I am planning on taking my family up to Crested Butte area during wildflower season.
I was wondering if there will be good places to photograph landscapes containing wildflowers that do not require 4x4 access. I have heard that some of the nicer spots are not 2 drive wheel accessible. We only have our family minivan for traveling together currently.
I have been reading Andy Cook's book "A Guide to Colorado's Best Photography Locations." He states that the Lake Irwin Area of is his favorite place in CB. But he also mentions that Green Lake Road requires a 4x4.
Can anyone recommend places they have been and enjoyed in CB without the need for a 4x4?
Derek-
You can get most of the way up the south side of Schofield Pass (Gothic Road) without 4WD; there's lots to shoot all the way and a number of side roads that branch off the main Gothic road.
Like Nat said, the Gothic area doesn't require 4x4, and some of the meadows around there and a little beyond are often carpeted with flowers. You can also drive pretty far up the Slate River road in 2WD. Kebler Pass is also 2WD, and depending on when you go, could be saturated with lupines and mules ears. You'll find plenty to shoot without the need for 4WD.
Here's a quick glance at the roads around Crested Butte. Starting in a clockwise direction from town, the roads are Kebler Pass, Slate River, Washington Gulch, Gothic/East River, Brush Creek and Cement Creek.
Kebler Pass, as previously mentioned, is a 2WD road. The Ohio Pass road branches off after about 7 or 8 miles and while not 4WD, it is definitely much rougher near the top than the Kebler Pass road. A vehicle that has at least some clearance is probably desireable. There are some great views of the Ohio Creek Valley and the Castles. Besides the turnoff to Lake Irwin, there are also side roads to Splain's Gulch and Lily Lake (one of my personal favorites) and to Lost Lake. Again, these are 2WD roads but a high clearance vehicle is helpful. If you decide to visit Lily Lake, you can always park right after the first creek crossing and follow the trail next to the creek up the to lake. The lake is a little hidden but worth the search. Kebler Pass should open next week and Ohio Pass shortly after.
The Slate River road is an easy drive in almost any vehicle all the way to Pittsburg. After this, it is not too rough in most spots but there are a few creek crossings that require higher clearance. If you can cross the two small creeks, it's a rough but 2WD road all the way to Paradise Divide. You will be rewarded with some of the most spectacular, vehicle access views in the area. From Paradise Divide you can either turn around or return to town by either the Washington Gulch road or continue through Elko Park to meet up with the Gothic/East River road. There is one short spot in Elko Park that does require 4WD especially to minimize road damage. Currently, the road is still blocked by snow on the switchbacks that lead from the valley to the divide.
The Washington Gulch road is 2WD all the way to Elkton and while fairly rough in a few spots after that, you can still naviagate it if you are careful without 4WD. It will meet up with the Slate River road at the top of the switchbacks.
The Gothic/East River road is a low clearance 2WD affair until you close the East River after the town of Gothic. After this it becomes increasingly rough yet 4WD isn't necessary until you pass Emerald Lake. From here, it is more of a matter of ruts and the need for high clearance. Unless you are completely crazy, do not ever attempt to continue pass Schofield Park and the cabins. The road will become your worse and possibly final nightmare! There are fairly easy side roads to the Judd Falls/Copper Lake and Rustlers Gulch trailheads.
The Brush Creek road is again 2WD until just past the turnoff for West Brush Creek/Deer Creek. There will be a very definite point where the road goes from being 2WD to being a rough rutted ride. Four wheel drive is mandatory all the way over Pearl Pass to Aspen. There are some great views of Teocalli and Whetstone Mountains from the West Brush Creek turnoff. If you have the energy, it's worth the hike up the hill.
The Cement Creek road is 2WD until just past the fork for Reno Divide. From here, either branch requires 4WD. Although the Reno Divide road is steeper, it isn't as rutted.
Now having written all this, realize that any of the unmaintained roads (everything but Kebler Pass) could have spring runoff damage and the conditions may have changed.
For wildflowers, each valley is distintively different and worth exploring. My personal three favorites are Kebler Pass, Gothic/East River and Brush Creek. Having Gothic Mountain as a backdrop in Washington Gulch is also hard to resist.
Wow, great info Richard. That gets printed out and filed for sure!
You see, it's posts like this that make CNP or whatever it's gonna be so great!! Awesome!
Derek, have a great trip! You're gonna love it! One note of caution. Like said above, Kebler Pass road should be no problem, but if it rains much, be careful if you take any of the side roads. Just ask Darren Kilgore about that! Right Darren? Early last June we did just that on a very rainy day, both of us in 4WD's. Holy cow, talk about slippery! Darren slipped big one time, I think he actually ended up in the next county!!
Being new to the forum I didn't quite know what to expect. But you have been awesome and a great help
Thanks much for all the valuable information. I am really looking forward to getting up there this summer. It will be our first real vacation since starting a new job and moving Co.
We are in the Springs and it has been pretty dry and brown. But things are now starting to turn green which means wildflower season isn't too far off (I hope).
Just keep in mind that when I mention a road is navigateable with a 2WD vehicle, it has at least SOME ground clearance. I have friends who use to drive a Chevy Astro van and a Volvo station wagon all around the area. So these are kind of my benchmarks. If you're not comfortable with the road conditions or having any concerns about beating on your car and then making it home, just pull over and park. There's a lot to look at in the area and you'll never know what you will find just by hiking around a little.
I was having a conversation with a couple of friends yesterday. We decided that two of the best short hikes in the area for families with children are Judd Falls and the Beaver Ponds off Ohio Pass. Neither of these is that long (20-30 minutes for kids?) and yet each provide nice scenery and something a little special at the end of the hike. Just watch the kids at the Judd Falls overloook!
Jennifer, that truck is along the Washington Gulch road at an old mine site (Painter Boy Mine pops into my head, but I'm not sure if that's right). The truck is about 50 yards off the road on the right side as you're heading up, just as you get to a sharp switchback. It's plainly visible.
Discussion
11 repliesI am planning on taking my family up to Crested Butte area during wildflower season.
I was wondering if there will be good places to photograph landscapes containing wildflowers that do not require 4x4 access. I have heard that some of the nicer spots are not 2 drive wheel accessible. We only have our family minivan for traveling together currently.
I have been reading Andy Cook's book "A Guide to Colorado's Best Photography Locations." He states that the Lake Irwin Area of is his favorite place in CB. But he also mentions that Green Lake Road requires a 4x4.
Can anyone recommend places they have been and enjoyed in CB without the need for a 4x4?
Thanks,
Derek
You can get most of the way up the south side of Schofield Pass (Gothic Road) without 4WD; there's lots to shoot all the way and a number of side roads that branch off the main Gothic road.
Have fun!
Kebler Pass, as previously mentioned, is a 2WD road. The Ohio Pass road branches off after about 7 or 8 miles and while not 4WD, it is definitely much rougher near the top than the Kebler Pass road. A vehicle that has at least some clearance is probably desireable. There are some great views of the Ohio Creek Valley and the Castles. Besides the turnoff to Lake Irwin, there are also side roads to Splain's Gulch and Lily Lake (one of my personal favorites) and to Lost Lake. Again, these are 2WD roads but a high clearance vehicle is helpful. If you decide to visit Lily Lake, you can always park right after the first creek crossing and follow the trail next to the creek up the to lake. The lake is a little hidden but worth the search. Kebler Pass should open next week and Ohio Pass shortly after.
The Slate River road is an easy drive in almost any vehicle all the way to Pittsburg. After this, it is not too rough in most spots but there are a few creek crossings that require higher clearance. If you can cross the two small creeks, it's a rough but 2WD road all the way to Paradise Divide. You will be rewarded with some of the most spectacular, vehicle access views in the area. From Paradise Divide you can either turn around or return to town by either the Washington Gulch road or continue through Elko Park to meet up with the Gothic/East River road. There is one short spot in Elko Park that does require 4WD especially to minimize road damage. Currently, the road is still blocked by snow on the switchbacks that lead from the valley to the divide.
The Washington Gulch road is 2WD all the way to Elkton and while fairly rough in a few spots after that, you can still naviagate it if you are careful without 4WD. It will meet up with the Slate River road at the top of the switchbacks.
The Gothic/East River road is a low clearance 2WD affair until you close the East River after the town of Gothic. After this it becomes increasingly rough yet 4WD isn't necessary until you pass Emerald Lake. From here, it is more of a matter of ruts and the need for high clearance. Unless you are completely crazy, do not ever attempt to continue pass Schofield Park and the cabins. The road will become your worse and possibly final nightmare! There are fairly easy side roads to the Judd Falls/Copper Lake and Rustlers Gulch trailheads.
The Brush Creek road is again 2WD until just past the turnoff for West Brush Creek/Deer Creek. There will be a very definite point where the road goes from being 2WD to being a rough rutted ride. Four wheel drive is mandatory all the way over Pearl Pass to Aspen. There are some great views of Teocalli and Whetstone Mountains from the West Brush Creek turnoff. If you have the energy, it's worth the hike up the hill.
The Cement Creek road is 2WD until just past the fork for Reno Divide. From here, either branch requires 4WD. Although the Reno Divide road is steeper, it isn't as rutted.
Now having written all this, realize that any of the unmaintained roads (everything but Kebler Pass) could have spring runoff damage and the conditions may have changed.
For wildflowers, each valley is distintively different and worth exploring. My personal three favorites are Kebler Pass, Gothic/East River and Brush Creek. Having Gothic Mountain as a backdrop in Washington Gulch is also hard to resist.
Have fun!!
You see, it's posts like this that make CNP or whatever it's gonna be so great!! Awesome!
Derek, have a great trip! You're gonna love it! One note of caution. Like said above, Kebler Pass road should be no problem, but if it rains much, be careful if you take any of the side roads. Just ask Darren Kilgore about that! Right Darren?
Take care!!
Being new to the forum I didn't quite know what to expect. But you have been awesome and a great help
Thanks much for all the valuable information. I am really looking forward to getting up there this summer. It will be our first real vacation since starting a new job and moving Co.
We are in the Springs and it has been pretty dry and brown. But things are now starting to turn green which means wildflower season isn't too far off (I hope).
Thanks again!
Derek
Just keep in mind that when I mention a road is navigateable with a 2WD vehicle, it has at least SOME ground clearance. I have friends who use to drive a Chevy Astro van and a Volvo station wagon all around the area. So these are kind of my benchmarks. If you're not comfortable with the road conditions or having any concerns about beating on your car and then making it home, just pull over and park. There's a lot to look at in the area and you'll never know what you will find just by hiking around a little.
I was having a conversation with a couple of friends yesterday. We decided that two of the best short hikes in the area for families with children are Judd Falls and the Beaver Ponds off Ohio Pass. Neither of these is that long (20-30 minutes for kids?) and yet each provide nice scenery and something a little special at the end of the hike. Just watch the kids at the Judd Falls overloook!
http://www.mikebartonphoto.com/Colorado/CrestedButte/Gallery1/Cb_Reflections1.html
By any chance, do you know where this old abandoned truck might be?
http://www.slrobertson.com/co-cbutte-truck.htm
Thanks again!
- Jen