Where is Pearl Pass?

Pearl Pass, Colorado, clocks in at a whopping 12,723 feet above sea level! This high-altitude pass straddles the Pitkin and Gunnison county line, offering a wild ride between Crested Butte and Aspen.

Pearl Pass Road (#102) is a 16.9-mile unpaved beast of a former mining road. Forget your sedan – you NEED a seriously capable 4x4 to conquer this one. Think boulder fields, steep climbs that'll make your engine scream, water crossings, and nail-bitingly narrow shelf roads.

Be warned: one particularly gnarly half-mile stretch boasts a 25%+ grade. Even past that, expect plenty of rocky sections, occasional rock slides, and hold on tight—seatbelts are a must! There's even a marshy section to keep you on your toes.

Because it's tucked away in the Rockies, Pearl Pass is often snowed in until late July (or even later some years!). It's typically only open for a few precious weeks in late summer. The south side of the pass is notorious for snowdrifts that can block the trail for the entire year. Snow and ice are real possibilities even in late summer.

Give yourself 5-6 hours to soak in the unmatched variety of landscapes. This route crosses the Continental Divide, treating you to views that are simply spectacular. Located in the Gunnison National Forest, between Aspen and Crested Butte, Pearl Pass promises an unforgettable adventure.