The views from Paradise Divide Pass are some of the best in all of Colorado. Located at the end of the valley, this glacial zone is expansive, as seen in the panoramic photo. Which encompasses the short version of our go to loop. After explore here, we recommend our customers go check out Emerald Lake, located past the townsite of Gothic. These are hands down my two favorite spots in the Crested Butte zone and in all of the Gunnison National Forest.
Taking Gothic Road outside of the Town of Crested Butte will lead you up to the ski area or Mt. Crested Butte. From here you’ll continue through Mt. CB to the old town site of Gothic. Gothic has a unique vibe with the Rocky Mountain Biological Institute, which has been established since the late 1920’s, and conducts a slew of scientific studies on the bio-diversity which makes this area special and world famous for the abundancy of wildflowers.
As you pass through Gothic the road becomes more rough, muddy and tight in some places. Go past the Rustler’s Gulch trail, which is another great option, until you reach the snow pile. There is an area just before Emerald lake where two avalanche paths meet and usually piles up with snow and debris. Due to having a big snow year last season, this area is still not safe to pass on top of with a Jeep. Therefore we recommend parking the vehicle and walking the less then a mile to the lake.
