Crested Butte

Gothic Mountain is probably THE classic peak in Crested Butte. For locals and visitors alike, it stands impressive – a mountain seemingly made of Gothic Mountain spires, with twin peaks, north and south. While I’ve trekked up to the summit of Gothic Mountain numerous times to ski lines on the south, east, and west, I had yet to hike to Gothic’s north peak. Since the traditional summer route follows along Gothic’s northwest ridge passing right over the north peak, I decided it was time to check out that side of the mountain.

Rustler Gulch is one of Crested Butte’s best kept secrets. A great hike in the summer, this on is also fantastic in the fall!

It had been far too long since I’d seen my friend Ann. With a lagging-in-snow kind of winter and a forest-fire crazed summer, we just hadn’t been able to find the time and motivation to play in the outdoors together. So, when Ann said she was coming to visit in early September, I made sure to put some time aside to spend with my traveling friend. She requested that we hike Mt. Owen, being the classic mountain that it is, and one she sees regularly from the Marble area. Who could turn down a hike like that?