Living Journeys Summit Hike a day to Celebrate, Support, & Remember
For nearly 30 years, the Living Journeys Summit Hike has been an annual tradition in Mount Crested Butte to support residents throughout Gunnison County who are impacted by cancer. Locals mark this event on their calendars early and visitors travel to participate, coming from over 20 states and throughout Colorado. This grassroots hike to the 12,162 foot summit of Mount Crested Butte has grown into a powerful way to honor and remember those with cancer, survivors, families, friends, and caregivers.
How? Hike Your Way
It’s called the Summit Hike but reaching the summit is not a requirement because just getting outside and standing on the mountain can be a personal victory.
Easy – Take a beautiful chairlift ride to the top of the Silver Queen Express chairlift. Topping out at an elevation of 11,340 feet, enjoy the amazing views, snap a few photos and then ride back down to the base area of Crested Butte Mountain Resort.
Most Popular – Ride the Silver Queen Express chairlift and hike up an additional mile, gaining 822 feet to the summit. The summit ridge is a formidable scramble using hands and feet. Celebrate with your fellow hikers at the top, take the summit photo, hike back to the chairlift and then ride back to the base area.
Challenge – For the ultimate summit challenge, start at the Crested Butte Mountain Resort base area and hike up over 5 miles and 2,500 feet to the summit. Hike back down for a round trip of over 10 miles or catch the Silver Queen Express chairlift for a ride down.
Who? Literally, Everyone! 
The beauty of the Living Journeys Summit Hike is that anyone can participate! Friends, families, and even strangers will unite at the summit to remember those lost from cancer, celebrate survivors, and honor those who are currently navigating cancer treatments. Some choose to volunteer at the event rather than hiking. Others may offer support by just enjoying the day at the base area where a light breakfast and full lunch are served.
Who have we seen on the Summit Hike over the years?
- Families with children from tots to teens
- College students to seniors
- Runners, walkers, amputees, participants in wheelchairs
- Teams with matching shirts or costumes
- Cancer survivors and those currently going through treatments
Why? Because No One Should Face Cancer Alone
Living Journeys serves Gunnison County residents and their families who are impacted by a cancer diagnosis. Often health insurance falls short in covering basic financial needs such as housing costs, transportation to and from appointments, lodging in treatment locations, and just being able to purchase groceries. Living Journeys offers quarterly financial grants to subsidize everyday living costs. Additionally, Living Journeys delivers thousands of meals and provides free therapy sessions, support groups, and enrichment programs.
Those who benefit from Living Journeys’ programs and grants live in every part of Gunnison County from Pitkin to Somerset, Gunnison to Crested Butte and every place in between. Some believe that Living Journeys only serves Crested Butte, but the truth is that more than half of our clients live in the town of Gunnison. While we work in tandem with Gunnison Valley Health and Gunnison Tough to serve those impacted by cancer, we each offer different services and clients can benefit from it all.
The Summit Hike and the Summit Soiree Dinner and Auction comprise the Summit Weekend, our largest fundraising event, allowing Living Journeys to continue supporting Gunnison County residents who are impacted by cancer.
When? Saturday, July 25, 2026
Arrive at Crested Butte Mountain Resort Base Area on Saturday morning. Check-in opens at 7:00am and goes until 12:00pm. You will receive your lift ticket, commemorative hat and swag bag, and begin the hike whenever works for you. Lines will begin forming around 9:00am and for the fastest check-in, please bring your Epic Pass if you have one activated for summer chairlift rides.
Breakfast items and coffee will be available under the tent at the base area from 8:00am to 10:00am. Community lunch is held from 12:30pm to 2:30pm. This is a great time to celebrate your summit hike and come together in community with all participants.
How to Support
Soiree Tickets HERE
Hike Registration HERE
Donate HERE
Volunteer HERE