Wildflower Cruise: Crested Butte July 25th-28th

[DaveInDenver]

I've been over Kebler a few times this month. It's busier than normal since county road 12 has been the main route between GJ/Delta to Gunnison and beyond with the Middle Bridge closed over Blue Mesa. But that's mostly thru drivers more than recreational. Gunnison County has been working to keep the road passable but there's a few spots that have been worked hard, put away wet.

I have not gone up Coal Creek (e.g. towards Lake Irwin) but there was a lot of people camping around the intersection to Lily Lake. For the most part east of the top trailhead of Dark Canyon (e.g. that big cow camp) will probably have some traffic. I have a few places I go more on the west side and they haven't been all in use so far. I ran out of time last time up to run down Ohio Creek to see what it looks like.

It doesn't seem that much more busy than normal along Kebler other than the detour traffic increase on the road itself. It certainly was discovered and the number of Front Ranger #overlanders descending on it hasn't decreased, though.

 

[Ann]

Who all is going up early? Wife and I are going Tuesday afternoon until Thursday so we can't make the run, but would love to do some exploring with some of yall

I am planning to head out Tuesday as well and setting up camp near/at the coordinates @hitchhiker posted. It is a beautiful spot! I plan to do some more recon on Wed. It would be great to connect. If you are interested, text me 303.587.8158.

 

[Yarn Cruiser]

Also a heads up All 4 Fun by MHJC is taking place next week in Buena Vista.l, starting this Saturday. Not sure if they will venture up to CB or not. If you are making a pit stop in BV or taking an alternate route to CB you may run into some jeep traffic. It will be a good trip next week with some good people.

 

[DougCruiser]

I am planning to head out Tuesday as well and setting up camp near/at the coordinates @hitchhiker posted. It is a beautiful spot! I plan to do some more recon on Wed. It would be great to connect. If you are interested, text me 303.587.8158.

Sweet! Wifey and I will plan to come and crash at the site with y'all Tuesday night. Probably head up Paradise Divide the next day if I can convince her we dont need to go to Lake Irwin. I'll be in contact! My number is 203-521-5858

Does anyone know if Schofield is less sketchy coming from the Marble side? I was considering going up Lead King and then coming up Schofield/Devils Punchbowl instead of down it. The main concern being that most people will be coming from CB down Schofield and I would like to avoid traffic on the skinny tippy section.

 

[Yarn Cruiser]

@Inukshuk might be able to answer this better for you, @DougCruiser.

 

[shellb]

Sweet! Wifey and I will plan to come and crash at the site with y'all Tuesday night. Probably head up Paradise Divide the next day if I can convince her we dont need to go to Lake Irwin. I'll be in contact! My number is 203-521-5858

Does anyone know if Schofield is less sketchy coming from the Marble side? I was considering going up Lead King and then coming up Schofield/Devils Punchbowl instead of down it. The main concern being that most people will be coming from CB down Schofield and I would like to avoid traffic on the skinny tippy section.

That’s personally the direction I’d run it as well. If only for the right away.

This is from Trails Offroad for what it’s worth!

“Schofield Pass is a popular 4.5-mile straight-through connector used in conjunction with several other road options to connect Marble and Crested Butte. This iconic 4-wheel-drive trail can be driven in either direction. It is best to drive from north to south, giving you the uphill right-of-way for the entire trail.”

 

[DougCruiser]

That’s personally the direction I’d run it as well. If only for the right away.

This is from Trails Offroad for what it’s worth!

“Schofield Pass is a popular 4.5-mile straight-through connector used in conjunction with several other road options to connect Marble and Crested Butte. This iconic 4-wheel-drive trail can be driven in either direction. It is best to drive from north to south, giving you the uphill right-of-way for the entire trail.”

Thanks brett!

 

[Inukshuk]

I think going from crested Butte to marble feels less sketchy because on the longest stretch of sketchy shelf road driver is on the edge and driver can see the edge. But you’ll be fine either way.

 

[Roborado]

We are planning to head out on Thursday. Probably later than we want but that is the plan. Hoping to find a site to roll,our little class c into for the weekend.
My wife saw a post yesterday that showed miles long lines on the trails around CB. Mostly because of the Wildflower Festival. I hope it is a little slower next weekend.
Either way we are looking forward to getting into the mountains.

 

[Yarn Cruiser]

I am nervous about the crowds but anymore is hard to escape them.

 

[Roborado]

I am hoping that Thursday will still be early enough to get a spot.
If the trails are over run there is nothing to do about it.

 

[RossM]

Team, my wife and I can’t get there to spend these days enjoying the wildflowers with you. Forgive our late notice, we’re bowing out. We look forward to seeing the photos you take! Enjoy and have a blast!

 

[Yarn Cruiser]

Bummer you can't make it! Hopefully next time.

 

[DougCruiser]

The camp spot is mint! Lots of space for rigs, big open field with 4 adjacent camp sites with fire pits. Bring your bug spray and crappy shoes, there are cow pies galore.

 

[Yarn Cruiser]

Great pictures! Wish I was heading up today. @Ann and @hitchhiker will be arriving sometime this afternoon.

 

[Yarn Cruiser]

First post has been updated with coordinates

 

[Roborado]

My wife and I are headed out this afternoon. Since we are running the RV we are hoping for a space at the Cement Creek campground. First come first serve, fingers crossed. We won't be there until like 7pm.
I don't really know the plan for tomorrow. My phone number is 720-483-5202.

Looking forward to seeing/meeting you all.

 

[Yarn Cruiser]

@Roborado we will figure out a meet up spot this afternoon and post that here.

 

[Yarn Cruiser]

We are at spot 4 spot and the post will say 4. You have to go through 2 gates and shoo some cows out of the way.

 

[KC Masterpiece]

We are unfortunately out for this. Work is just too insane and I need to be available all weekend.