Pearl Pass
Distance
21.9 mi
Technical Rating
Difficult
Best Time
Summer, Fall
Trail Type
High-Clearance 4x4 Trail
Accessible By
Trail Overview
Pearl Pass provides a wide variety of exciting riding including rolling hillsides, difficult rock ledges, and high-mountain riding with spectacular views. Part of this trail passes alongside the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness and stays very remote, so plan accordingly. Unlicensed vehicles are allowed at the start of Trail #738 but must turn around at the pass. Trail is closed March 1 to May 27 depending on snow.
Weather
Status Reports
Kyle M
Sep 27, 2024
4x4
Open
Traveled the Crested Butte side up to the top of Pearl Pass and back. Trees are in full color change. There was one rutted out area from the rains earlier this season. Also, in the last mile to the top there was a rocky area where I had to engage the lockers to get through a washed out spot with some tall boulders. Well worth the trip up to the pass to catch the amazing sunset and fall color change. My vehicle is a JKUR on 37’s.
Junior H
Aug 01, 2024
4x4
Open
Snow/Ice
Came up from Taylor Pass side. 4 jeeps and 2 full size broncos. Scooped and winched thru the last 2 snow spots to the top of the pass. Clear down to Cr. Butte. Was a little sketchy but we made all 6 rigs thru.
Will W
Jul 13, 2024
2017 Toyota Tacoma
Obstructed
Deep Snow
Impassable snow drifts on both sides of the summit, otherwise good. Only one obstacle with no bypass
Mike Crabb
Jul 01, 2024
4x4
Obstructed
Deep Snow
Deep snow across the trail above the hut. Photo was taken from Montezuma trail looking back at pearl pass road - you can see that snow is completely covering trail.