2016 Map of Crested Butte

About this map

Crested Butte serves as the focal point for this survey of the Elk Mountains, where the town grid meets an intricate network of modern trails and ranching infrastructure. The Slate River and East River wind through the valley floor, fed by an extensive system of historic water rights including the Verzuh Ditch, Rainbow Ditch, and Imobersteg Ditch. These waterways reflect the agricultural heritage of the high country, even as the landscape transitions toward recreation and aviation at the Buckhorn Ranch Airport. Within the protected bounds of the Gunnison National Forest, the terrain rises sharply to Whetstone Mtn and Gibson Ridge, while thermal features like Ranger Hot Spring and Cement Creek Spring punctuate the landscape. This era captures the town's expansion with residential developments along Riverside Dr and Skyland Dr bordering the older mining-era core.