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The West Elk Loop is a Colorado byway known for its rich variety of landscape and vistas. The route traces through the Crystal River Valley along canyons, rivers, forests and meadows. Beginning in the town of Carbondale, the West Elk Loop is a drive of 164 miles offering a leisurely afternoon of breathtaking beauty.

The loop begins in Carbondale. You can pick up the loop on Route 133 from I-70 in Glenwood Springs and follow the route south. Under the welcoming presence of Mount Sopris, there is a sense of excitement in this small but adventurous town. Sports enthusiasts stay in Carbondale hotels and inns at night while they enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking and fishing during the day. Carbondale’s Roaring Fork is a sight in itself, an expansive river that beckons fly fishermen to its banks.

Following Route 133 south we come upon a section called Crystal River Road where the road parallels the river. Follow the route to stop at Avalanche Creek where white rushing waters pour through a rocky gorge. Just past this misty wonder is the White River National Forest with many opportunities for recreation. You may also stop in Red Stone on your way to McClure Pass. This quaint storybook town has a picturesque main street with small shops and galleries, perfect for your lunch hour.

With your appetite satisfied, drive farther down Route 133 past Placito where the road turns about face before stretching east to the McClure Pass. This low-elevation pass, resting at 8,755 feet runs through the western side of the Elk Mountains. While beautiful throughout the year, McClure Pass is especially alluring during the fall foliage season. Just west of the pass is an overlook where the mountains display their full glory.

Route 133 continues west and begins to bend again south, going by Ragged Mountain before it turns due south. You will soon come upon the Pania Reservoir, State Park, and Dam where the road straddles the edge of the water to offer the best view.

Continuing on Route 133, you will see several small romantic mountain towns, many with frontiersman and miner heritage. As you travel through the town of Crawford, you will catch a glimpse of Needle Rock in the distance. Pick up Route 92 to continue on the West Elk Loop. After passing the Gould Reservoir, Route 92 becomes an adventurous and winding trail, running along the Black Canyon. As you pass the canyon and approach the Blue Mesa Reservoir, you will get on Route 50 to continue the Loop.

Past the reservoir, you will arrive in Gunnison, a good old-fashioned cowboy town perfect for wetting your whistle. Here Route 50 becomes Route 135 as you begin the northern stretch of the loop. You will soon arrive in Crested Butte.

Parts of Crested Butte are preserved in the old Victorian style. The Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum offers much to learn about the history and colorful people who settled this landscape during the mining days.

The last portion of the West Elk Loop offers some of the most wondrous scenery. As Route 135 becomes Colorado Road 12, mountains and meadows surround travelers entering Kebler Pass. Wildflowers and aspen groves cover the landscape of the West Elk Mountains, the Raggeds and the Ruby Range. As the road winds northwest, returning to the Paonia Reservoir, you will travel through the Gunnison National Forest, with astounding greenery and mountain backdrops. The road turns north as you exit the national forest, then winds over a crest, turning abruptly west towards Paonia State Park to end the loop.

Nothing is more freeing than the open road! For generations, Americans have enjoyed the wind in their hair traveling from coast to coast seeking romance and adventure. Road trips are as American as baseball and apple pie. If you have always dreamed of taking that journey, Road Trip Journal has the information you need to plan that rite of passage. Visit us today at http://www.roadtripjournal.com.