Where is Paradise Basin?

Where is Paradise Basin?

Usa, north-america

Length

23.01 km

Elevation

3,447 m

Difficulty

easy

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Paradise Basin in Colorado's Gunnison County is calling your name. We're talking a high-altitude playground at a whopping 11,309 feet! Nestled in the White River National Forest, this beauty is just a hop, skip, and a jump from Crested Butte.

Now, the road to Paradise Divide, or County Road 734, is where the fun begins. The first few miles from Crested Butte are smooth sailing on pavement, but then it turns into a dirt road. Don't worry, though, it's generally wide and well-maintained. While a 4WD is recommended, a 2WD with good clearance and tough tires should be able to handle it.

The whole shebang is about 14.3 miles from Crested Butte to Schofield Pass. Just a heads-up: being this high up in the Rockies means this road is mostly a summer fling. Don't expect it to be snow-free until late June, or even July some years. But trust me, the views are SO worth the wait!

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Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
23.01 km
Max Elevation
3,447 m
Difficulty
easy

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