Crested Butte

Crested Butte was a coal town from the 1880s and the mine ran until 1952; skiing started in 1961 and kept the place alive. The Colorado legislature designated it the state's wildflower capital in 1990, and the basis is real: the valley's elevation, soil and moisture produce dense displays of mule's ears, lupine, columbine and paintbrush across the meadows, peaking usually in the second and third weeks of July though the date shifts with snowmelt. The Wildflower Festival runs guided walks, photography and botany sessions in that window. The town's main street is a preserved historic district of timber buildings. The ski area has a reputation for steep extreme terrain off the north face.

What you actually see

• Dense wildflower meadows - peaking usually in mid-July.
• A designated wildflower capital - by act of the state legislature.
• A preserved timber main street - from the coal decades.
• Steep extreme terrain - on the ski area's north face.

When to go

July for flowers; December to April for skiing. Several days.

Honest expectations

Peak bloom moves with snowmelt by up to two weeks. The festival books out. It is a long drive from any major airport. Mud season in spring closes much of the town.

Nearby

Gunnison is south; Kebler Pass runs west when open.