Paradise Divide

Rating: 2.5. There are a few areas that can be washed out and a few steep climbs that require at least AWD in good conditions but may require 4WD. In good conditions a small crossover SUV should have no issues.

Location

Near Crested Butte, CO

Trailhead

The trail starts 0.8 miles north of Crested Butte measured from 6th St and Elk Ave (north end of the park). GPS coordinates are 38°52'47.9"N 106°58'34.2"W (38.879978, -106.976163). To road travels to the north west (left) off of 6th street.  

The loop ends and turns into Gothic Road in Mt Crested Butte. If you want to start at this end, take 6th street out of Crested Butte and follow it north and it will turn into a dirt road.

Description

This is a scenic drive across Paradise Divide and Schofield Pass. The base is good and there aren't many areas that get muddy in the rain. However, there are a few areas that can get slick and caution should be used in rainy weather. We watched a Ford Explorer struggle through a muddy area due to having street tires, but luckily he was going downhill and didn't get stuck.

If you start at the turn-off 0.6 miles, follow this road until Paradise Divide. It begins as a paved road and will later turn into a dirt road. There are multiple other roads in the area, but the main one takes you to Paradise divide. Once at the top, follow the signs to Schofield Pass and then back to Crested Butte. 

Here are the GPX and KML files.