West Elk Loop Scenic and Historic Byway: Small Towns and Natural Beauty

The West Elk Loop Scenic Byway in Colorado travels through the Western Slope of the Rocky Mountains, where the landscape transforms from dense forests of aspens to deep canyons and stunning red rock formations. The 205-mile-long byway is nestled between pristine recreation areas, rising over stunning mountain passes and connecting a handful of eclectic mountain towns. The scenic drive can be completed in a full day, but to explore each of the special places and sprinkle in a few hikes and points of interest, make it a long weekend.

Seasonal Highlights

• Head to Crested Butte during the summer months (June to August) to see the amazing display of wildflowers. The town is known as the Wildflower Capital of Colorado— plan your visit around the Wildflower Festival, which takes place in mid-July.
• Spend an evening at the Carbondale Wild West Rodeo at the Gus Darien Riding Arena. The family-friendly event is held every Thursday from June until late August.
• Explore the ghost towns in the area, one of the most famous is Crystal, a former mining town located six miles east of Marble. Book an off-road tour with one of the adventure companies or spend the day hiking to see the many buildings that still stand today. Bring your camera!!
• As the days get shorter with autumn fast approaching, the many groves of aspen trees turn bright gold and yellow. There might not be a better place to witness and enjoy the dramatic transformation between seasons.
• With the arrival of winter and the potential for 200 inches of snowfall, the activities shift to skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and ice skating. There’s no shortage of ski resorts, trails, and lakes across the surrounding national forests and recreation areas.