Colorado Scenic Byways Map
West Elk Loop Scenic Byway

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West Elk Loop Scenic Byway

The late 1800s brought prospectors and miners from all over the country. When the hills had given up their gold, many of the miners stayed to help build and maintain towns by ranching. The area of Carbondale was one of these places. The West Elk Loop starts at Carbondale and travels through Paonia, Hotchkiss, Crawford, Gunnison, and Crested Butte. The byway covers 205 miles and takes 6-8 hours to travel.

One of many scenic overlooks on the West Elk Loop Scenic Byway

Boating on Blue Mesa Reservoir

This byway circles dazzling scenery. The mountain ranges and alpine wildflowers bring nature to you, and the farms and cattle ranches commemorate those who began here. The Black Canyon of Gunnison is the only canyon with such a narrow opening, steep walls, and gigantic depth. Its twin summit of Mount Sopris also towers at 12,953 feet over the town of Carbondale, the Roaring Fork and the Crystal River flowing beneath it.

Carbondale is the gateway to Highway 133 just off Highway 82. One of Colorado's secret geothermal springs is hidden here -- Penny Hot Springs; named after it's original owner Dan Penny. Dan's hotel and bathhouse are long gone, but those "in the know" still find the pools of warm water waiting for them along the Crystal River. This Free soaking area is easy to find from Highway 133, near Carbondale, as it follows Crystal River. Just north of milepost marker 55 there is a parking area on the west side of the highway. You know you are in the right spot if you smell sulfur as you're gathering your towels and picnic.

Places to Stay & Fun Things to Do

Almont Resort - A Family Resort 
A mountain vacation resort in Almont for your family! Fish, Saddle, Paddle while enjoying our riverfront cabins and large homes between Gunnison and Crested Butte. Restaurant: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Bross Hotel: Historic Bed and Breakfast Lodging   
Historic charm, modern lodging amenities await you at the Bross Hotel, antique beds, hearty breakfasts. In downtown Paonia, near Delta: Orchards, vineyards, wineries, wine tasting and outdoor adventures.

Chair Mountain Ranch Cabins - Peaceful Mountain Retreat  
Relax at our peaceful mountain retreat near historic Marble, 5 miles from Redstone. Ranch cabins are equipped for your family. Dogs and Horses Welcome! Reunion Suites. Fish Crystal River or our pond.

Lost Canyon Resort: Cabins on the Beautiful Gunnison River  
A rustic river-front resort. Quiet starry night skies at beautiful Lost Canyon, 8 miles North of Gunnison. Fully-equipped log fishing cabins. People-Friendly -- Children-Friendly -- Pet-Friendly. Moderate rates.

Marble Crystal River Chamber 
Along the West Elk Loop Scenic Byway, Marble CO is the gateway to the Crystal Mill and ghost town. On the Western slope of the Rocky Mountain between Carbondale and Paonia State Park off Highway 133.

Redwood Arms Motel and RV Park 
Walk to river fishing! Redwood Arms Motel is near Paonia along The West Elk Scenic Loop Byway. A quaint hotel, spacious rooms, air conditioning, DirecTV with HBO, free WiFi. RV Park with full Hookups.

Three Rivers Resort & Outfitting Raft, Fish, Kayak   
In Almont, CO 10 miles north of Gunnison. Riverside resort cabins and vacation homes on Three Rivers: Taylor, East, Gunnison. Smokehouse Grill open in summer. Pro-Fly Shop. Outfitting: Fish, Raft, Kayak.

More Activities & Information

Crawford, Colorado

Crested Butte, Colorado

Crystal River Valley, Colorado includes: Carbondale, Marble, Redstone

Gunnison, Colorado includes: Almont, Blue Mesa Lake, Ohio City, Parlin, Pitkin, Sargents, Sapinero, Taylor Park, Waunita Hot Springs

Montrose Area, Colorado includes: Cimarron, Olathe

North Fork Valley, Colorado includes: Hotchkiss, Paonia, Somerset

Scenic Byways in Colorado

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