Last Update: 07/20/2010

Kebler Pass ~319 miles

Includes two stretches (13 and 40 miles) of good, unpaved road

[click map for larger view]

SUMMARY: If the leaves are turning at the higher elevations, then you might want to include the Kebler Pass ride in your plans. Kebler Pass, west of Crested Butte, traverses some of the largest groves of Aspen in Colorado, along with providing some magnificent scenery. This route does include two sections of unpaved road (13 miles on the west side of Cottonwood Pass and 40 miles between Crested Butte, over Kebler Pass, to Paonia Reservoir). If recent rain you would probably not want to do this ride, but if the weather has been good this is quite doable since they put down dust treatment and it turns the dirt into a hard surface (except for spots in turns).

Nice ride over Fremont Pass to Leadville, then a gradual drop from the Leadville high country along the headwaters of the Arkansas River to Buena Vista. Beautiful ride west out of Buena Vista to Cottonwood Pass -- the road starts gradually, then climbs sharply with lots of nice twisties to the top of Cottonwood Pass (Continental Divide). Awesome views to both the east and west from the top of the pass, with Taylor Reservoir visible to the west in the valley. West of Cottonwood Pass the road includes the 13 miles that are unpaved, but they are very doable with a little caution. After riding along Taylor Reservoir the road travels below the dam, with lots of nice turns and views along the Taylor River -- during the last few miles watch of Big Horn sheep along the river (to your right). Traveling north towards Crested Butte the road is mostly sweepers, but the Aspen-covered mountains provide beautiful sights. Lunch in Crested Butte. NOTE: DO NOT continue on CO-135, the main road, to Mt. Crested Butte -- you will turn west to go to CR-12 and Kebler Pass.

Although CR-12 over Kebler Pass is unpaved (40 miles), this can be a most beautiful journey through some of the large stands of Aspen. If the colors are started you will be rewarded with some magnificent sights along the way. Take your time, take lots of photos, and enjoy. At Paonia Reservoir turn north on CO-133 for some great twisties along the reservoir, eventually becoming wonderful sweepers as you climb to the top of McClure Pass. Dropping down off the pass you follow the Crystal River (keep your eye out across the river and you will see slabs of white marble that fell off the trains when they were hauling it out of the town of Marble -- this white marble was used in many monuments in Washington, DC, including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier) on your way to Carbondale. On to Glenwood Springs and then riding one of the best stretches of interstate in the US -- through Glenwood Springs. Continue over Vail Pass on your way back to the Holiday Inn. If everything comes together well (weather and fall colors) this can be one of the best loops to do. You'll be glad that you did it!!!

GPS Data Files:

[NOTE: After downloading these files to your computer, you need to re-calculate the route in MapSource or your software before transferring them to your GPS.]

	Garmin GPS data file with all Frisco Routes and Waypoints (should work in most Garmin GPS units, but you will need to have your GPS recalculate the route using these points.
	Click here to download a GPS Exchange data file with all Frisco Routes and Waypoints (should work in most GPS units, but you will need to have the GPS recalculate the route using these points)
	This ride is included in the GPS files in both a clockwise and counter-clockwise direction -- both are very good and each provides unique views.

Directions:

Holiday Inn > I-70 west > CO-91 south (Leadville/Exit 195) > Fremont Pass > US-24 east > Leadville > along headwaters of Arkansas River > Buena Vista > CR-306 west/right (stay on the main road) > Cottonwood Pass > becomes CR-209 dropping down to Taylor Reservoir (13 miles unpaved -- GPS tries to route to old roads in this area; stay on the main road) > left/west on CR-742 > along the Taylor River > Almont > CO-135 north/right > Crested Butte > turn left into the main part of town (do not continue straight on CO-135 to Mt. Crested Butte) > lunch at one of the good restaurants on the main street (Elk Avenue); the Gourmet Noodle, just off Elk, has outstanding Italian food > right/west on Whiterock Ave > becomes CR-12 (40 miles unpaved) > Kebler Pass > awesome scenery > awesome Aspen color (hopefully) > CO-133 north > Paonia Reservoir > McClure Pass > along Crystal River > Carbondale > CO-82 west > Glenwood Springs > I-70 east > Glenwood Canyon > Vail Pass > Exit 203 CO-9 > Holiday Inn

Photos From The Kebler Ride