LIST: Multiple mountain passes open for season in Colorado, Sign-up for the daily OutThere Colorado newsletter here, "Mountain lions are hunting in backyards": Study tracks movement patterns of Colorado mountain lions, Beloved cranes are back in southern Colorado, Crews rescue 8-year-old boy with severe altitude sickness in Colorado, Registration to open at 5 AM for iconic Colorado mountain races, Coroner confirms skier death at Colorado ski resort, Snow hits Colorado, but bigger storm may be on the way. Located west of Crested Butte, Kebler Pass is well-known as a destination for peeping fall colors. http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/gmug/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD516423. With 50 square miles of golden aspens. 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. Partially paved, partially gravel road that twists and turns and shows off the nature perfectly. Simply beautiful this time of year with an amazing array of wildflowers and mountain views. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. One of the treasured hiking areas is tucked right off the Kebbler Passthe Three Lakes Loop with the trailhead sitting next to Lost Lake. First, a few trail facts: The average time for the hike is around six - eight hours and the trail rating is difficult. An additional alternative bypass route can be taken over Ohio Pass (CR 730) but will add approximately one hour or more to the driving time between Paonia and Crested Butte. Even in serious weather, this road often gets plenty of attention from plows and will stay open. Turn left onto County Rd. Lots of flowers and decent drive through the aspens when entering crested butte! Road was very dusty. Needed to get an 18 mile run in so ran through Crested Butte and up to Keebler Pass and along the road for several miles. Here it is. Copyright 2023 Crested Butte News, Inc. All Rights Reserved. delays between 8 & 5:30 pm M-F from today through Oct. 15th. Kebler Pass is another favorite spot for fall colors. Driving through a huge Aspen Grove, so thick overhead that the road was completely shaded, was amazing. Dont be discouraged by description of unpaved road, I was traveling solo and was intimidated by the thought of 31 miles of unpaved road!? To get to Ohio Pass, just turn south off of Kebler Pass onto CO 730 and follow it south. Many argue that CB is the birthplace of mountain biking, so it's definitely a great place to give the sport a try. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. The Kebler Pass Road goes between Crested Butte and Hwy 133 and is 30 miles long. They say that Kebler Pass is home to the largest Aspen organism in the world and the fall leaves are absolutely glorious. 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. Just a simple road and a dirt road. 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). Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. You dont reach any elevation gain until mile 5, which is what gives this trail its Hard rating. There are places to hike. We'd love to hear eyewitness Although it is a lengthy drive west from our beloved city, neither your camera nor you will regret. Does anyone know if there is road construction or delays on Kebler Pass Road? It's closed every winter after the first substantial snowfall, which makes the road impassable. Typically opens the Thursday before Memorial Day. Cottonwood is scheduled to open first on Thursday, May 26 at 4 p.m. Make sure to take side trips to Lake Irwin, Lost Lake, and other stops among the aspens. It's a gorgeous seasonal shortcut to Aspen in the Roaring Fork Valley. Discover this Crested Butte hideaway just 20 minutes from town, located between Kebler Pass and Ohio Creek Pass. Drive to Irwin Campground and park. We traveled over Kebler Pass August of 2019. It is a pretty drive just like Kebler. It continues on over Kebler Pass and eventually descends to Colorado Highway 133 which is paved near Paonia Reservoir. Explore the Waters of Blue Mesa Reservoir. Uncover Colorado | Sitemap | Advertise, Seasonal Mountain Passes Closures in Colorado, Camping near Crested Butte and Kebler Pass, Experience the Fall Colors of Kebler Pass, camping near Crested Butte and Kebler Pass, Dining Guide at Denver International Airport. After approximately 5:30 p.m. until 8:00 a.m. the road will be open . It was peaceful & lovely. 4. Wake up in the cool, pine scented air tinged with the smoky remnants of your campfire. 3. 12): This gravel road linking Crested Butte and Aspen follows Coal Creek and traverses numerous meadows saturated with wildflowers; in fall, countless aspen groves blaze with various hues of gold. It's a nice alternative to riding the road especially when the road is dusty before the county has put mag chloride on it. I was driving my 2017 Sprinter. A scenic drive through aspen forests, alpine meadows and mountain lakes. [1] Because the trees are connected, they change colors in the fall at the same time. The view from Cottonwood Pass after an early season September snow. Error! Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 44 min to complete. Generally considered an easy route. Any CB locals have an opinion? The trail is highly trafficked with automobiles. Weather may still result in closures on this road. The 3 Lakes Loop is one of our favorite Kebler trails for leaf peeping. Hike up road, then fork left. We travelled both directions. A little late as the aspen leaves have started to fall. The road over Kebler Pass is a county road, so atv's would not be allowed. The eastern terminus of GCR 12 is Crested Butte. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. You have permission to edit this article. It's typically closed from November through May, and sometimes beyond. There are plenty of spots to pull over and take pictures. A section of Highway 50 between Gunnison and Montrose through Little Blue Creek Canyon is under construction. or anything. I came across this closure info for Kebler Pass and thought it would be helpful for those of us planning fall drives. We are going on a trip in early November. $430,000 Last Sold Price. Be Nice. Kebler Pass is reached via a 10,000 high road connecting Paonia (Highway 133) and Crested Butte. If I remember right, late September, there's a lot of cattle on that road. Spencer McKee is OutThere Colorado's Director of Content and Operations. Lupine, Gunsight Connection and Lower Loop Trail, Painter Boy, Columbine, Up and Away Trails Loop, Snodgrass Mountain from Washington Gulch [CLOSED]. You can take Lost Lake Road #706 to the trailhead. I can not recommend this pass enough during leaf peeping season. 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? Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Joined: Jul 9, 2007 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. So the road will not open until the engineers have assessed the damage, Ft. 23384 D50 Rd, Delta, CO 81416. Erickson Springs Campground is another popular pick. . Take Kebler Pass Road (County Road 12) west for 6 miles, then turn right to Irwin Lake (Forest Road 826). Don't Threaten. It is dirt mostly with some paved areas. 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. US 550 between Durango and Ouray some closures are in place this weekend, but not due to weather. These roads reopen with the spring thaw, usually in mid-May. We'd love to return in the fall, I'm sure it's amazing; but I also have a feeling that we'd be sitting in 20 miles of cars going 6 mph. This segment is mainly flat and an easy hike. The pass is only open during the summer and early fall so make sure to check CDOT before planning your trip. Amazing drive from Aspen to Crested Butte! It takes longer than the 2 hours because I guarantee youll pull over and take pictures or just take in the views. Im super thankful that there are lots of areas that you can pull off and camp without having to be in a designated spot. People can look forward to a drive over both Kebler and Cottonwood passes starting Thursday at 4 p.m. thanks to the Gunnison County public works crew that has worked for the past several weeks to make the seasonal openings a success. 3 Beds. Trail Characteristics. The schedule of times that it will allow (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? In his spare time, Spencer loves to hike, rock climb, and trail run. 10,007 ft.) is a high mountain pass in Colorado. Open 361 days a year 10am - 3pm! Location: Kebler Pass. If so how long ( roughly) would it take. With options ranging from off-the-grid camping to modern sites with convenient amenities, there is something for everyone. 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. Kebler pass has gorgeous views of snowy mountain peaks and forests plus lots of hiking trails to explore. Her crew thought there was about one-third less snow present than this time last year, Until that last quarter of a mile when it seems very comparable to last year.. Stop at the Silverton Visitors Center for local and area literature and for information from helpful, qualified staff. So for leaf peepers who enjoy the drive over Kebler the weekend may be the better choice this year. They certainly are the most impressive aspen stand Ive ever seen. The 30-mile stretch west of Crested Butte looks impressive all right, with fall gold rolling as far as the eye can see. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. You won't get nearly as much congestion as on Independence Pass in Aspen, but you get just as many yellow and amber leaves. Crosby said that her department has been getting some pressure from Irwin residents to help clear the roads into and past Irwin townsite and up to the lake as well. The Kebler Pass Road is not open from mid-November to mid-May. My rental car was a Jeep Cherokee which did great on the road but there was every type making this trek with no problem (even a corvette). Not sure. My husband suggested we go over Kebler pass as part of our leaf peeping adventure to Crested Butte. Never seen aspen trees this tall. If youre on Kebler pass definitely make the left and go check out Lake Irwin! But, one can dream. Kebler Pass is a terrific high-mountain pass connecting Crested Butte with Paonia to the west. A variety of colors in fall along Kebler Pass near Crested Butte Colorado. Cant imagine the timing being better. My wife will kill me if we mess her car up!! It was cloudy and rained most of the time I took this drive. The overall trail is 13 miles, but we started late in the day and decided to hike the 1st third and back. Hoosier Pass this road stays open year-round, weather permitting. The Colorado Department of Transportation refers to the traversing road as Gunnison County Road (GCR) 12. Kebler Pass Type: Saddle with an elevation of 10,003 feet Description: high mountain pass in Colorado, US Categories: mountain pass and landform Location: Colorado, Rocky Mountains, United States, North America View on OpenStreetMap Latitude 38.84987 or 38 50' 60" north Longitude -107.10035 or 107 6' 1" west Elevation The route goes west from Crested Butte to Highway 133, near the mining town of Somerset. From Crested Butte, drive south to Almont along CO-135. Work sessions, site visits not yet scheduled By Katherine Nettles A large land parcel of . Improve this listing All photos (263) But, says Mitton: "That. Loveland Pass at this point, it's unlikely another snowstorm will hit this season that's capable of closing Loveland Pass. They have a little more maintenance to do on their side, but we are working with them, she said. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. There's nothing like unplugging and escaping the noise and chaos of modern life. for 31 miles to reach Crested Butte; U.S. Highway 50 Road Closures. The pass rises to 10,007 ft. elevation and has great views all around. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Follow CR 12 out of Crested Butte, over Kebler Pass and you will see Kebler Corner on the left before you reach Hwy 133. . Tom. Hiking, biking and camping are common activities on Kebler Pass. At its western terminus, GCR 12 intersects State Highway 133 near the southern end of Paonia State Park. Be Proactive. The opening is scheduled after Gunnison Nordics 2nd Annual Cottonwood Classic event is complete. We will be in CB next week and several of our hikes are on the other side of the road closure area, such as Lost Lake, Ohio Pass, etc. Mostly dirt with some paved sections. Kebler Pass itself is a beauty and is full of hiking and mountain biking. The schedule of times that it will allow cars to pass is on the website listed below along with a phone number if you have questions. We will be coming from the west on Kebler (on a Sunday= road is open). Talk about Social Distancing!!! Lake Irwin Campground and Lost Lake Campground-Paonia RD are famous for excellent fishing opportunities. The road is fully open on weekends but closed certain times of the day on . For the latest updates check out the Colorado Department of Transportations. Cottonwood is scheduled to open first on Thursday, May 26 at 4 p.m. Highly recommended. County commissioner chairperson Jonathan Houck noted that those roads are not the countys responsibility and that folks who choose to live outside service areas cannot realistically expect services to follow them out of town. This is where the Mount Yale trailhead is found, though access to that trailhead is typically kept open through the winter. However, you can use them on some of the trails off CR 12. I had wanted to catch the aspens when they were yellow or golden, but I was too early this year (mid-September). Want to report conditions for this trail? The ideal months to hike from Aspen to Crested Butte are late June to mid-October. 9. 7/21/19. We would not take it all the way to Gunnison but turn around at some point and head to Crested Butte. 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. I did the drive in my Mercedes CLA250 2WD. Alternatively, you can retrace your route if Kebler Pass is closed for the winter. It passes through the Gunnison National Forest connecting Crested Butte with Panoia. Boy Im glad he did. How long does it take to drive the Kebler Pass Road? Hike the Three Lakes Loop accessed from the Lost Lake Campground on Kebler pass. Drove Kebler pass from Paonia State Park to Crested Butte on Sunday, 9/22. She said her crews are dealing with a fast snowmelt, fallen trees and branches and clearing out culverts so that water is channeled appropriately. Thanks in advance, . This year ( mid-September ) of attention from plows and will stay open mid-November to mid-May schedule times! 1 ] Because the trees are connected, they change colors in the views 44 min complete. Pass near Crested Butte hideaway just 20 minutes from town, located between Kebler Pass eventually! Year ( mid-September ) forests plus lots of is kebler pass open that you can take Lake... 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Kebler trails for leaf peeping suggested we go over Kebler Pass beautiful this time of with. The same time of areas that you can retrace your route if Kebler Pass road is kebler pass open between Butte.

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