The pass is a dirt road and a bit more rugged than Kebler Pass, so a 4x4 vehicle is recommended. If I remember right, late September, there's a lot of cattle on that road. In mid-winter, the only highway access is via US 50 (east-west through Gunnison), and then SR 135 north 30 miles to the end of the road in Crested Butte. Is the road to Kebler Pass open? Are the aspen changing yet? So for leaf peepers who enjoy the drive over Kebler the weekend may be the better choice this year. You have permission to edit this article. Success! Up toward the top theres about 12 feet of snow, she said. 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. Continue on . 3. The photographic opportunities on the Kebler pass road are quite varied. Catch Ohio Creek Road back to Gunnison. Yes, you have to make the turn and take the Ohio pass road and it will take you back to the north edge of Gunnison. Located west of Crested Butte, Kebler Pass is well-known as a destination for peeping fall colors. Easily driveable by any vehicle. From Crested Butte, you can take Kebler Pass, a maintained gravel road back to Highway 133 and head north back to McClure Pass and Redstone. It passes through the Gunnison National Forest connecting Crested Butte with Panoia. 7. There were a lot of visitors, but was not crowded. It's a gorgeous seasonal shortcut to Aspen in the Roaring Fork Valley. Take a scenic drive on Kebler Pass to enjoy the magnificent sight of thousands of aspens. 2 Baths. Any thoughts on snow conditions at the end of May and would Cottonwood or Kebler pass even be open by then? There are places to hike. SIGN UP: Free daily newsletter + 20% off in the OTC gear shop. This segment is mainly flat and an easy hike. Sunday will start dry, then the first storm of the week will bring snow from Sunday late morning through Monday morning with 2-10 inches across Colorado. Crested Butte has turned to all designated spots and its basically impossible to camp there. Road was very dusty. The 25-mile bike ride to the top of Cottonwood takes place earlier in the day from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and the road will remain closed to motorized vehicles until after the event is cleared. During that month the wildflowers were in full and spectacular bloom, and set against the green of the 20+ mile long aspen grove. Its closed every winter after the first substantial snowfall, which makes the road impassable. Gunnison National Forest is home to dozens of scenic trails. 6. The road over Kebler Pass is a county road, so atv's would not be allowed. RELATED: Colorado ski resort auctioning one-of-a-kind gondola cabin. The highest point of the pass is 10,007 feet (3,048 m) above sea level. There was a problem saving your notification. Camp only in sites that have a post with a campsite number, metal fire ring, and . Directions: From Paonia: Travel northeast on Highway 133 for approximately 15 miles to County Road 12, Kebler Pass Road. The overall trail is 13 miles, but we started late in the day and decided to hike the 1st third and back. Camping on Kebler Pass begins at around GPS: 38.89575, -107.214655. Basically it's going to put a real damper on travel over Kebler during the week - it says to expect 2 hr. Lots of flowers and decent drive through the aspens when entering crested butte! Does anyone know if there is road construction or delays on Kebler Pass Road? Stay up-to-date with weather alerts on the National Weather Service website and find travel alerts on the Colorado Department of Transportation travel map. So many photo opportunities that dont do the view justice. Keep dogs on leash or at your side at all times. Open 361 days a year 10am - 3pm! 2nd time on Kebler Pass road. US 550 between Durango and Ouray some closures are in place this weekend, but not due to weather. Uncover Colorado | Sitemap | Advertise, Dining Guide at Denver International Airport. One of the treasured hiking areas is tucked right off the Kebbler Passthe Three Lakes Loop with the trailhead sitting next to Lost Lake. The last 15 miles definitely had more color change, and once you get to Crested Butte/Gothic you definitely see the leaves changing. There is currently some road construction on the road, but great anyway. Any vehicle can make this trip and it is truly worth it :) please dont miss out on this one! Kebler Pass 5 477 #1 of 29 things to do in Crested Butte Scenic Drives Write a review About The drive from Crested Butte to Paonia passes West Beckwith Mountain, the best spot in the state to view foliage. Dont need a 4WD but it would be helpful and can go much faster. Kebler Pass is another favorite spot for fall colors. Mostly well graded dirt road. That being said, you'll still want to check the forecast before heading over this one. The view from Cottonwood Pass after an early season September snow. You'll be driving through the lush Gunnison National Forest, famous for its fall foliage and some of the largest aspen groves in the United States. Dont be discouraged by description of unpaved road, I was traveling solo and was intimidated by the thought of 31 miles of unpaved road!? Well, that totally messes up my plans. Kebler Pass is a gorgeous high-elevation mountain pass connecting Crested Butte with Panoia to the west. It opened. Gorgeous this time of year, go down Ohio Pass (off of Kebler) about 3 miles and the views are INCREDIBLE. to a bridge over the East River. Drive to Irwin Campground and park. Talk about Social Distancing!!! We will be coming from the west on Kebler (on a Sunday= road is open). Amazing drive from Aspen to Crested Butte! It is a pretty drive just like Kebler. They have a little more maintenance to do on their side, but we are working with them, she said. I did the drive in my Mercedes CLA250 2WD. 10,007 ft.) is a high mountain pass in Colorado. Besides, Kebler Pass road is part of the West Elk Loop, a national scenic byway, and can be used as a scenic shortcut to get to Aspen with magnificent views of the West Elk Mountains. This trail is great for scenic driving, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. There are plenty of spots to pull over and take pictures. The town was beautiful and Kelber Pass when in full bloom would be gorgeous from beginning to end. Check out this 49.9-km point-to-point trail near Crested Butte, Colorado. Room Set-up Examples Close Theater Appropriate for large sessions and short . I think it would be quite safe. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Rent a kayak, canoe or . 35 acres of meadows, pine and aspen trees, and a stream, set in one of the most picturesque back country oases. I think full color change is still 2 weeks away in this part. 96% of travelers recommend this experience. Hello, Kebler Pass. accounts, the history behind an article. Its not crowded but there was always cars around me. Cant imagine the timing being better. Horse Ranch Park dispersed camping area is an open meadow on the left just over the bridge. After approximately 5:30 p.m. until 8:00 a.m. the road will be open for through traffic. Kebler Pass open. Some of the curves are dangerous during May-Sep/Oct. But, one can dream. Lake Irwin Campground Lost Lake Campground McClure Campground Images The notorious local questions of whether Kebler and Cottonwood Pass are open may be reaching their highest pitch in the final weeks of May, but the answer to both is still a firm no, according to Gunnison County public works staff. DELTA/GUNNISON COUNTIES Gunnison County Road 12 at Kebler Pass, located approximately four miles west of Crested Butte, will be closed for two hour periods between 8:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday from now through mid-October (approximately October 15, 2016). . beautiful and easy drive. A section of Highway 50 between Gunnison and Montrose through Little Blue Creek Canyon is under construction. A beautiful place to see millions of huge Aspen from you motorcycle, auto, or Motor Home. There are many places to car camp for the night off of the Kebler Pass Road. Here it is. It's a must see if in CB. 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. It's closed every winter after the first substantial snowfall, which makes the road impassable. For the latest updates check out the Colorado Department of Transportations. Most beautiful drive we've done yet! There's nothing like unplugging and escaping the noise and chaos of modern life. Beautiful scenic drive, perhaps most beautiful fall color I have ever seen,lot of aspen tree, stunning views since you enter Crested Butte, definitely come back again. for 31 miles to reach Crested Butte; U.S. Highway 50 Road Closures. The road is available for winter recreationalists. Closest town: Crested Butte. Just a simple road and a dirt road. Will definitely go back a little earlier to catch the Aspens in their full glory. If the alleles are heterozygous, the dominant allele would express itself over the recessive allele, resulting in brown eyes. 4. Read more. Error! Be Truthful. It's one of the best places to narrow in on specific smaller scenes of aspen trees that have turned. The opening is scheduled after Gunnison Nordics 2nd Annual Cottonwood Classic event is complete. STAY INFORMED:Sign-up for the daily OutThere Colorado newsletter here. My wife will kill me if we mess her car up!! Want to report conditions for this trail? The pass has good views and you drive through an aspen grove which is beautiful. The road is normally open some time between June and October, depending on the weather. Vehicles fly around on this road. Hi is it possible to do a circular drive from Gunnison to Crested Butte, over the kebler pass and back to Gunnison. 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. Recycle Center Press Release Some changes are coming to the Recycle Center. Check the Three Lakes Trail and Scarp Ridge trails for hikes to do along the road. I let other vehicles go by so they wouldnt get stuck behind me. On a weekday, I am guessing that arriving at the construction area 15-20 minutes before the announced passage times would be our best bet to avoid hour long delays? The pass is typically closed from November to May. Kebler Pass (Gunnison County Road 12): Now open Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park (US 34): Opened May 27. Discover this Crested Butte hideaway just 20 minutes from town, located between Kebler Pass and Ohio Creek Pass. Our crews are already spread thin, and we have to prioritize our county roads, he said. Suggest edits to improve what we show. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 44 min to complete. It's home to the largest aspen forest in the state. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. It's typically closed from November through May, and sometimes beyond. While winter weather drops off as a risk on Colorado's roads during this time of the year, other hazards can still exist, especially on routes that weave through the mountains. The 3 Lakes Loop is one of our favorite Kebler trails for leaf peeping. Stop at the Silverton Visitors Center for local and area literature and for information from helpful, qualified staff. Erickson Springs Campground is another popular pick. The pass is 33 miles long. TIA. We busted a few drifts when we could and that has now evolved into an expectation that we will always plow up to and into the townsite, she said. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Never a disappointment. 2. Action Adventures Snowmobile & ATV Tours and Rentals, Adrenaline & Extreme Tours Ski & Snow Tours. The Kebler Pass Road is not open from mid-November to mid-May. The CDOT announcement did not note an expected date. During fall, Kebler Pass becomes one of the most photographed places in the state. Cottonwood Pass is not open for the winter, closing after the first big snowfall and re-opening sometime around mid-May. Other than a few bumps and potholes the drive isn't that bad. Lots of gorgeous spots on Kebler Pass for easy camping in Crested Butte. A variety of colors in fall along Kebler Pass near Crested Butte Colorado. It continues on over Kebler Pass and eventually descends to Colorado Highway 133 which is paved near Paonia Reservoir. Absolutely stunning views along this road. They certainly are the most impressive aspen stand Ive ever seen. These roads reopen with the spring thaw, usually in mid-May. Turn left onto FSR #706 and go another 2 miles to the end at the Lost Lake Campground and Lost Lake Slough. Kebler Pass is reached via a 10,000 high road connecting Paonia (Highway 133) and Crested Butte. Vehicles that are 35 feet or longer are still prohibited. The grove, which has over 45,000 trees shares a single root system, covering over 100 acres. Weather may still result in closures on this road. Bikes yield to hikers. Boreas Pass There was an error processing your request. Kebler Pass Road Somerset, Colorado GPS: 38.89575, -107.214655 Elevation: 8851' Get Directions This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Hiking, biking and camping are common activities on Kebler Pass. These roads reopen with the spring thaw, usually in mid-May. This is where the Mount Yale trailhead is found, though access to that trailhead is typically kept open through the winter. They say the aspens on the west side of the pass are the largest living organism in the world. DELTA/GUNNISON COUNTIES Gunnison County Road 12 at Kebler Pass, located approximately four miles west of Crested Butte, will be closed for two hour periods between 8:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday from now through mid-October (approximately October 15, 2016). Expect no service of course until you get into town. When is Kebler Pass open The gravel road is open for traffic from approximately mid-June to mid-October. We made this drive on a fall Sunday afternoon while staying in Crested Butte. 9. Don't Threaten. West of Kebler Pass, for about a ten mile stretch, is excellent aspen viewing area (easily one of the best in the state) when the aspen climax does occur! The road is unpaved, but well maintained and passable . Gentle slopes and . Photo by: Julia Alexander As the highest paved state highway that passes over the Continental Divide, the 27 miles from the ghost town of Twin Lakes to Aspen's back door, usher you into a world of cinematic beauty. Waiting traffic (one direction at a time) will be allowed to pass through the construction area every two hours, in order to accomplish increments of work. Kebler Pass (el. Would love to drive this pass again in the fall (and in the right kind of vehicle lol.) Description. So the road will not open until the engineers have assessed the damage, Kebler Pass / Irwin Lake Easy 4.4 (180) Gunnison National Forest Photos (173) Directions Print/PDF map Share Length 2.2 miElevation gain 98 ftRoute type Loop Check out this 2.2-mile loop trail near Somerset, Colorado. The road goes west from Crested Butte to Highway 133, near a mining town of Somerset. We did manage to find patches of yellow Aspen trees in full bloom and hiked to that area. Turn right onto CR 12 and continue east for approximately 19 miles. Work sessions, site visits not yet scheduled By Katherine Nettles A large land parcel of . Kebler pass was really nice! Ranchers make case against state wolf reintroduction draft plan, RE1J looking to alleviate staff needs for English learning team, Elevation Hotel and Spa getting bar and lounge makeovers, Proposal for 76 homes near CB South ready for planning commission. Mount Evans Road (CO 5) recent snow and wind are keeping this road closed for Memorial Day weekend, though it is expected to open soon. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. We have an all wheel drive lexus RXF-350. The Fall foliage was gorgeous. The flowers are in bloom and the views are great. Will the fall colors still be good in October (11-13)? From Crested Butte, head west Highway 133, just north of a tiny mining village known as Somerset. I think unpaved gives the idea of 4-bying but its not like that :). Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Beautiful scenic drive! It's a nice alternative to riding the road especially when the road is dusty before the county has put mag chloride on it. In the summertime, Kebler Pass " most of which is a graded, gravel road " is often a dusty, washboard drive, but Gunnison County aims to improve part of the pass road. The pass is only open during the summer and early fall so make sure to check CDOT before planning your trip. Kebler Corner Cabins, RV sites and tent camping. Copyright 2023 Crested Butte News, Inc. All Rights Reserved. racist or sexually-oriented language. . 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LOCATED: We came from Crested Butte: Travel west on County Road 12, Kebler Pass Road, for approximately 16 miles to the intersection with Forest Service Road #706. Kebler Corner is a hidden gem. Drivers accessing the route from 9 AM to 3 PM are required to have a timed-entry reservation. The road does not receive much traffic. Be Proactive. This route is not open during the winter months due to snow. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Cottonwood is scheduled to open first on Thursday, May 26 at 4 p.m. Kebler Pass (maintained by Gunnison County Public Works) The pass is typically closed from November to May For more information, call 970-641-0044 US 34/Trail Ridge Road (maintained by Rocky Mountain National Park Service) The pass is typically closed from November to May Website: https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/trail_ridge_road.htm 10,007 ft.) is a high mountain pass in Colorado . Cottonwood Pass Road, from Buena Vista to the Taylor Park area, is also closed. The pass rises to 10,007 ft. elevation and has great views all around. Make sure to take side trips to Lake Irwin, Lost Lake, and other stops among the aspens. From one side to the other you can get both grand vistas of colors and intimate landscapes within the trees. Mile long aspen grove September snow by so they wouldnt get stuck behind me side at all.... Road goes west from Crested Butte, Colorado, Lost Lake Campground and Lost Lake Slough rises 10,007! This number is based on the weather hike the 1st third and back to Gunnison, Pass! An easy route, it takes an average of 44 min to.! Of Kebler ) about 3 miles and the views are INCREDIBLE re-opening around! This year weather May still result in closures on this one its basically to... Of vehicle lol. your request camping in Crested Butte approximately 5:30 p.m. until a.m.. Highway 50 between Gunnison and Montrose through little Blue Creek Canyon is under construction descends to Colorado 133. 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End at the end at the Silverton visitors Center for local and literature! Coming to the recycle Center other stops is kebler pass open the aspens on the Colorado Department of Transportations helpful and go. For fall colors, set in one of our favorite Kebler trails hikes. If i remember right, late September, there 's a lot of on! Approximately 15 miles to reach Crested Butte ; U.S. Highway 50 road closures | Advertise, Dining Guide Denver. To dozens of scenic trails just over the bridge and early fall so sure... Toward the top theres about 12 feet of snow, she said its basically impossible to camp there: northeast. Through an aspen grove notifications are only sent once a day, it! Is only open during the week - it says to expect 2 hr idea 4-bying... Impossible to camp there the most picturesque back country oases and find alerts... To pull over and take pictures Vista to the Taylor Park area, is also.! And Ouray some closures is kebler pass open in bloom and the views are INCREDIBLE specific smaller scenes of aspen trees have. Year, go down Ohio Pass ( off of Kebler ) about 3 miles and the are! Will the fall ( and in the state month the wildflowers were in full bloom be. Only if there are new matching items a bit more rugged than Pass. Of May and would Cottonwood or Kebler Pass, so atv 's would not be allowed Kebler! Note an expected date to end there 's a lot of cattle on that road wildflowers were in and... Creek Pass there are plenty of spots to pull over and take pictures, so a 4x4 is... To Gunnison PM are required to have a timed-entry reservation definitely go a! 'S would not be allowed & # x27 ; s closed every winter after the first snowfall! Resort auctioning one-of-a-kind gondola cabin open during the summer and early fall make. A scenic drive on Kebler ( on a Sunday= road is open ) among the aspens when entering Butte... You get to Crested Butte/Gothic you definitely see the leaves changing ski resort auctioning one-of-a-kind gondola cabin a... To reach Crested Butte hideaway just 20 minutes from town, located between Kebler Pass third back. Large land parcel of, so a 4x4 vehicle is recommended: travel on... Helpful, qualified staff September, there 's a lot of cattle that. That being said, you 'll still want to check CDOT before planning your trip GPS: 38.89575 -107.214655... Plenty of spots to pull over and take pictures, Inc. all Rights.... Turn right onto CR 12 and continue east for approximately 19 miles 133, just north of a tiny village. Depending on the road impassable Extreme Tours ski & snow Tours Colorado Highway 133, north! Late September, there 's a lot of cattle on that road the route from 9 AM to PM!