Directions & Transport
CB is remote by design — the drive in is part of the experience. Here's every way to get here.
The closest airport is Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport (GUC), located just 28 miles south of CB — about a 30-minute drive. Seasonal direct flights operate from Denver (DEN), Dallas (DFW), Houston (IAH), and other hubs during ski season. Summer flight options are more limited.
Car rentals are available at GUC, but book well ahead for ski season — inventory runs out. The Alpine Express shuttle runs between GUC and Crested Butte during ski season.
Search Flights to GUC on Expedia →Denver International (DEN) is the most common fly-in option for the drive. Plan for about 4 hours in good conditions — though that can stretch in winter with snow or traffic on I-70.
The classic route: I-70 W → US-285 S → US-50 W → CO-135 N to Crested Butte. You'll pass through Salida and Gunnison. The last 28 miles on CO-135 from Gunnison to CB is a beautiful, straightforward valley drive.
A slightly shorter drive than Denver — head south on I-25, west on US-50 through Cañon City and Salida, then north on CO-135. The Monarch Pass stretch on US-50 is stunning but watch for winter closures. A popular option for skiers flying into COS.
Head east on I-70 to CO-92 to Gunnison, then north on CO-135. The scenic route option: from I-70 to CO-65 over Grand Mesa — one of the world's largest flat-top mountains — adds time but is spectacular. GJT airport has limited direct flights.
Pack smart for the mountain drive.