A beautiful day trip, the West Elk Loop makes a full circle around one of Colorado's mountain groups. Along the way, the route passes such beautiful spots as the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Blue Mesa, the picturesque mountain town of Crested Butte, and two state parks. There are plenty of places to stop along the way, both for services and to enjoy the view.
Details
Location:
Around the West Elk Mountains in west central Colorado
Setting:
Mountainous
Surface:
Paved
Length:
205 miles
Time:
6 to 8 hours
Main Roads:
CO-133 S and CO-92 W
Season:
Year round (the 31-mile unpaved section west of Crested Butte closes during winter)
Camping Info
Lost Lake, Erickson Springs, Almont, Janeway, Avalanche, Redstone, Lake Fork Arm
Map + Directions
Basic Directions
Take Colorado Highway 133 south from Carbondale to Paonia Reservoir. Follow the loop in either direction: clockwise leads over Kebler Pass to Crested Butte, south on Hwy 135 to Gunnison, west to Sapinero along US 50, northwest along CO Hwy 92 to Hotchkiss, and then northeast back to Paonia Reservoir.
We also have the following visitor guides in Colorado. Click on any additional guides you would like to receive.
Chaffee County Central Colorado
Chaffee County
Central ColoradoMore than 100 miles of the Arkansas River and her tributaries flow through the heart of Chaffee County, gracing both Salida and Buena Vista with her beauty and world-renowned whitewater, fly-fishing, scenery and river festivals. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Colorado Springs Central Colorado
Colorado Springs
Central ColoradoFind yourself in Colorado Springs at Pikes Peak. We have five historic trains to transport you back to the days of cowboys and gold mining. Endless trails allow you to enjoy the abundant sunshine and spectacular scenery. A family vacation in Colorado Springs is the smart choice – great lodging values, a long list of low-cost or no-cost activities, and adventure around every corner. Order your free guide today. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Grand Lake Rocky Mountain National Park
Grand Lake
Rocky Mountain National ParkAt the edge of Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Lake is the deepest natural lake in Colorado, dipping to 265 feet. Fed by high mountain runoff, the lake is clear and pristine. In the summer, you can rent a boat, bring your own or simply enjoy the gentle lapping of the waves from the sandy shore. Grand Lake connects with Shadow Mountain Lake via a canal, and just down the road is Lake Granby, the second largest body of water in Colorado. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Red River Northern New Mexico
Red River
Northern New MexicoRed River, New Mexico! A place where fresh powder winters meet refreshing summer days. Red River offers something for everyone with its convenient scenic location in the heart of Northern New Mexico’s Enchanted Circle. Red River is the place that awakens us each day by the soothing sound of a rushing river and then again each evening as the sun sets over main street. The mountain town of Red River is New Mexico True. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Farmington Northwestern New Mexico
Farmington
Northwestern New MexicoNorthwestern New Mexico is known by many as a magical place. Four Corners and the local Aztec Ruins are considered sacred ground for some and are fascinating to visit. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
South Fork Southwestern Colorado
South Fork
Southwestern ColoradoAre you looking for a naturalist paradise with affordability? Then look no further South Fork is your destination. A world class golf course, gold medal fishing in the Rio Grande, and thousands of acres of National Forest to hike, bike, ATV, ski and snowmobile through. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Northwestern ColoradoWelcome to Colorado’s Great Northwest, Moffat County has nearly 2 million acres of public lands to explore. Experience places like Dinosaur National Monument, the Sand Wash Basin Wild Horse Management Area and free flowing rivers including the mighty Yampa, last of the wild ones! Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
We also have visitor guides available in states highlighted in blue below. Click on any state to see what's available.
Alaska
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Colorado
Hawaii
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New Mexico
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