Pearl Pass to Schofield Pass Bikepack

Dogs

E-Bikes Allowed

Features Commonly Bikepacked · Views

This loop has it all. Scenery, mountain passes, Jeep roads, iconic roads and signs, tough technical climbs, some hike-a-bike and descents, singletrack, dirt and paved roads and trails, waterfalls, hot springs, glamping and camping spots, popular mountain towns, ghost towns, animals, many water sources with a challenging loop through one of Colorado's best mountain towns.

After a nice warm-up through Crested Butte onto Brush Creek, battle your way up to 12,700' at Pearl Pass and marvel at the Elk mountain range. Maintain vigilance as you bounce down Castle Creek to eventually cruise along the peaceful paved road to Aspen where you can refuel before heading to the long gentle Rio Grande Trail.

The Rio Grande Trail is cruiser dirt then paved along the Roaring Fork River where you can stop and soak in the waterfall as you pass through Basalt and end in Carbondale. This is a good half-way point. Refuel and glamp here or head six miles down CO-133 to the Carbondale Crystal River KOA.

On CO-133 at mile 6.5 is Penny Hot Springs. Take a dip here before heading to the town of Marble. Ride by the iconic Crystal Mill and onto Schofield Pass Road. On this steep Jeep road you'll see Devil's Punch Bowl, the Crystal River waterfall and pass West Maroon trailhead to eventually get to the most iconic sign for many Crested Butte rides at the top of the 10,000-foot pass.

Cruise on down back to your car and celebrate. Crested Butte has many good food options.

This ride would be fun in either direction.