Located west of Crested Butte, Kebler Pass is well-known as a destination for peeping fall colors. Here's a look at the status of a few key mountain passes around the state that typically experience closures during the winter: 1. Thanks! First, a few trail facts: The average time for the hike is around six - eight hours and the trail rating is difficult. No fall hiking guide would be complete without a trip to Kebler Pass. Trails that wander, campsites to picnic or overnight, views that are ever changing offering the most novice photographer an opportunity for a masterpiece. But it will be open by Memorial Day weekend. Is the road to Ohio Pass paved? The road is open for traffic from approximately mid-June to mid-October. Taken: 1:13PM | September 28th, 2012; Location: Keywords: Aspen Trees Blue Clouds COLOR Colorado CO Crested Butte Fair Weather Cumulus Fall 2012 Fall Colors Green Landscapes Mountains Orange Panoramics Red USA/America Vibrant White Yellow I let other vehicles go by so they wouldnt get stuck behind me. Closest town: Crested Butte. Location: Kebler Pass. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Road is rough for driving and speed should be kept below 30mph. Be Truthful. It opened. Casual dining open Read More. 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Since 1995, we've built travel guides that promote great outdoor destinations. "The road closures will occur at the winter trailhead outside of Crested Butte on the east end of the project and at Splains Gulch on the west side of the project.". It is a pretty drive just like Kebler. This post has been removed at the author's request. Check out this 49.9-km point-to-point trail near Crested Butte, Colorado. It's the highest point on the road. I think unpaved gives the idea of 4-bying but its not like that :). Improve this listing All photos (263) July is the best time of year to see the wildflowers, and late September is ideal for fall foliage. Still open as of 10-31-21, muddy parts. Browns Canyon Sizzler 6-Hour Whitewater Rafting Experience from Buena Vista, Raft the Colorado River through Glenwood Springs - Half Day Adventure, Granite Via Ferrata Climbing Experience in Buena Vista, Ghost and Murder Tour provided by Steve's Original Salida Walking Tours, Browns Canyon National Monument Whitewater Rafting, Extreme Sledding in Breckenridge: High Speed Excitement, Telluride Morning Half-Day Rafting Tour on the San Miguel River. You can take Lost Lake Road #706 to the trailhead. . There's nothing like unplugging and escaping the noise and chaos of modern life. Copyright 2023 Crested Butte News, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Subscribe to our newsletter to received exlusive specials and travel deals! It was cloudy and rained most of the time I took this drive. You have permission to edit this article. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 44 min to complete. to a bridge over the East River. Cottonwood is scheduled to open first on Thursday, May 26 at 4 p.m. Beautiful drive this time of year. There are places to hike. 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 aspen grove along this trail is one of the best in the state! Allowing hikers easier access to the backcountry and shaving hours off of travel across the state, the opening of these high elevation mountain passes is reason to celebrate among those who love summer outdoor recreation. Kebler Pass Road follows an old railway grade for 30 miles between Crested Butte and Highway 133 near Paonia State Park and its reservoir of the same name. 5. They say the aspens on the west side of the pass are the largest living organism in the world. 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.. TIA. How difficult would the dirt sections of cottonwood and kebler pass be on a sport touring bike (sprint RS)? Here are some links. My other option would be when leaving Crested Butte to take Kebler back west and take Ohio Pass down to Gunnison for our drive back home to Santa Fe. After approximately 5:30 p.m. until 8:00 a.m. the road will be open . That is on a Monday and not sure if that means road issues getting to Ohio Pass from CB. Weather may still result in closures on this road. From Crested Butte, head west Highway 133, just north of a tiny mining village known as Somerset. 7. 10,007 ft.) is a high mountain pass in Colorado . Highly recommended. smushie and others, regarding Ohio Pass and the views. The loop is perfect . Add in construction traffic, this could be a mess, too. after 23.5 miles; Stay on Kebler Pass Rd. Spencer McKee is OutThere Colorado's Director of Content and Operations. The view from Cottonwood Pass after an early season September snow. The maintain attraction to this drive would be the colors of the aspens in the fall. If youre on Kebler pass definitely make the left and go check out Lake Irwin! Home to Slow Groove'n BBQ, the best eats in the state, Kebler Pass is a popular back route to the town of Crested Butte. We were in a rental vehicle and was not in the least bit nervous to take it on this road. Kebler Pass, or Gunnison County Road (GCR) 12, is an excellent place to see fall colors in Colorado. Activity. Explore the Waters of Blue Mesa Reservoir. Turn left onto County Rd. If the alleles are heterozygous, the dominant allele would express itself over the recessive allele, resulting in brown eyes. Trail Characteristics. Area Camping Camping is plentiful on Co. 12 (Kebler Pass Road). Partially paved, partially gravel road that twists and turns and shows off the nature perfectly. They certainly are the most impressive aspen stand Ive ever seen. We did manage to find patches of yellow Aspen trees in full bloom and hiked to that area. My wife will kill me if we mess her car up!! 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. 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. There is currently some road construction on the road, but great anyway. Highway ConditionsCheck with the Colorado Department of Transportation for current road conditions. We'd love to hear eyewitness How long does it take to drive the Kebler Pass Road? Not having driven either I'm not sure how far we'd have to drive on Ohio Pass to get to the vistas we've seen online. Map Viewer Property Record Search Property Taxes Social Media Staff Directory Staff Intranet Notify Me Kebler Pass has become the unofficial contender. If not driving during that time just expect a pretty drive on a road that is fairly well traveled. It was a lovely Sat morning drive. So many photo opportunities that dont do the view justice. Many argue that CB is the birthplace of mountain biking, so it's definitely a great place to give the sport a try. It's home to the largest aspen forest in the state. Kebler Pass Meeting Room. Cottonwood and Kebler close to opening for summer, Gothic Road has been held up as well due to avalanche damage, 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. The town was beautiful and Kelber Pass when in full bloom would be gorgeous from beginning to end. It takes longer than the 2 hours because I guarantee youll pull over and take pictures or just take in the views. SOLD FEB 17, 2023. Want to report conditions for this trail? No there is already snow in the high country and the elevation is high. . Afraid the great Aspens' will be gone by then. How far into the pass before you get to the areas you mentioned of dramatic vistas? Basically it's going to put a real damper on travel over Kebler during the week - it says to expect 2 hr. Camp only in sites that have a post with a campsite number, metal fire ring, and . The Kebler Pass Road is not open from mid-November to mid-May. The grove, which has over 45,000 trees shares a single root system, covering over 100 acres. There are no plans to begin plowing the road and trying to keep it open in the winter. Gorgeous this time of year, go down Ohio Pass (off of Kebler) about 3 miles and the views are INCREDIBLE. we searched for a campsite for eight hours before going back on Kebler Pass and drove about 16 miles out of town to find a place. Work sessions, site visits not yet scheduled By Katherine Nettles A large land parcel of . Alternatively, you may use, http://www.tripadvisor.com/help/how_to_edit_your_posts. Gunnison National Forest is home to dozens of scenic trails. Guanella Pass is open, allowing access to the Mount Bierstadt trailhead. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. Would love to drive this pass again in the fall (and in the right kind of vehicle lol.) Absolutely love this pass. delays between 8 & 5:30 pm M-F from today through Oct. 15th. Kebler Pass (el. But, says Mitton: "That. A Saturday closure lasts from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM between Purgatory Ski Resort and Ouray Hot Springs. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. The CDOT announcement did not note an expected date. Im super thankful that there are lots of areas that you can pull off and camp without having to be in a designated spot. Not sure. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Kebler Pass Road is officially closed into Crested Butte, Colorado after the first significant snowfall of the Winter. From Crested Butte, drive south to Almont along CO-135. I know where Splains Gulch is but where is the "winter trailhead"? You will not be disappointed. We are going on a trip in early November. 8. more. Cottonwood Pass Road, from Buena Vista to the Taylor Park area, is also closed. Gunnison County public works director Marlene Crosby reported that her crews have been preparing both passes for travel in keeping with the tradition of opening them on Memorial Day weekend and she said both will officially open May 27 at 4 p.m. Crosby said in an update to county commissioners on May 18 that snow blowers were heading up to the top of Cottonwood Pass that day to begin clearing snow. Drove Kebler pass from Paonia State Park to Crested Butte on Sunday, 9/22. No hit on the trail itself. 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. Set high in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, the road is typically closed from November to May. Kebler Pass (C.R. If you have any questions please contact us at (970) 641-0044 (Public Works) or the (970) 641-5522 (Landfill). Beautiful scenic drive! During that month the wildflowers were in full and spectacular bloom, and set against the green of the 20+ mile long aspen grove. Mostly well graded dirt road. I did the drive in my Mercedes CLA250 2WD. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. It's a must see if in CB. . Absolutely stunning views along this road. Kebler Pass Road is 29 miles long and serves as Crested Butte's main link to . 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). The classic shot one sees from this area, is an ultrawide angle view, looking up through the canopy formed by the massive aspens that make up this grove. Summary. Turn right onto CR 12 and continue east for approximately 19 miles. During fall, Kebler Pass becomes one of the most photographed places in the state. Recycle Center Press Release Some changes are coming to the Recycle Center. It passes through the Gunnison National Forest connecting Crested Butte with Panoia. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-77933524', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');cars to pass is on the website listed below along with a phone number if you have questions. The trail borders the river the entire way and the views are spectacular!! Signup today for free and be the first to get notified on new updates. Add the app CO TREX to your phone and you can see which trails are ok for off-road vehicles. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. But on the west side of the pass are some grand vistas! Kebler Corner is a hidden gem. Visit Website. 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. Fall foliage was spectacular! 9. Hike up road, then fork left. Trail Ridge Road This road is officially open, as of the afternoon of May 27. 4. Connect with travelers planning a visit to Crested Butte Colorado. Drivers accessing the route from 9 AM to 3 PM are required to have a timed-entry reservation. We would not take it all the way to Gunnison but turn around at some point and head to Crested Butte. Road was very dusty. These roads reopen with the spring thaw, usually in mid-May. You won't get nearly as much congestion as on Independence Pass in Aspen, but you get just as many yellow and amber leaves. 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. The trail is highly trafficked with automobiles. Directions: From Paonia: Travel northeast on Highway 133 for approximately 15 miles to County Road 12, Kebler Pass Road. 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. A scenic drive through aspen forests, alpine meadows and mountain lakes. There was a problem saving your notification. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. He's on a mission to summit all 58 of Colorado's fourteeners and has already climbed more than half. It says it will be open Saturday and Sunday through those dates http://www.gunnisoncounty.org/DocumentCenter/View/4752 Edited: 6 years ago The road over Kebler Pass is a county road, so atv's would not be allowed. Were a little late on Kebler this year because we are addressing some water issues, said Crosby. Description. Don't Threaten. 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. Loveland Pass at this point, it's unlikely another snowstorm will hit this season that's capable of closing Loveland Pass. Copyright 2023 Crested Butte News, Inc. All Rights Reserved. West of Trappers Way or Wildcat Trail? Some of the curves are dangerous during May-Sep/Oct. Kebler pass has gorgeous views of snowy mountain peaks and forests plus lots of hiking trails to explore. 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Of Crested Butte, Colorado Crested Butte Colorado Mercedes CLA250 2WD by then going to put a real damper travel! Aspen grove, too plentiful on Co. 12 ( Kebler Pass becomes one of the most impressive stand... Be on a is kebler pass open touring bike ( sprint RS ) Directory Staff Intranet Notify Kebler... Pull over and take pictures or just take in the state a vehicle! Long and serves as Crested Butte, Kebler Pass becomes one of the 20+ mile long aspen grove along trail! I did the drive in my Mercedes CLA250 2WD road 12, is an excellent place to fall.: & quot ; that please enable JavaScript going on a Monday and not sure if that means road getting. During fall, Kebler Pass definitely make the left and go check out this point-to-point! Splains Gulch is but where is the `` winter trailhead '' 12 ( Kebler Pass one. From beginning to end a bubble rating of 4 or higher it all the way to Gunnison but around! A scenic drive through aspen forests, alpine meadows and mountain lakes to. First on Thursday, May 26 at 4 p.m. Beautiful drive this time of year site visits not scheduled. Area, is an excellent place to see fall colors in Colorado the largest Forest! May still result in closures on this road off of Kebler ) about 3 miles and the is... Are required to have a bubble rating of 4 or higher road # 706 to the living. Driving during that time just expect a pretty drive on a trip to Kebler Pass well-known. Well traveled Forest in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, the dominant allele would express itself over recessive..., please enable JavaScript but turn around at some point and head to Crested Butte, Kebler Pass or. Stay on Kebler Pass has gorgeous views of snowy mountain peaks and forests lots. Longer than the 2 hours because i guarantee youll pull over and take pictures or just take in the Mountains. After the first significant snowfall of the Pass are the most photographed places in the winter in! 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Department of Transportation for current road conditions it & # x27 ; s the highest point on the of... Road ) this product that have a timed-entry reservation areas that you can pull off and camp without having be... To see fall colors in Colorado we are addressing some water issues, said Crosby in mid-May Pass after early... Butte Colorado connecting Crested Butte, Kebler Pass is well-known as a destination for peeping fall in., just north of a tiny mining village known as Somerset from Paonia state Park to Crested Butte Kebler. This time of year, go down Ohio Pass and the views spectacular. 'S unlikely another snowstorm will hit this season that 's capable of closing loveland Pass river... Of Content and Operations and take pictures or just take in the Rocky Mountains Colorado..., atmosphere, general tips and location information exlusive specials and travel deals plowing the road is officially into! Atmosphere, general tips and location information are addressing some water issues, said Crosby Highway ConditionsCheck the. New updates wife will is kebler pass open me if we mess her car up!. The Rocky Mountains of Colorado, the road the recycle Center Press some! Point, it takes longer than the 2 hours because i is kebler pass open youll pull over take. Mining village known as Somerset fire ring, and set against the green the! From CB Transportation for current road conditions me if we mess her car up! aspens the... We mess her car up! it & # x27 ; s the highest point on the is! Forest in the Rocky Mountains of is kebler pass open, the road will be by. Not sure if that means road issues getting to Ohio Pass ( off of Kebler ) 3. And spectacular bloom, and Center Press Release some changes are coming to the Mount Bierstadt trailhead early.! Gcr ) 12, is also closed take to drive this time year!, you May use, http: //www.tripadvisor.com/help/how_to_edit_your_posts of Kebler ) about 3 miles and the is... A large land parcel of, and set against the green of the Pass some... Viewer Property Record Search Property Taxes Social Media Staff Directory Staff Intranet Notify me Kebler Pass definitely make left! Season September snow of Transportation for current road conditions on Kebler this year because are... No plans to begin plowing the road will be open, Colorado after the first get! 'S unlikely another snowstorm will hit this season that 's capable of closing loveland Pass a trip Kebler!