Pearl Pass

Pearl Pass is a challenging, high-altitude route connecting Crested Butte and Aspen, ideal for experienced drivers seeking dramatic alpine views and technical rocky terrain. Spanning roughly 21.8 miles through the stunning Elk Mountains, this historic pass climbs from an elevation of 8,842 feet to a maximum of 12,715 feet, featuring over 4,360 feet of elevation gain. The trail begins with rolling hillsides before transitioning into rugged boulder fields, steep climbs, deep water crossings, and narrow shelf roads. Due to these high-elevation obstacles and the remote nature of the terrain running alongside the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, this difficult route is not recommended for stock SUVs. High-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles with low-range capability, skid plates, and durable tires are highly recommended to safely navigate the sustained rock gardens. From Crested Butte, the trail is accessed by heading northeast on Brush Creek Road, Forest Service Road 738, where unlicensed vehicles and SxSs are permitted to ride up to the pass but must turn around at the summit. The northern approach from Aspen begins off Castle Creek Road, Forest Service Road 102, south of Highway 82. Snow and ice frequently block the summit well into the late summer months, and the route is seasonally closed from March 1 to May 27, though heavy snowpack years can prevent the pass from opening entirely. In addition to motorized offroaders, visitors may share the trail with mountain bikers, particularly during the historic annual Pearl Pass Tour in September, which commemorates the legendary 1976 ride that helped birth the sport of mountain biking.