Judd Falls Hike
Easy Hike (2 miles, 300 feet in elevation gain)
Time: 9 am – 10:30
Meeting Location: billy barr Community Center/ Dining Hall
Cost: Free
Description: The group will hike from RMBL to the nearby Judd Falls, learning about RMBL’s field station and science along the way. Participants will need to bring water, sunscreen, rain gear, warm clothing (it is best to dress in layers), and a hat or visor. The maximum group size is 20 people (including two RMBL guides).
Copper Creek
Easy Hike (3.5 miles, 700 feet in elevation gain)
Time: 8 am – 12 pm
Meeting Location: RMBL Coffee Lab
Cost: Free
Description: The group will hike from RMBL into Cooper Creek to see a beautiful waterfall, Copper Creek, and mountain vistas. Participants will need to bring water, sunscreen, rain gear, warm clothing (it is best to dress in layers), and a hat or visor. The maximum group size is 20 people (including two RMBL guides).
Mexican Cut Tour
Moderate Hike (minimum 2 miles, 1000 feet in elevation gain)
Time: 7:50 am – 3:30 pm
Meeting Location: Community Center/Dining Hall
Cost: Free
Lunch: Participants can sign up for lunch when they register and prepare a sack lunch at the RMBL Dining Hall or bring their own lunch and snacks.
Description: The group will drive approximately 30 minutes for this relatively easy ~1-hour hike up into the Mexican Cut Nature Preserve; however, be prepared for steady elevation gain as you are going from 10,600-11,200ft. See stunning lakes, mountain vistas, and a tour of ongoing 35+ year RMBL research projects (including paedomorphic and cannibalistic tiger salamanders and range-shifting caddisflies). Participants should bring water, sunscreen, rain gear, warm clothing (it is best to dress in layers), and a hat or visor. The maximum group size is 15 people (including RMBL guide).
North Pole Basin Hike
Moderate Hike (minimum 3 miles, 1,000 feet in elevation gain)
Time: 7:50 am – 3:30 pm
Meeting Location: Community Center/Dining Hall
Cost: Free
Lunch: Participants can sign up for lunch when they register and prepare a sack lunch at the RMBL Dining Hall or bring their own lunch and snacks.
Description: The group will drive approximately 30 minutes for this relatively easy ~3-hour hike up into North Pole Basin, though steady elevation gain is involved as you are going above treeline. See stunning lakes, streams, waterfalls, mountain vistas, RMBL research projects, and funky buildings (with funky history, including Newt Gingrich’s Contract for America). Please bring water, sunscreen, rain gear, warm clothing (it is best to dress in layers) and a hat or visor. The maximum gropu size is 15 people (including RMBL guide).
Virginia Basin/Avery Hike
Advanced/Strenuous Hike (6 miles, 3,200 feet in elevation gain)
Time: 7:50 am – 3:30 pm
Meeting Location: Community Center/Dining Hall
Cost: Free
Lunch: Participants can sign up for lunch when they register and prepare a sack lunch at the RMBL Dining Hall or bring their own lunch and snacks.
Description: The group will hike from RMBL to Avery Peak (12,653 ft). The first half of the hike is moderate but steady elevation gain through aspen and pine forest into Virginia Basin (2 miles from RMBL). Hikers may turn back to RMBL from Virginia Basin. If continuing to Avery Peak, hikers will take a number of steep switchbacks to the ridge for another ~1,000 feet of elevation before reaching the peak to overlook RMBL and the western Rocky Mountains. Please bring water, sunscreen, rain gear, warm clothing (it is best to dress in layers), and a hat or visor. The maximum group size is 20 people (including two RMBL guides).
Crested Butte Walking History Tour
Time: 10 am & 1:30 pm
1.5 Hours, easy terrain, outdoors
Meeting Location: Crested Butte Museum – 331 Elk Ave, Crested Butte, CO 81224
Cost: $20/person
Description: Crested Butte became a registered National Historic District in 1974 to preserve our distinctive buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Join an Elk Avenue Walking Tour to learn about the history of the buildings, mining history, and stories from the community. 90 minutes, max of 15 people per tour.
What to Bring: Weather-appropriate clothing, extra weather layers (sweater/rain jacket), comfortable walking shoes, water bottle, small fanny pack, backpack, or purse to carry your personal belongings, sunscreen, camera, or cell phone for taking pictures
Fantasy Ranch Horseback Ride on Snodgrass Mountain
Time: Morning & Afternoon Tours
1.5 hours, easy terrain, outdoors
Meeting Location: Fantasy Ranch Stables – 935 Gothic Road, Mount Crested Butte, CO 81225
Cost: $145/person, tips appreciated
Enjoy a 1.5-hour ride through wildflower fields, across streams, pass by beaver ponds, and wind through an aspen grove before returning to the stables. Morning and afternoon rides available. Each ride accommodates up to 4 people. Additional spots may open closer to the conference, so check back if reservations are initially full.
Self-Organized Field Trips
RMBL is collecting names of those interested in the activities below and will help connect everyone who wants to join in.
Mount Crested Butte Hike – Embark on a scenic hike up the iconic Crested Butte Mountain, starting from the base area of the ski resort. For those looking for a more relaxed option, there may be an opportunity to take a chairlift partway up (availability dependent on Vail Resorts, with a fee), allowing you to either hike the remainder or simply enjoy the panoramic views from the top.
Mountain Biking – If mountain biking is your thing, you’re in the right place. The iconic 401 Trail is just down the road, and a wide network of trails stretches across Gunnison County. There are several local companies to rent bikes from.
Rafting in Almont, CO – This activity is dependent on river water levels in September, but when conditions allow, it’s a fantastic experience – especially with the vibrant fall foliage adding to the scenery.
Fly Fishing, Guided and Independent – Gunnison County offers great fly fishing opportunities, with plenty of spots to explore and several local guide services available. Whether you prefer to go on your own or with a professional, RMBL will collect names and connect interested anglers.