Crested Butte Peak
Crested Butte rises to 12,162 ft in Rocky-Mountains within the Elk Range Area range.
With its impressive elevation and vast size, this mountain offers a variety of opportunities for adventure. Rising to an elevation of over 12,000 feet, Crested Butte provides breathtaking views and challenging terrain for climbers.
During the winter season, the snowpack range in Crested Butte is impressive, making it a haven for winter sports enthusiasts. Snowfall can vary, with an average annual snowfall of around 200 inches. This abundant snowpack creates ideal conditions for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.
Crested Butte is also known for its pristine creeks and rivers that receive the mountain's runoff. The Slate River, located nearby, is one such example. This river benefits from the melting snow and offers opportunities for fishing and whitewater rafting.
Regarding its name and lore, Crested Butte has an intriguing history. Legend has it that the mountain was named after a group of Ute Native Americans who discovered a crested hill shaped like a rooster's comb. They called it "Crested Butte" due to its distinct appearance. Over time, this name stuck and became the official title for the mountain.
In summary, Crested Butte in the Rocky Mountains is a majestic mountain with a rich history and abundant recreational opportunities. With its impressive elevation, ample snowfall, and beautiful rivers, it continues to captivate mountaineers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
For trail conditions and access, search Wikipedia or the local land manager's site. Browse other peaks in the Rocky-Mountains range.
Snowpack near Crested Butte
Snow water equivalent and snowpack depth at SNOTEL stations near the peak. Best proxy for what's currently sitting on the summit.
| SNOTEL station | Snowpack | View |
|---|---|---|
| Nohrsc Beartown | 7 in | → |
| Aspen Highlands Ski Area Cld 9 | 0 in | → |
| Vail Ski Area Mid-Mtn | 1 in | → |
| Bison Lake | 4 in | → |
| Brumley | 1 in | → |
| Bison Lake | 4 in | → |
| Vallecito | 1 in | → |
| Porphyry Creek | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Mccoy Park | 1 in | → |
| Castle Creek Near Aspen, Co | 1 in | → |
| Brumley | 1 in | → |
| Snowmass Ski Area Timberline | 1 in | → |
Streamflow near Crested Butte
USGS streamgauges in the basin drained by this peak. Spring snowmelt from the summit feeds these flows.
| Gauge | Streamflow | View |
|---|---|---|
| East River At Almont Co. | 88 cfs | → |
| Homestake Creek At Gold Park | 7 cfs | → |
| Missouri Creek Near Gold Park | 1 cfs | → |
| Taylor River At Almont | 103 cfs | → |
| East Fork Eagle River Near Climax | 1 cfs | → |
| Lake Fork Blw Lake San Cristobal Nr Lake City | 107 cfs | → |
| East River Bl Cement Creek Nr Crested Butte | 96 cfs | → |
Weather Forecast
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column -- snow at this elevation typically lags the radar signature by a few hours.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day forecast
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
What's around Crested Butte
Ski areas, river runs, fishing spots, campgrounds, parks, reservoirs, and boat launches within driving distance of Crested Butte.
Ski areas
- Snowy Range
- Howelsen Hill Ski Area
- Ski Estes Park (Hidden Valley)
- Kendall Mountain
- Sunlight Mountain Resort
- Taos Ski Valley
River runs
- Oh Be Joyful
- Waterfall To Confluence
- Crystal Mill Falls
- Maroon Bells/Snowmass Wilderness Boundary To Confluence With South Fork
- North Fork--Headwaters To Maroon Bells/Snowmass Wilderness Boundary
- South Fork--Headwaters To Beaver Lake
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