Speed puzzling retreat in the mountains of Crested Butte

Join us June 19 and 20, 2026 at the beautiful Center for the Arts in Crested Butte for a fun weekend of speed puzzling, yoga, and massage. This location is walkable to downtown Crested Butte (museum, restaurants, coffee shops), and is a short drive (or take the local free bus) away from the base area of Mt Crested Butte, providing easy access to the base area recreation - hiking, mountain biking, summitting Mt. Crested Butte (12,162'), and more. You can also partake in all of the summer activities of the Colorado mountains - hiking, biking, fishing, camping, and more!

Schedule of Events

• Friday (6/19) 5:15-6:15pm: Self-massage for Puzzlers with Mel Peddle, LMT and speed puzzler
• Friday (6/19) 6:15-8:15pm: Puzzle Chess competition, double elimination rounds to crown the champion. Win prizes!
• Friday (6/19) 8:15pm: History and Ghosts - walking tour of Crested Butte, Walk around downtown and learn a bit about Crested Butte’s history.
• Saturday (6/20) 8:30-9:30am: Yoga for Puzzlers taught by Katy Mooney, RYT200 and puzzle enthusiast
• Saturday (6/20) 10:45am: Check-in for 11:00am start of Solo (Race, Casual, and Youth)
• Saturday (6/20) 12:15pm: Check-in for 12:30pm start of Pairs Relay
• Saturday (6/20) 1:45pm: Check-in for 2:00pm start of Pairs (Race, Casual, and Youth)
• Saturday (6/20) 3:15pm: Check-in for 3:30pm start of Teams (Race, Casual, Sponsors, and Youth)
• Saturday (6/20) 6-8pm: Puzzle Trivia Night at A Bar Above, Mt. Crested Butte

All events held at the Center for the Arts Crested Butte unless otherwise noted.

Follow us on our socials!

• Facebook: @speedpuzzlingretreats
• Instagram: @innerpiecepuzzle

What is speed puzzling?

Speed puzzling is a competitive sport where individuals, pairs, or teams race to assemble jigsaw puzzles. Each competitor receives the same jigsaw puzzle in an opaque package. At "go!", the competitors start the puzzle and the first one done wins! You will get to keep the puzzles that you race with. Speed puzzling is great fun!

What else can I do in Crested Butte?

Crested Butte is absolutely stunning in the summer. In late June, most of the typical summer activities are available.

HikingMountain biking and e-bikingWater sports (SUP, white water rafting, picnicking at Lake Irwin)Pickleball at some of the most beautiful courts in the nationPlaygroundsWildflowers will be near their peak!Sunday morning Farmer's MarketMonday evenings there is free music at the Alpenglow concert seriesWildlife-watchingFly-fishing Gold Medal waters nearbyso much more mountain fun!

Where should I stay?

There are several hotel options in Mt Crested Butte and Gunnison, and a couple in the town of Crested Butte. Below are options with our lodging partners.

• Elevation Hotel: In your confirmation email you will receive a link to book. Base rate of $199/night for a king room or a double queen. After taxes and fees, it comes out closer to $260/night
• Nordic Inn: In your confirmation email you will receive instructions for how to book. After taxes and fees, their King room is $224.53 and their double queen is $260.17.
• Old Town Inn: In your confirmation email you will receive instructions how to book. The rate for their double Queen room for the speed puzzling competition is $251.10 + tax, and they have a handful of pet rooms available for an additional fee. This location is the closest location to the speed puzzling venue.

Additionally, camping is always a popular summer lodging option. The easiest camping option is with Campfire Ranch On The Taylor, a campground with rental gear and an adventure concierge service. Alternatively, there are several free campsites throughout the Gunnison Valley. The closest ones to the speed puzzling retreat are at the Mt. Crested Butte Campground. There are 14 sites, and they are first come first served. Additionally, this is a great resource to get you started on finding a camping location.