Top 5 Scenic Drives in Crested Butte
Top 5 Scenic Drives in Crested Butte
Driving through the mountains and valleys of Colorado is on most adventure lovers bucket list. If you have an upcoming trip in Crested Butte, these scenic drives are a must see. You’ll never forget the golden hues peaking over the blue and green hills, or the incredible river currents that move with the wind. Write these down in your route, and you wont regret it.
Kebler Pass
Kebler Pass is a terrific high-mountain pass connecting Crested Butte with Paonia to the west. It’s a gorgeous seasonal shortcut to Aspen in the Roaring Fork Valley. The pass summits at 10,007 feet above sea level, passing through the Gunnison National Forest. Best known as one of the premiere spots to be blown away by the fall aspens. It’s home to one of the largest aspen groves in the United States, situated in the West Elk Mountains. Although it’s a windy, 2WD dirt road, it’s smooth and should be good for all cars. Hiking, biking, and camping are common activities on Kebler Pass. The 33-mile-long route along Highway 133 is open from May to October.
Scholfeild Pass
With a reputation for being the most deadly pass in Colorado, it should come at no surprise that traversing Schofield Pass is one of the most dangerous off-road expeditions in the state. Bearing that in mind, experienced daredevils that traverse the 15 miles of rocky terrain connecting Marble with Crested Butte are awarded with breathtaking, isolated wilderness views.
Ohio Pass RD
Ohio Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 10,078ft above the sea level. It’s a scenic drive that any 2wd can do in the summer. Set high in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, within the Gunnison National Forest, the road to the summit is called Gunnison County Road 730. The pass is 23.2 miles long running south-north from CO-135, near Gunnison to Kebler Pass. It’s the highest point on the road. The road does not receive much traffic.
Washington Gulch RD
This is a popular 7.5 mile out and back trail for backpacking, birding, and camping, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are April through October. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Head into the mountains on this dirt road north of Crested Butte for incredible views, especially during fall season!
Gothic Road
Between Marble and Crested Butte, Gothic Road is just as beautiful in the winter as it is in the summer and with none of the traffic. Venture through this ghost town 3 mile stretch of road weaves through Aspen forests and beautiful open views of the East River Valley. Combine Gothic road with the other fat biking trails in the Snodgrass area for some great riding! This drive can be turned into a hike if you’re interested in exploring further. Moderate difficulty hiking will bring you mountain panoramas and wildflower sightings.
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