Today, May 24th marks the beginning of our summer season and we couldn’t be happier! Last winter was well above average with snowfall and will did get much more than usual in May. But things are starting to really warm up and melt out fast. I even saw flowers poking out of the snow on my last adventure. So if you’re planning a trip to the Crested Butte and/or Gunnison area book your ride to the high country and go in style in a lifted Jeep.
Schofield Pass sits within the Sawatch Range of the Elk Mountains between Crested Butte and Aspen. The pass tops out at an elevation of 10,707 between the town sites of Gothic and Marble. Once the snow melts, many of our renters travel what we call the big loop which encompasses Slate River Road, Paradise Divide, Paradise Basin, Schofield Pass and ending with the town site of Gothic before heading back to Crested Butte. Timing wise this usually puts you back in town for a late lunch or to re-supply before heading back out for more off-road adventures.
Schofield Pass continues beyond the point imaged in the photo, where a large sign warns drivers of the ensuing danger of The Devil’s Punchbowl. For safety purposes our vehicles do Not go beyond this point.
This area is world renowned for its wildflowers and there is a reason why we have an entire festival dedicated to the flowers. If you’ve ever dreamed of being surrounded by wildflowers in a high alpine meadow, like in the movie ‘Sound of Music,’ then this is your spot! Hikers have many options to choose from as well, if it’s the infamous 401 trail, hiking to Judd Falls, the 403 trail, Rustlers Gulch, Deer Creek, Copper Trail, the many offerings in the Snodgrass area or even the West Maroon Creek Trail to Aspen.
Heading to Crystal
Almost weekly we have customers travel to the famous Crystal Mill from Crested Butte. Providing our customers with maps and local information allows us to safely access the Mill from the Western side. Starting with a nice scenic tour to the town of Marble, the fun quickly bumps up right outside of Town. For this rocky and tight Jeep trail follows the Crystal Creek up to the Mill and Ghost Town. Visitors enjoy this famous landmark, which is ranked as one of the most photographed landscape in all of Colorado. In this photo you can see it was a muddy day, but as usually our Jeeps are well equipped to handle the trail which additional clearance is needed to safely navigate. After stretching the legs and walking around Town, most people head back down to the Town of Marble for some of the best BBQ in Colorado. Slow Grooving BBQ is one of my favorite restaurants in Western Colorado. On the way back to CB, it is advised to drive slow on Kebler Pass as the wildlife are very active this time of evening, making for an opportunity to see a variety of wildlife before entering back into Crested Butte.
