real estate community as “Crested Butte Rural” span an area rich in varied topography from the golf-course community of Syland to the quaint Alpine Meadows, a smaller subdivision with exclusive access to Nicholson Lake, and some of the best views on the valley floor. Each unique neighborhood presents the best of Crested Butte, where the scenery is nothing short of spectacular.
CRESTED BUTTE
Located in the upper valley of Gunnison County, Crested Butte is a true Colorado mountain town that reminds us of the beauty of connecting with nature. Receiving an average snowfall of over 200 inches per year, Crested Butte Mountain Resort provides skiers and snowboarders with over 1,500 skiable acres. It is also an incredible place for summer activities, including wildflower viewing in the “Wildflower Capital of the World.” Whether its hiking through the Gunnison National Forest, mountain biking on trails surrounded by incredible rustic landscapes, or boating on the nearby Blue Mesa Reservoir, there is an outdoor activity for everyone to enjoy year-round.
Mt. Crested Butte
The town of Mt. Crested Butte (not to be confused with the town of Crested Butte) is nestled among the Elk Mountains. Sitting at 9,375 feet above sea level, Mt. Crested Butte is home to around 800 year-round and part-time residents. Its namesake mountain rises just above town to a height of 12,162 feet. This unique setting affords some of the most breathtaking vistas in Colorado. Crested Butte Mountain Resort is the main attraction in Mt. Crested Butte. The resort offers a wide range of winter activities, including skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. It has a variety of terrain suitable for all levels, from beginner slopes to challenging expert runs. During the summer, the resort transforms into a hub for mountain biking, hiking, and scenic chairlift rides. A network of busses provide transportation throughout Mt. Crested Butte, and to-and-from Town.
Meridian
Home to Meridian Lake, endearingly known as Long Lake, the Meridian neighborhood is the gateway to Washington Gulch, with incredible recreational access. Meridian features beautiful single-family homes, often with views of Mt. Crested Butte. The Allen Family graciously allows access to Long Lake where swimming, paddle boarding, and floating are enjoyed by way of a short/steep trail. Subdivisions include Meridian Lake Park, Meridian Lake Meadows and Pristine Point.
Town of Crested Butte
Historic Crested Butte and the charming, colorful downtown area is a must-visit and commonly considered the center of the action in the North Valley. With no traffic lights or high-rise buildings, Crested Butte is a rare gem. But a stroll down Elk Avenue will prove this historic mountain town has everything one could need. It is known for its well-preserved Victorian architecture, unique shops, art galleries, and numerous dining options. The town hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including the Crested Butte Arts Festival and the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival. The Heritage Museum offers exhibits and displays that tell the story of the area's mining past, ski industry development, and the unique culture and lifestyle of the community. Access to the winter nordic trail system, and summer hiking/biking single-track are a cinch from Town. The bus system travels from stops throughout Town to Mt. Crested Butte, offering seamless and swift transportation to skiing.
Skyland
Skyland is well known for its signature Rober Trent Jones II golf course. At 9,000 feet, the ball rips! Skyland is approximately 2.5 miles south of Crested Butte, and is connected by a gravel bike path in the summer and groomed nordic ski trail in the winter. Homes command 360-degree views of mountain peaks, rolling fairways, and Slate-river frontage. Skyland amenities include private access to Grant Lake and the adjacent pavilion. Membership to the Club at Crested Butte includes the golf course, tennis courts, fitness & aquatic center, and the on-mountain Ski Club.
Buckhorn Ranch
Buckhorn Ranch is located just beyond Skyland with nearby access to Brush Creek Road and the popular Strand Hill Mountain Bike ride (leading to a web of trails including 409 1/2). Buckhorn is relatively flat with unobstructed views. It has community ponds, walking trails, tennis courts and a private runway; of note, the runway is restricted to homes located directly on it, unless there is express permission to land or take-off. The 4,000 foot-long asphalt runway is considered best for smaller aircraft.
GATED COMMUNITIES AND RANCHES
The “Ranchland Process” in Gunnison County is that where owners may subdivide their ranch into 35 acre homesites, and the County staff shepherd it through a shortened approval process. As a result there are many low-density neighborhoods with large parcels, incredible views, and in some cases these communities are either horse property or sit on river frontage (or both). There are a number of stunning options to buy or build within the gated and ranch communities of the Gunnison Valley.
Trapper’s Crossing
This subdivision includes Trapper’s Crossing at Crested Butte, Trapper’s Crossing South and Trapper’s Crossing at Wildcat. Each is gated and consists of 35 acre parcels. Trapper’s Crossing at Crested Butte and Trapper’s Crossing South are directly adjacent to the town of Crested Butte while Trapper’s Crossing at Wildcat is a short drive west of Crested Butte along County Road 12. Trapper’s Crossing at Wildcat is nestled on the northern flanks of Whetsone Mountain and many of the lots are sloped. Views from the top of Trapper’s at Wildcat are breathtaking.
Hidden Mine Ranch
This horse property consists of 35+ acre parcels with specific building envelopes for each lot, and a community pond. With 19 homesites on 756 acres nestled at the base of Whetstone Mountain, owners share National Forest access, private water, trails, and dedicated preserved open space. The community appreciates the convenient location to Town just minutes away, but values peace, quiet and privacy while helping preserve the incredible mountain landscape that surrounds it.
Red Mountain Ranch
In the words of the Red Mountain Ranch owner’s association: Visionary Site Planning∙Architectural Restraint. In the words of anyone standing on a premium Red Mountain Ranch parcel: the views are the best in the Gunnison Valley! From the top are panoramic and bird’s eye views of the most spectacular peaks in the area, in some cases including Mt. Crested Butte. This ranch consists of 35+ acre parcels on the side of Red Mountain. The distance to Town can vary from 20 to 40 minutes or so. Most lots are wooded, and all have specific building envelopes designed to maintain privacy from home to home. Horses are permitted, and owners may build a barn, guest house, and separate garage. The elk like to spend their rut in this area in the fall, and most owners can listen to their bugling in the evenings.
Reserve on the East River
The Reserve on the East River lives up to its name. Owners enjoy 2 miles of private access along the East River, and stocked ponds. Also designed for horse lovers, there is a community equine facility with stables and paddock. The community features a common Lodge and Guest House available for homeowners and their guests to use whether or not their their dream residence has been built yet. The Reserve also include 8 miles of hiking trails adjacent to National Forest. Just 10-12 minutes to town from the gates of The Reserve.
Danni Ranch
Comprised of nineteen 35+-acre parcels, Danni Ranch includes fishing access along an enhanced stretch of the East River, a stocked fishing pond, shared equestrian facilities with fenced pastures, private access to the Gunnison National Forest, and an on-site ranch manager. Located roughly 15 minutes from the gates to Town of Crested Butte.
CRESTED BUTTE SOUTH
Located approximately 8 miles south of Crested Butte, CB South is a family & community-oriented subdivision with roughly 950 owners. It includes a commercial district with coffee shop, fitness center, bar/restaurant, liquor store, and offices. Red Mountain Park is central to the community and offers a baseball field, soccer field, tennis court, basketball court (outside), ice rink, skating pond, playground and pump track. There are also walking paths in the summer and nordic ski trails in the winter along with easy access to National Forest Service land. The Slate River meets the East River to the east of CB South, and owners can enjoy fishing access along the East River.
The southern end of the Gunnison Valley is home to the city of Gunnison (the County seat), and is the gateway to the the Curecanti National Recreation Area, which encompasses three reservoirs: Blue Mesa Reservoir, Morrow Point Reservoir, and Crystal Reservoir, as well as the Black Canyon, of the Gunnison National Park, a stunning and unique geological marvel; it is named after the dark and narrow gorge carved by the Gunnison River over millions of years.
SOUTH VALLEY
Almont
Almont sits at the confluence of the East and Taylor Rivers, about halfway between Crested Butte and Gunnison. The Taylor River is fed by the Taylor Reservoir, which is up the canyon to the east of Almont. The Taylor River flows through a variety of private land and National Forest Service property. It is popular with both fly fisherman and white-water rafters and kayakers, and there are multiple access points via Forest Service land. The Gunnison River flows south out of Almont along Highway 135, also popular with anglers and boaters on this gentle stretch.
Gunnison
Gunnison is nicknamed the Base Camp of the Rocky Mountains and is home to Western Colorado University. As the County seat, it houses all state and county offices and facilities, including the hospital and the motor vehicle licensing office. The Gunnison River runs through the western side of town with multiple public access points and parks along the way. Gunnison has an abundance of city run parks and green spaces along with recreation center with pool, playgrounds, indoor and outdoor hockey rinks, baseball fields, dog park, skate parks, basketball courts, tennis courts, pickleball courts, fairgrounds, and rodeo grounds. Dos Rios Golf Course is along the western boundary of the city. And Hartman’s Rocks is a paradise for springtime mountain biking and camping. Blue Mesa Reservoir is a 15-minute drive away and offers public boat ramps in the Curecanti National Recreation Area.
