Trapper’s Crossing in Crested Butte Colorado
In November of 1989 Trappers Crossing Ltd. purchased 3,817 acres of land adjacent to the town of Crested Butte to the South and West across Kebler Pass Road and up and over Gibson’s Ridge. The purchase price was $2.6 million dollars.
The developer created 12 small homesite parcels called The Heights at Crested Butte, commonly referred today as “the bench” which sits just above the Nordic Center and Ice Rink. These homesites are within the town of Crested Butte proper and offer great views. The developer then developed the remainder of the land into 35+ acre homesite parcels that we now know as Trappers Crossing. They finalized the subdivision plans that are recorded in Gunnison County in 1992
As reported in the Chronical & Pilot in December of 1989: “The property was owned by Colorado Fuel and Iron Company (CF&I) for most of century and was mined extensively for coal. The big mine was located on the bench just above town and the Persching and Peanut Mines were two of the productive mines along the Peanut Mill Road. The mines were closed in the early 1950s and the railroad tracks were removed, the land lay unused except by hikers, skiers and other recreationalists.”
The single family residence subdivision encompasses 68 parcels of 35+ acres each. The original development plans were challenged by many in town saying that it would scar the landscape forever – instead there was thoughtful development and great expense to build the roads through the trees with minimal impact to the natural setting.
The whole of Trapper’s Crossing is 6.3 square miles divided into 3 parts; Trapper’s Crossing at Wildcat, Trappers Crossing at Crested Butte and Trapper’s Crossing South. While all the homesites in each of the sections are nestled into spectacular settings and many with incredible views, each section has its own character and benefits. Trapper’s Crossing South, up Kebler Pass to Trapper’s Way Road, is the smallest part of the subdivision with just 8 single family homesites. Access to Trapper’s at Crested Butte is via Journey’s End Road and this part of the subdivision is the 2nd largest section with 24 home sites.
Trappers Crossing at Wildcat and its 36 lots make up the largest section. It follows the Wildcat Trail road high above Crested Butte up to the top of Gibson’s Ridge. The developer wanted to continue to allow hiking and Nordic skiing through the development – and a beautiful part of the Nordic Center’s groomed skiing meanders through Trappers Crossing as well there is an easement via the Green Lake Trail to the base of Axtel.
Green Lake Trail. Green Lake is a glacial beauty resting at the base of the glorious Mt. Axel. The beginning of the trail in the heart of Crested Butte starts out at an elevation of 8,800 feet and then steeply rises to 10,700 feet at Green Lake. Mt. Axel peaks at 12,055 feet. Green Lake Trail’s 1,900 foot rise gives any hiker, biker or runner a satisfying challenge and breathtaking scenery.
Nine miles and a variety of terrains work the body and delight the senses. The first two miles offer a solid warm-up with soft loam rich dirt on long switchbacks with a mild vertical gain. But don’t get too comfortable, you’re about to hit Heart Attack Hill where you’ll need to set a strength saving pace. Conquering Heart Attack Hill will be well worth it when you reach the first view of towering Mt. Axel and the most gorgeous wildflowers you’ve ever seen. After all, Crested Butte is the wildflower capital of Colorado.
Continuing on the trail, the final 700 feet is the biggest strength test of all with a series of short, vertical rises with flats that are just enough to get you over the next hill challenge. Just keep your eye on the prize – reaching that marvelous alpine lake. Feel free to cool off in its rejuvenating waters if you’re so inclined. Kick back and take in the miraculous landscape while you rehydrate for the return trip. The way up worked your hamstrings and the way down will do in your quads if you are not mindful of speed. Take it slow and you can drink in the remarkable views of Colorado’s famed peaks, the Maroon Bells. A few small streams along the way also offer more spots to cool off and lap up the great outdoors.
Hardcore runners can gear up to compete in the summer’s premiere event “The Grin & Bear It” hosted by Crested Butte Mountain Runners. For beginning hikers, the Lower or Upper Loop Trails may be more in your wheelhouse.
There is also a new trail easement that has been finalized via the Baxter Gulch drainage – a portion of this trail also crosses the Trappers Crossing subdivision.
For more information on Trapper’s Crossing or other Crested Butte real estate or to start a conversation about the Crested Butte Real Estate Market, call me.
Chris Kopf
Global Luxury Property Specialist
Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties
Chris.Kopf@CBMP.com
(970) 209-5405
