Hiking Colorado’s Elk Range: Crested Butte
Program Number:
18924RJ
Start and End Dates:
8/11/2013 - 8/16/2013
;
Duration:
5 nights
Location:
Crested Butte, Colorado
Price starting at:
$999.00 -
Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type:
Walking/Hiking
Activity Level:
n (
see description
)
Meals:
12; 5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 3 Dinners
Between the glamorous resort of Aspen and the old coal mining town of Crested Butte lies the rugged Elk Mountain Range. Experience the power and beauty of these peaks on expert-led hikes, learning how the land has been used by Native Americans, miners and, today, skiers. Walk among majestic wildflowers and look for Rocky Mountain wildlife.
Highlights
• Hike on old mining trails, through open meadows, over mountain passes and to some of the Rockies’ most interesting geological features on daily excursions.
• Crested Butte is known as the Wildflower Capital of Colorado - a designation that will be clear during an eight-mile, daylong hike on the very scenic "Oh Be Joyful" Trail along Slate Creek.
• A trek over the West Maroon Pass trail to Hasley Pass at 12,000 feet offers spectacular views of the Maroon Bells.
Activity Particulars
Hiking 5-12 miles a day with elevations gains of 800-2,500 feet. Hiking elevations of 8,000-12,000 feet.
Coordinated by Mountains and Plains Institute.
Crested Butte
Born during the Colorado silver mining boom, Crested Butte survived the end of the silver rush thanks to its ranching and supply industries, unlike many similar municipalities destined to become ghost towns. Today it combines the history of buildings from its Wild West days with the thrill of a spectacular modern ski resort on its snowy peaks.
Accommodations
Cozy mountain lodge reminiscent of the ski lodges of Europe.
Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Peter McCarville
Peter McCarville is a consulting geologist, geological instructor and educator who has lived in Colorado for 30 years — on the western slope since 1995. He also works as an instructor and program designer for Mountains and Plains Institute (MPILLS), leading hiking and skiing excursions, while making cameo appearances as a geology expert on other programs. He has a wonderful ability to convey complex natural history in layman's terms.
Meals and Lodgings
Cristiana Guesthaus
Crested Butte, CO
5 nights
Cristiana Guesthaus
Type:
Bed and Breakfast
Description:
Cristiana Guesthaus, a cozy bed and breakfast lodge, is the perfect lodging choice for your Crested Butte vacation both for summer and winter. Conveniently located just one block north of Elk Avenue and the main business district, the lodge is a short walk to shops and restaurants and about 50 yards from the free shuttle to Crested Butte Mountain and to the Nordic ski center. Hiking and mountain biking trails are also easily accessible.
Contact info:
621 Maroon Avenue
Crested Butte, CO 81224 USA
phone: 970-349-5326
web:
www.cristianaguesthaus.com
Room amenities:
21 comfortable rooms, phones wireless, Internet access, private bathrooms with hair dryers. Pillowtop beds are furnished with triple sheeted duvets and down pillows. The rooms do not have televisions although there is a TV in the upstairs sitting area.
Facility amenities:
The lodge also has a sauna and bike/ski storage and a guest computer with high speed Internet access is available. For the comfort of our guests smoking is not permitted in the lodge or the guest rooms and we do not accept pets. On the north side of the lodge our outdoor hot tub offers a great spot to unwind with its beautiful views of Crested Butte Mountain and the Elk Mountain Range, whilst the south facing sundeck is an ideal place to watch the sun set over town. Each morning we serve a generous continental breakfast featuring our homemade granola and muesli, fresh fruit with yogurt, and a delicious selection of freshly baked pastries such as cinnamon rolls, croissants, homemade scones and muffins, along with juices, freshly ground coffee, a selection of Celestial Seasonings teas, hot chocolate and spiced cider. Guests may also help themselves to complimentary hot beverages throughout the day. During ski season we set out freshly baked cookies for a tempting apres ski treat.
Smoking allowed:
No
Additional nights prior:
Call lodge for information Call lodge for reservations
Check in time:
3:00 PM
Additional nights after:
Call lodge for information Call lodge for reservations
Check out time:
10:00 AM
Travel Details
Start of Program:
Lodge check-in 3-5 pm. 5 pm meeting in lobby for introductions and plans for dinner. You will be staying at
Cristiana Guesthaus
that night.
End of Program:
After breakfast; check-out 10 am You will be staying at
Cristiana Guesthaus
the night before.
Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Acknowledgement of Risk-Liability Waiver Form to be mailed back to Mountains and Plains Institute office.
Parking availability:
No charge
Transportation
To Start of Program
Location:
Crested Butte, CO
Nearest city or town:
Gunnison, CO
Nearest highway:
US. Hwy 50
Nearest airport:
Gunnison, CO
From End of Program
Location:
Crested Butte, CO
(
Additional transportation information same as above
)
Travel Details
Crested Butte
From Airport
Service:
Commercial Van/Shuttle
Alpine Express
phone: 800-822-4844
Gateway Airport: Gunnison (GUC) via Denver (DEN) Alpine Express shuttles meet every flight and provide door-to-door service between Gunnison Airport and Crested Butte. Reservations required.
Driving Directions
Denver to Crested Butte
From Denver International Airport, take interstate 70 west, exit to highway 470 west, highway 285 south to Fairplay then Poncha Springs, highway 50 west to Gunnison, then highway 135 north into Crested Butte.
Elevation Note:
8,000-12,000 feet
Equipment Requirements:
Daypack, water bottles, broken in hiking shoes or boots
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.
Daily Schedule
Day 1:
Greetings and orientation
(Sunday, August 11)
Arrive To:
Independent arrivals by 5 p.m.
Dinner:
Restaurant meal
Evening:
Orientation and safety lecture
Accommodations:
Cristiana Guesthaus
Meals Included:
Dinner
Day 2:
(Monday, August 12)
Breakfast:
Hotel
Morning:
Hike the Beckwith Pass Trail off the Kebler Pass Road; easy round trip hike of 3 miles, gain, loss altitude 300', maximum altitude 10,000'
Lunch:
Box lunch
Afternoon:
Hike the Lost Lake Loop from Kebler Pass; moderate round trip hike of 5 miles, gain, loss altitude 1,000', maximum altitude 11,200'
Dinner:
On own to sample cuisine of Crested Butte
Evening:
Evening free for rest and reflection, preparation for next day's activities
Accommodations:
Cristiana Guesthaus
Meals Included:
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3:
(Tuesday, August 13)
Breakfast:
Hotel
Morning:
Daylong hike on the very scenic "Oh Be Joyful" Trail along Slate Creek. Wildflowers will be at their peak along this hike. moderately difficult round trip hike of 8 miles, gain, loss altitude 800', maximum altitude 12,000'
Lunch:
Box lunch
Afternoon:
Continuation of morning hike (alternate trail Copper Lake Trail)
Dinner:
Restaurant meal
Evening:
Evening free in Crested Butte historic district
Accommodations:
Cristiana Guesthaus
Meals Included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4:
(Wednesday, August 14)
Breakfast:
Hotel
Morning:
Hike from the mining district of Elkton to the revived historic mining town of Gothic along the old miners' route of Washington Gulch. Wetland wildflowers highlight this hike. Easy one way hike of 3 miles, gain, loss altitude 500', maximum altitude 11,400'
Lunch:
Box Lunch
Afternoon:
Explore the historic townsite of Gothic. Return to Crested Butte with a stop at the Arts Center.
Dinner:
On own to sample cuisine of Crested Butte
Evening:
Evening geology lecture to prepare for last day's hike.
Accommodations:
Cristiana Guesthaus
Meals Included:
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5:
(Thursday, August 15)
Breakfast:
Hotel
Morning:
Day long hike to the beautiful setting of Hasley Basin off of Scoffield Park. Geologic features and wildflower meadows punctuate this hike. Moderately difficult round trip hike of 7-10 miles, gain, loss altitude 1,400', maximum altitude 12,000'
Lunch:
Box lunch
Afternoon:
Continue morning hike
Dinner:
Restaurant farewell dinner
Accommodations:
Cristiana Guesthaus
Meals Included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6:
Departure after Breakfast
(Friday, August 16)
Breakfast:
Hotel
Meals Included:
Breakfast
Important information about your itinerary:
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.
You can't find a better value than Road Scholar.
As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing all-inclusive educational programs at great value. From lectures to gratuities to field trips to accommodations - the tuition you pay up front is all that you pay.
Specifically, this program includes:
5 nights accommodations
12 meals: 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners
Expert-led lectures: 5
Expert-led lectures
Led by one or more of our world-class instructors, typically in a classroom setting, lectures come in the form of presentations, discussions or workshops and offer expert insight into your area of study.
Field trips: 8
Field trips
The world is your classroom, as you're on location with an instructor to pursue your educational theme firsthand.
Hands-on experiences: 8
Hands-on experiences
Learn by doing in these "hands-on" activities directed by an expert.
Plus these special experiences...
Hike in spectacular sub-alpine and alpine zones of the Elk Range in elevations ranging from 8500’ to 12000’.
In the summer, hike the Wildflower Capitol of Colorado- Crested Butte. In the fall, hike the shimmering color of the largest Aspen stand in Colorado.
Hike the West Maroon Pass trail to 12000’ Hasley Pass for spectacular views of the Maroon Bells.
Enjoy the Victorian architecture and fine dining in Crested Butte, CO.
View the Daily Schedule to see more
And included with all Road Scholar programs:
Learning led by expert instructors who are authorities in the field of study.
An experienced Group Leader attuned to the needs of Road Scholar participants.
Customary gratuities throughout the program that you would normally pay yourself.
The Road Scholar Travel Assistance Plan, providing 24-hour-a-day emergency assistance coverage.
Taxes
© Road Scholar 2013
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Call toll-free: 1-800-454-5768