If you believe, like Tom Petty does, that you belong among the wildflowers, then the perfect place to plan a glamping trip this summer is Thousand Trails Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch in Gunnison, Colorado. Why, you ask? Well, while Gunnison has plenty to see and do (including Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park), Crested Butte, the Wildflower Capital of Colorado, is less than 30 miles away. So, you can glamp among the wildflowers and enjoy everything there is to do in Crested Butte and Gunnison. We found five good ones to get you started. Before you go, make sure to book your cabin or cottage at Blue Mesa.
1. If this was your glamping destination, most likely you plan to spend much of your time outdoors. One great way to see the beautiful countryside here is via scenic drives and there are several to choose from. The Ohio Scenic pass is a 23-mile trek through Gunnison National Forest. Highlights include cool rock formations and wildlife spotting. Another scenic ride, albeit a bit longer, is the Taylor Park Loop. At 90 miles it traverses through several towns, including a few ghost towns, including Quartz and Tincup.
2. A fascinating museum with 18 different buildings spread out over a 14-acre campus that contain all kinds of exhibits, artifacts, paraphernalia, and what-not that detail the history of the area, the Gunnison Pioneer Museum (gunnisonpioneermuseum.com) is a must-see. To name a few, there is an antique car museum, a blacksmith shop, and a log cabin chapel, plus all kinds of artifacts including toys and household items dating back to the 1800s.
3. The Crested Butte Wildflower Festival is scheduled for July 7-16 and this festival is not just about wildflowers. Yes, there are over 200 workshops, but there are also hikes and walks, Jeep tours, garden tours, and birding events to name a few. Check out crestedbuttewildflowerfestival.org.
4. Spirited attractions in the area can include the Montanya Distillers in Crested Butte, a female owned and operated business that focuses on aged rum. A tasting room and distillery tours are available (montanyarum.com). Buckel Family Wine in Gunnison has a tasting room and has several special events each month (buckelfamilywine.com). Craft breweries include High Alpine Brewing Company in Gunnison and the Eldo Brewery in Crested Butte.
5. Festivals and big events are back and there are plenty scheduled for this summer. In addition to #3 above, there is Cattlemens Days, celebrating Gunnison’s ranching heritage and promising all kinds of rodeo events like barrel racing, a horse show, 4-H shows, and a carnival. The event is set for July 13-15 and will be held at Fred Field Center and Fairgrounds in Gunnison; the Crested Butte Arts Festival, scheduled for August 4-6, will feature local artists as well as artists from around the world. For details, visit crestedbutteartsfestival.com.
Read More:
- Here are 5 things to do on your Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, vacation.
- June is Great Outdoors Month and that calls for some outside time.
- Hoping to go glamping soon? Here are 3 of the best glamping accommodations for summer.
- Find your next glamping destination at PetiteRetreats.com.