Basics
- Location:
- Around the West Elk Mountains in west central Colorado
- Setting:
- Mountainous
- Surface:
- Paved
- Length:
- 205 miles
- Time:
- 6 to 8 hours
- Season:
- Year round (the 31-mile unpaved section west of Crested Butte closes during winter)
Description
A beautiful day trip, the West Elk Loop makes a full circle around one of Colorado's mountain groups. Along the way, the route passes such beautiful spots as the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Blue Mesa, the picturesque mountain town of Crested Butte, and two state parks. There are plenty of places to stop along the way, both for services and to enjoy the view.
Details
Location:
Around the West Elk Mountains in west central Colorado
Setting:
Mountainous
Surface:
Paved
Length:
205 miles
Time:
6 to 8 hours
Main Roads:
CO-133 S and CO-92 W
Season:
Year round (the 31-mile unpaved section west of Crested Butte closes during winter)
Camping Info
Lost Lake, Erickson Springs, Almont, Janeway, Avalanche, Redstone, Lake Fork Arm
Map + Directions
Basic Directions
Take Colorado Highway 133 south from Carbondale to Paonia Reservoir. Follow the loop in either direction: clockwise leads over Kebler Pass to Crested Butte, south on Hwy 135 to Gunnison, west to Sapinero along US 50, northwest along CO Hwy 92 to Hotchkiss, and then northeast back to Paonia Reservoir.
