Ilaria Reed

Answering your most asked CB questions 👉🏼

“Specific hikes you recommend?”

I have recommended hikes on nearly every post the last few days. To save character limits on this caption, please refer back to those :)

“Any camp spots you can get to without high clearance?”

Most spots you can get to without high clearance. The only spots I’d recommend high clearance for are the designated sites higher up on Gothic Road. Washington Gulch is pretty bumpy in spots, but def don’t need high clearance.

“Is Emerald Lake accessible via hike?”

Technically yes. There isn’t a trail necessarily, you’d be hiking along Gothic Road until you get there. Don’t just park alongside the road though, I’d recommend parking at the rustlers gulch trailhead if you plan to hike to it. Bit of a walk though, just fyi!

“Is this a good place for first car camping trip?”

I’ve always felt insanely safe in and around CB. What might feel stressful if it’s your first time is trying to score a first come first serve camp spot. I’d recommend booking either Lake Irwin or Oh Be Joyful in advance just to be safe. See my posts a few back though if you want a list of more camp site options.

“Is bear spray needed in the area?”

I’d bring it! I’ve never encountered anything more than a deer on trail, but there are bears, moose, and mountain lion in the area.

“Favorite spot to eat/drink/hang in town?”

Butte bagels or Paradise cafe for breakfast. Rumors or Camp 4 Coffee if you want just a coffee shop vibe. Secret Stash or Thai Chili for lunch/dinner.

Drive into Gothic for coffee at Coffee lab! ☕️

“Would you recommend visiting in June or July?”

Both are great! Wildflowers are amazing both months. The lupines peak mid-end of June usually. And July is busier because it’s the heat of summer. Personally? I think the sweet spot is mid June :)

“What campsites are dog friendly?”

All camping spots are dog friendly except for Mount Crested Butte campground. Be sure to keep dogs on leash and keep aware of wildlife in the area.

“What is the ideal day of the week and time of day to show up looking for a designated camp spot?”

This is so hard to answer. Of course getting there Sunday-Wednesday is best.

Everything you need to know 👇🏼🌸🌻🪻🏔️

First 📌 save this post to refer back to when you’re planning, and follow for all the best Colorado hikes & adventures 🤘🏼

Wildflowers in Crested Butte are so insanely accessible! You don’t even have to really hike to get some insanely amazing views. Personally, I feel like 4 days in CB is absolutely perrrfect👌🏼 (but let’s be real, no time is ever enough!)

Best timing for wildflowers? Personally I think end of June into the first 3 weeks of July is perfect. The first part of that window is great for lupines, while the second half is great for Indian Paintbrush and many other reds and yellows!

As always, please leave no trace when you’re out exploring! Pack out what you pack in, do not pick or trample wildflowers, and stay on the trail. There are SO many wildflowers right on the side of trails, so you do not need to pop off trail for amazing pictures. Have fun! 🙌🏼

Hikes:
🥾 Rustlers Gulch
🥾 Teddy’s Trail
🥾 Judd Falls
🥾 Woods Walk
🥾 Lower Loop

Where to camp:
⛺️ Lake Irwin
⛺️ Gothic Campground
⛺️ Designated sites marked with a post with the site number, fire ring and universal camping symbol. For detailed information on how and where to camp, please scroll to a few posts before this one and read the caption!

Food/Drink:
🍕
🥯 .bagels
☕️
🍳 Paradise Cafe
🌶️ Thai Chili

If you have 4x4 and a high clearance vehicle, I recommend checking out Emerald Lake off Gothic road! It is GORGEOUS 😭

🐶 CB is also super dog friendly! Dogs can go on pretty much all the hikes, just be sure to keep them leashed and pick up after them 💩 Most restaurants have patios where you can bring your pup as well. Be sure to always double check if your furry friend is welcome.

Have questions?? Drop them in the comments or shoot me a DM & I’m happy to help!



Crested Butte Itinerary | Crested Butte Colorado | Wildflower Hikes | Best Colorado Hikes | Car Camping Colorado | Dispersed Camping | Wildflower Trails