The twin summits of Mount Sopris and the incomparable Black Canyon of the Gunnison anchor the ends of the West Elk Loop. This magnificent landscape has been home to uncounted generations of Native Americans, most recently the Utes. White settlers originally came in search of minerals and stayed to farm and ranch. The coke ovens at Redstone bear witness to the toil that built the communities of today. Carbondale, Hotchkiss, Crawford, Gunnison, Crested Butte, and other towns offer a slice of Colorado's rich history, varied lifestyles, and natural beauty. The route gives access to the White River and Gunnison National Forests, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Curecanti National Recreational Area, and Crawford and Paonia State Parks.
West Elk Loop
Local Visitor Information
Discover more ways to experience this byway — photos and local partners.
Explore Resources
Find maps, guides, weather, and seasonal information for this byway.
Byway Overview
This loop shaped trail sits on Colorado’s pristine Welk Elk Mountains, offering three very different mining communities, four diverse wilderness areas, and well known mountain towns, such as Crested Butte. Settlers of this area had originally come for precious minerals, but then stayed to farm and ranch. The coke ovens, used to carbonized coal for the Colorado Fuel and Iron Company, in Redstone showcase the toil that built the communities of West Elk Loop today.This home to generations of Native Americans, more specifically the Utes.
Quick Facts
- Designation
- State Byway, Forest Service Byway (1994)
- Location
- CO
- Total Length
- 205 miles
Visitor Information & Byway Partners
Contact Details
For personalized travel assistance and local recommendations, please reach out to our regional visitor center.
Local Byway Partners
Starting at Carbondale, Colorado, the West Elk Loop Scenic Byway follows CO-133 south toward McClure Pass. From there, the loop follows various routes, including CO-133, CO-92, US-50, and CO-135, passing through towns like Paonia, Hotchkiss, Crawford, and Gunnison. The loop's main section begins and ends below Paonia Reservoir, where Kebler Pass intersects CO-133. Because of the unpaved nature of the road over Kebler Pass, the full loop can only be completed in summer.
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Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a breathtaking natural wonder in western Colorado, known for its steep, rugged cliffs and dramatic landscapes. The canyon is so deep and narrow that some sections receive only 33 minutes of sunlight per day, giving it its name.
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Blue Mesa Reservoir
Blue Mesa Reservoir is Colorado’s largest body of water, with 96 miles of shoreline. It provides excellent opportunities for anglers to catch trophy lake trout as well as quality brown trout, rainbow trout, kokanee, and yellow perch.
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Curecanti National Recreation Area
Curecanti National Recreation Area spans over 42,000 acres along the Gunnison River in Western Colorado. It features three reservoirs—Blue Mesa, Morrow Point, and Crystal—created in the 1960’s as part of the Colorado River Storage Project. Blue Mesa Reservoir is a haven for boating, kayaking, and fishing, especially for lake trout and Kokanee salmon. The surrounding mesas and canyons offer hiking trails, campgrounds, and boat-in campsites, offering a year-round destination for nature lovers.
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Crawford State Park
You can camp, fish, participate in watersports, go hunting and more at Crawford State Park! The park has 337 acres of land and a 400-acre reservoir, all surrounded by scenic mountains. Crawford State Park is the perfect place to relax and have fun outdoors with amazing views.
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Paonia State Park
Paonia State Park, at an elevation of 6,500 feet beneath the majestic Ragged Mountains, offers a picturesque escape for alpine camping, picnicking and outdoor photography. Visitors will be surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery while sightseeing, picnicking or enjoying camping overnight.