Denver is the fifth-busiest airport in the United States and services flights from all over the country. The drive from the Front Range through the heart of the Rockies to Crested Butte is a fantastic tour of some of the most scenic places in Colorado.

Directions from Denver International Airport to Crested Butte

• Take Pena Boulevard towards 1-70
• After 11 miles merge onto 1-70 West
• Stay on I-70W through Denver (24 miles)
• Take Exit 260 onto CO-470 East
• After 5 miles take the exit for US 285 South towards Fairplay
• Stay on US 285 South until you reach the outskirts of Buena Vista
• Turn left to stay on US 285 South for another 21 miles
• Turn right onto US 50 West
• Arrive in Gunnison after 60 miles
• To reach Crested Butte turn right at CO-135 North and continue for 28 miles

Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) is the second-closest airport to the Gunnison Valley and Crested Butte. It services flights from Allegiant, American, United, and Delta from both coasts. One of the best things about flying into Montrose is that you pass the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and the Blue Mesa Reservoir on the way to Gunnison and Crested Butte.

Directions from Montrose Regional Airport to Crested Butte

• Turn left out of the airport onto US 50 East
• Follow US 50E for 60 miles to reach Gunnison
• Turn left on CO-135 North and continue for 28 miles to reach Crested Butte
• U.S. Highway 50 Road Closures
• A section of Highway 50 between Gunnison and Montrose through Little Blue Creek Canyon is under construction. The road is fully open on weekends but closed at certain times of the day on weekdays to accommodate construction crews. Visit the U.S. Highway 50 construction website for more information.

Flying into Colorado Springs Airport (COS) can shorten your drive at a similar ticket price if you’re considering flying into the Front Range of Colorado. Along the way, there’s plenty to see and do with the highlight being the Royal Gorge of the Arkansas outside Canon City.

Directions from Colorado Springs Airport to Crested Butte

• Take the Milton E. Proby Parkway to S. Academy Boulevard
• Take the exit for CO-115 South
• After 30 miles take the exit for US 50 West in the town of Penrose
• Stay on US 50 West for 130 miles to reach Gunnison
• Turn right on CO-135 North and continue for 28 miles to reach Crested Butte

Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) is another option for reaching the Gunnison Valley. During the winter the drive is just a little longer than the drive from Montrose. During the summer and fall, the drive to Crested Butte can be cut shorter by using the well-maintained gravel shortcut over Kebler Pass. This drive passes between two wilderness areas and cuts through the largest aspen grove in Colorado, a special treat during September.

Summer Directions from Grand Junction Regional Airport to Crested Butte

• Follow signs on Horizon Dr. to I-70 East
• Take Exit 37 for I-70 Business West towards Clifton/Delta
• After 1 mile turn left onto CO-141 South/32 Rd.
• After 5 miles turn left onto US 50 East
• After 32 miles reach the town of Delta and turn left onto CO-92 East
• In the town of Hotchkiss stay straight to get onto CO-133 North
• Turn left onto County Rd. 12/Kebler Pass Rd. after 23.5 miles
• Stay on Kebler Pass Rd. for 31 miles to reach Crested Butte
• U.S. Highway 50 Road Closures

A section of Highway 50 between Gunnison and Montrose through Little Blue Creek Canyon is under construction. The road is fully open on weekends but closed at certain times of the day on weekdays to accommodate construction crews. Visit the U.S. Highway 50 construction website for more information.