Kebler Pass is a 31-mile, smooth, gravel road that leads through the West Elk Mountains of the Gunnison National Forest. The eastern terminus of Kebler Pass, County Road 12, is Crested Butte. The western terminus of the route is Highway 133 immediately south of Paonia Reservoir.This road can be traveled during the summer months by most passenger and two-wheel drive vehicles. It is wide enough to accommodate trailers and large RVs. During the winter the road is not maintained. It is open for winter recreation pursuits. This year a new ruling determined that cross-country skiing would not be permitted from the eastern winter trailhead. Call the National Forest office in Gunnison or the Crested Butte Nordic Council for further details. Kebler Pass provides access to a variety of recreation opportunities during the summer and fall. Mountain biking, hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, fishing and camping are a few of the activities accessible from this route. The West Elk Wilderness lies south of Kebler Pass and can be reached from the Horse Ranch Park and Lost Lake areas. North of the pass is the Raggeds Wilderness area. This area can be accessed from Lake Irwin and Erikson Springs Campgrounds.
Directions from Crested Butte: Upon entering town on Highway 135 turn left on to Whiterock Avenue. Follow this westward through town and across Coal Creek. It eventually becomes Kebler Pass.
Directions from Paonia: Follow Highway 133 north through Somerset to Kebler Pass Road, which is well marked.
|
Add your own trip Report!
