Kebler Pass is the best place to see fall colors in Colorado

Kebler Pass is the best place to see fall colors in Colorado

Usa, north-america

Length

50.53 km

Elevation

3,050 m

Difficulty

easy

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because Kebler Pass is calling your name! This stunner sits way up high in Colorado's Gunnison County, topping out at a cool 10,007 feet. You'll be cruising along Gunnison County Road 12 – aka Kebler Pass Scenic Drive – for about 31.4 miles between Crested Butte and Somerset.

Now, here's the thing: the road plays a little game of paved-to-gravel-and-back, but don't sweat it. For the most part, it's in awesome shape and totally doable in your everyday ride during the summer. Think smooth dirt road vibes, with a special coating to keep the dust down. It's practically paved, honestly! And the hills? Easy peasy.

Just a heads up, Kebler Pass usually closes down from November to May because winter is a wild child. But when it's open, oh man, you're in for a treat. We're talking lush Gunnison National Forest views that'll make your jaw drop. Give yourself around two hours to soak it all in.

Seriously, this route is pure eye candy. Picture this: aspen forests, alpine meadows, sparkling mountain lakes...it's a nature lover's dream. And if you time your visit for fall? Get ready for a kaleidoscope of oranges and reds as the leaves put on their annual show. Trust me, your camera roll will thank you.

Where is it?

Kebler Pass is the best place to see fall colors in Colorado is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 40.1023, -93.3567

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Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
50.53 km
Max Elevation
3,050 m
Difficulty
easy
Coordinates
40.1023, -93.3567

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