📷 Photo by Holly Mandarich on UnsplashKebler 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.
Kebler Pass is a mountain pass in the West Elk Mountains in Gunnison County, Colorado, at 3,050 m (10,007 feet). Gunnison County Road 12 connects Crested Butte in the east with State Highway 133 at the southern end of Paonia State Park in the west. The road is mostly gravel, with only a few paved stretches near the summit; in summer it is considered passable for ordinary cars.
The pass is famous for its aspen forests. 5280 magazine says Kebler Pass holds Colorado's largest aspen grove; in autumn the leaves glow yellow, gold and lime green. Lost Lake lies right by the pass, and in Crested Butte itself the easy Woods Walk Trail is a good stroll. After a storm, hiking can get muddy.
The road is closed in winter, so it is a summer and autumn route only. Check the current condition of the gravel road before you set off, especially with a large motorhome or trailer.
- Nearest town
- Crested Butte, CO
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 38.8492, -107.0998
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. Hot in July–August. Cold, short days in January–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Lake Irwin CampgroundCampsite2 mi from Kebler Pass
- Lost Lake CampgroundCampsite6 mi from Kebler Pass
- Campsites GC 1-3Campsite10 mi from Kebler Pass
- Cement Creek CampgroundCampsite14 mi from Kebler Pass · 13 pitchesDrinking waterToilets
- Marble RV Park and CampgroundCampsite16 mi from Kebler PassTentsCaravans
- Tall Texan RV ParkMotorhome stopover21 mi from Kebler PassMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
All campsites in Colorado · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Kebler Pass?
Kebler Pass is in Crested Butte, CO, at GPS 38.8492, -107.0998. It is about 23 mi from Gunnison.
Can you camp near Kebler Pass?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Lake Irwin Campground, about 2 mi away; within 25 mi there are 95 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Kebler Pass?
Kebler Pass is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Black Canyon and the West Elk Loop.
What is there to see near Kebler Pass?
Places worth a stop nearby: Maroon Bells (16 mi), Blue Mesa Reservoir (26 mi), Independence Pass (34 mi) and Black Canyon of the Gunnison, South Rim (39 mi).
When is the best time to visit Kebler Pass?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)