Pearl Pass, Elk Mountains Travel Guide

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Experience Colorado's rugged beauty on Pearl Pass: a historic mining road turned challenging off-road adventure between Crested Butte and Aspen.

Pearl Pass is a high-altitude, unpaved mountain pass connecting Crested Butte and Aspen, Colorado. Originally a mining road, it's now a challenging 4x4 and mountain biking route with stunning views.

A brief summary to Pearl Pass

Colorado, US

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Pearl Pass.

Check the weather conditions and trail status before heading out, as snow can block the pass even in summer.
Ensure your vehicle is equipped for challenging off-road conditions, including high clearance and 4-wheel drive.
Bring extra layers of clothing, as the high elevation can make temperatures drop quickly.
Be prepared for stream crossings and potential water damage to your vehicle.
Pack plenty of water and snacks, as services are limited in this remote area.

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Explore Pearl Pass on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Pearl Pass, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

From Crested Butte: Head south on Highway 135 for approximately 2 miles. Turn east onto Brush Creek Road/F.S. 738 (the same road that leads to the airport). Follow F.S. 738, which becomes unpaved, for about 15 miles to reach Pearl Pass. Be prepared for a rough and rocky road requiring a 4x4 vehicle with high clearance. From Aspen: Take Castle Creek Road/F.S. 102 south from the roundabout on Highway 82 for about 13 miles. Turn right at the sign for Pearl Pass. Follow the unpaved road, FSR #102, towards the pass. Expect a challenging drive with boulder fields and water crossings. Note: There are no fees to access Pearl Pass.

Discover more about Pearl Pass

Pearl Pass, situated on the boundary between Pitkin and Gunnison counties in Colorado, stands at an elevation of 12,723 feet (3,878 meters), making it one of the state's highest roads. This unpaved pass, known as Pearl Pass Road (#102), stretches 16.9 miles (27.19 km) between Crested Butte and Aspen, offering a rugged and scenic journey through the Rocky Mountains.Originally established in 1882 as a wagon road to transport ore from mines near Ashcroft to mills near Crested Butte, Pearl Pass played a vital role in the region's mining history. Prospectors first crossed the pass in 1879, discovering gold in the creeks above Ashcroft. However, its use declined after three years due to the development of lower and more accessible routes.Today, Pearl Pass is renowned as a challenging off-road trail attracting experienced jeepers and mountain bikers. The road features boulder fields, steep climbs, water crossings, and narrow shelf roads, demanding a good 4x4 vehicle. Due to heavy snowfall, the pass is typically open only for a few weeks in late summer. Some years, the summit remains blocked by snow throughout the entire year.The Pearl Pass Tour, an organized mountain biking event from Crested Butte to Aspen, has been held since 1976 and is considered the world's oldest mountain bike event. This challenging ride covers approximately 40 miles, climbing to 12,100 feet.Nestled in the Gunnison National Forest, Pearl Pass offers spectacular views and crosses the Continental Divide. The area provides dispersed campsites along Brush Creek on the south side and designated sites near Castle Creek Road on the north side.