Properties with Seasonal Access

Crested Butte is surrounded by National Forest, Wilderness and BLM Land. This is one of the things that makes it a great place to be.  In the midst of these public lands are properties that are perfect for the more adventurous. This land is for those people who truly want to get away from it all! During the months when there is no snow on the ground, the properties are accessible by four wheel drive vehicles with sufficient clearance . They are generally at higher elevations so the snow comes early and leaves later than other areas.  The areas have a trailhead at the point where the main road is plowed to throughout the winter.

The most well known of these areas is the Irwin Townsite.  Irwin was a town of over 5,000 people in the late 1890’s. It was originally divided into streets, alleys and blocks, like many small towns throughout Colorado are. Although the legal property addresses still reference this subdivision, there is little to no evidence of those streets and blocks today.  The properties within the townsite are generally about 1 acre. As required by the county, this is also the minimum amount of property you need to build a septic system.

For larger backcountry properties, you are usually going to be looking at purchasing a mining claim. There are also a few areas that have been subdivided.

There are a few other areas throughout the Gunnison Valley where properties occasionally come on the market. The properties include Schofield Pass, Gothic Townsite, Tincup, Taylor Park  and Wilderness Streams.

Backcountry properties can seem attractive. They are generally priced much lower then comparable properties in the area that have year round access.  However, properties with seasonal access are not for everyone. They require more effort to build on, maintain and get to.  A simple trip to the grocery store can turn into an adventure from your wilderness property!