The road does not receive much traffic. The eastern terminus of GCR 12 is Crested Butte. West Elk Loop Scenic Byway is a well-maintained, two-lane paved road for most of its length. It is partially paved and partially hard packed (not the same as a dirt road). Date of experience: October 2020. Surrounded by the West Elk Mountains and the Gunnison National Forest, these mountain roads always seem to put on a show for those willing to leave the paved highway. As you go up the hill, the road is suddenly paved again. The dirt trail there on the ridge at the pass is a legal camping in the thin alpine air. Kebler Pass, Crested Butte: See 462 reviews, articles, and 243 photos of Kebler Pass, ranked No.1 on Tripadvisor among 27 attractions in Crested Butte. Kebler Pass is the extremely well-maintained, hard-packed gravel road that run from Crested Butte down to CO 133 over McClure Pass between Hotchkiss and Carbondale. CO 12 turns into Kebler Pass. This bit of off-the-beaten-path Colorado is a spectacular drive in the Fall. The busiest stretch of the Byway is CO-135 between Gunnison and Crested Butte. There are four incredible hikes from the Lake Irwin area. Kebler Pass Mountain Bike, Hike, Trail Running trails near Crested Butte, Colorado. Routes are designed by Gerry Signorelli who is a passionate local. This road runs through one of the largest aspen groves in the world, making it a great ride--even if it isn't singletrack. Also at the pass is the Ruby Camp Cemetery, long abandoned. We decided to take a scenic drive over the pass all the way from Buena Vista to Crested Butte. I drove West of the pass on the now paved road. The first 19.79 km (12.3 miles) are paved, the remainder gravel/dirt but generally in decent shape. I recently found out that I was very wrong. Kebler Pass Road is 29 miles long and serves as Crested Butte’s main link to Paonia and Aspen during the summer, the News noted. Rain was threatening in Crested Butte, but weather is so variable we optimistically forged ahead with plan to drive West Elk Loop and visit the Irwin Cemetery near the top of the pass (across from now. It is not paved but not a problem for most vehicles. This road may not be paved but even the biggest bagger can take this route with no problem whatsoever. This is the best road for fall colors in Colorado. There are no services, but plenty of spots to. At its western terminus, GCR 12 intersects State Highway 133 near the southern end of Paonia State Park. About three miles of it, on the Highway 133 end, is already paved. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. There are some great hiking trails off this road such as Lost Lakes. But the costs of paving the road will show a return for the county, which spent almost $131,000 on magnesium chloride for Kebler Pass in the summer of 2007, says Crosby. Kebler Pass is a very scenic dirt road through the West Elk Mountains. I used to think that, for all but dirt bikes, CO 135 to Crested Butte is a dead-end, with the only exit being to return to Gunnison. This is the best road for fall colors in Colorado. The road is in good condition, and the views are spectacular!! The stretch of Colorado Road 12 that passes over Kebler Pass is not all paved, and closes during the winter. On average it takes 29 minutes to complete this trail. This is the best road for fall colors in Colorado. The busiest stretch of the Byway is CO-135 between Gunnison and Crested Butte. More of that in a … You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. This road is now paved (unfortunately) up through Kebler Pass at about 10,000 feet elevation. Kebler Pass (dirt) and Cottonwood Pass (paved) are two options that are accessible to any passenger vehicle. There are some great hiking trails off this road such as Lost Lakes. In previous years, the western slope of the pass was gravel as it descended towards the Taylor Park Reservoir. But the costs of paving the road will show a return for the county, which spent almost $131,000 on magnesium chloride for Kebler Pass in the summer of 2007, says Crosby. Private tours are available. Includes bikes, guides, support vehicle, accommodations, all meals, insurance, transportation, park fees. Kebler Pass Wagon (606) is a 2 mile less popular green singletrack trail located near Crested Butte Colorado. Road conditions: The road is paved and does not require four-wheel drive. A few portions of the road near the top of the pass have been paved. The eastern terminus of GCR 12 is Crested Butte.At its western terminus, GCR 12 intersects State Highway 133 near the southern end of Paonia State Park.It … Connecting Buena Vista to Almont, Cottonwood Pass offers scenic views of the Continental Divide and cresting at 12,126 feet. About three miles of it, on the Highway 133 end, is already paved. The 30-mile Kebler Pass road follows Coal Creek west from Crested Butte and climbs gradually past the old Keystone Mine. Hotels near Crested Butte Mountain Resort, Hotels near (MTJ) Montrose County Airport, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Crested Butte, Adrenaline & Extreme Tours in Crested Butte, Fishing Charters & Tours in Crested Butte, Self-Guided Tours & Rentals in Crested Butte, Boat Tours & Water Sports in Crested Butte. Guided by true professionals with professional experience coaching riders worldwide. pull off for a picnic, or for some dispersed primitive camping. At its western terminus, GCR 12 intersects State Highway 133 near the southern end of Paonia State Park. Make sure you check road conditions before heading out. It’s after you’re back on the pavement that you cross over Kebler Pass. Call the Guanella Pass Road Information Line at (303) 679-2300, extension 2, to check the status. In the summer it is well maintained for passenger car traffic, since it is an important connection between Crested Butte and points north, such as the I70 corridor. Crested Butte – Kebler Pass. Sections of the road are paved, and the pass is considered on of the best locales in Colorado to see colorful Autumn foliage because of the millions of huge Aspen trees. Caring service for riders and passengers. The pass hosts miles of alpine tundra and climbs to a summit at 11,669 feet before descending back into clear groves of saffron-colored aspens and dark green pine. Read more. The Colorado Department of Transportation refers to the traversing road as Gunnison County Road (GCR) 12. Date of … It is not paved but not a problem for most vehicles. Independence Pass – Twin Lakes to Aspen Independence Pass in July, photo: Julia Alexander. “A lot of people don’t like taking gravel roads, but it’s practically paved.” He said the ride up to Kebler Pass is beautiful. Kebler Pass (el. From Crested Butte, head west on Whiterock Avenue/Colorado Road 12 over Kebler Pass until you reach CO-133. The increasing cost of maintaining the gravel portion and related safety issues prompted the county to pursue the grant, Crosby said in the News. It put us within striking distance of the drive across Kebler Pass and then into Crested Butte. Kebler Pass is a two-lane gravel road and an old railway grade. This seasonal mountain highway connects Crested Butte with Paonia. The Colorado Department of Transportation refers to the traversing road as Gunnison County Road (GCR) 12. The summit of Kebler Pass is a special place to me. Kebler Pass Road is paved for the first little bit out of Crested Butte, but eventually it turns to gravel and runs for many miles as a gravel road over the pass. We were a little late for the peak of the aspen color, but it was beautiful nonetheless. Kebler Pass Road is 29 miles long and serves as Crested Butte’s main link to Paonia and Aspen during the summer, the News noted. Gunnison County Road 12 thru Kebler Pass is an excellent roadway suitable for even large Motor Homes, with a recommended speed limit of between 25 and 40 mph. Taking a guided tour into the backcountry with a expert guide is an amazing experience. The increasing cost of maintaining the gravel portion and related safety issues prompted the county to pursue the grant, Crosby … The easiest way to get to Kebler Pass is to drive to Crested Butte, and then take CO 12 west. The access is very easy on paved and good quality gravel road. 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