# Black Canyon and the West Elk Loop

> 4-day road trip of about 215 km (133 mi) with 7 stops, from Montrose to Paonia. About 2 h 23 min of driving in total.

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/guides/b8-black-canyon-west-elk/

**At a glance:** 4-day road trip of about 215 km (133 mi) with 7 stops, from Montrose to Paonia. About 2 h 23 min of driving in total. The dizzying rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Colorado’s largest lake, and the aspen forests over Kebler Pass to Crested Butte and the North Fork orchards.

| | |
|---|---|
| Distance | 215 km (133 mi) |
| Driving | 2 h 23 min |
| Suggested days | 4 |
| Stops | 7 |
| Route | Montrose → Paonia |
| States | CO |
| Updated | May 28, 2026 |

## Route description

From Montrose, a short road climbs to the South Rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The rim drive stops at a dozen overlooks, including the Painted Wall; the steep East Portal Road to the river is closed to vehicles over 22 feet.

US-50 then runs east along Blue Mesa Reservoir in Curecanti National Recreation Area, Colorado’s largest body of water, with several lakeside campgrounds. Gunnison is a ranch and college town with all services.

CO-135 heads north to Crested Butte, an old coal-mining town with painted wooden storefronts, known for wildflowers in July. From there, Kebler Pass Road (gravel, closed in winter) crosses to the west through huge aspen groves that turn gold in late September.

The road descends to Paonia in the North Fork Valley, known for orchards, organic farms and small wineries. Return to Montrose via Hotchkiss and Delta, or take CO-92 back along the north side of the Black Canyon.

## Stop-by-stop itinerary

1. **Montrose** (CO)
2. **Black Canyon of the Gunnison, South Rim** (Montrose, CO): A sheer, dark gorge so narrow that sunlight barely reaches the river. The South Rim Road has a dozen overlooks, including the Painted Wall, Colorado’s tallest cliff.
3. **Blue Mesa Reservoir** (Gunnison, CO): Colorado’s largest body of water, in Curecanti National Recreation Area along US-50, with campgrounds and boat ramps.
4. **Gunnison** (CO)
5. **Crested Butte** (CO)
6. **Kebler Pass** (Crested Butte, CO): A gravel pass road through one of the largest aspen groves in the world, blazing gold in late September. Closed in winter.
7. **Paonia** (CO)