One of the most beautiful single track bike rides in the world. Coming down from the back side of Maroon Bells, the vistas of the valley are breathtaking! And the flowers in the summer are so big, you think you are in the Land of the Giants!
Beautiful hiking trails, well marked. Gorgeous mountain views and wildflowers. Streams and sunny blue skies, met lots of friendly people while hiking. Stunning views.
July 2014 - The 401 trailhead is located at the top of Schofield Pass. This trail is quite popular among mountain bikers for a good reason--the surrounding mountains and wildflowers are breathtakingly beautiful! The 401 trail is a medium-hard trail. I found the hardest parts to be the uphill and the altitude. The first ~45 minutes of single track are climbing to the summit. From the summit, the trail is all downhill.Directions: From Crested Butte, take Gothic Road (CR 317) north through Mt. Crested Butte and Gothic. After the town of Gothic, the road slowly deteriorates to 4WD only. Traveling by car, we were able to make it make it to Rustler Gulch turn-off and parking area (Rustler Gulch flows over the road--making it the end of the road for most cars). Traveling by bike, we continued riding north on CR 317 a few miles, uphill to Schofield Pass. 401 trailhead is on right (east) side of road, across from the Schofield Pass sign. The upper loop returns to CR 317 at Rustler Gulch (where we conviently parked). The lower loop continues a few more miles before reconnecting with CR 317.
The road up from Crested Butte is great, but once you come to the signs advising only experienced drivers with the right vehicle, be warned and take it seriously! I drove my Landcruiser over Schofield Pass a couple years ago and had no business being on that road. Once you start it is almost impossible to turn around. The road tilts/leans towards some fairly big drops off's and most of the time you are driving on loose rock therefore the traction is not great (I made my children walk a good portion of the trip just in case the car slid off). If you slide off many of these drops and are lucky enough to survive - help is hours away. I ripped one tire completely off the rim of my car as well as my running board going over some of the big boulders. It would be better on a dirt bike, 4 wheeler or smaller jeep. It is beautiful however. Good luck!
We traveled from Crested Butte over Kebler pass, all the way to Marble, CO, and tried to negotiate Schofiled Pass. We had a Honda Pilot which soon overheated, so we had to turn around. Later in the week, we started up the other side from Gothic, above Crested Butte. We did not figure we would go all the way, although I think from that side the go is easier. We saw Maroon Bells, and called it good.
The road should be traveled by four-wheel only for un-experienced drivers. From the Crested Butte side, you'll pass through the valley that is known throughout the state for its beautiful spring blooms. At the summit is the trail head to the famous 401 biking an hiking trail. The first 3/4 mile is all uphill, but once at the top, the view is amazing. Looking north you'll see the backside of Breckenridge and the famous Maroon Bell peaks. From there, the trail is all down hill back to Crested Butte for 10-12 miles.
Just an amazing climb and you feel accomplished when you get to there. 10,707 feet elevation and when you ride a mountain bike from the small town of Gothic up to Schofield pass the thrill of knowing you are almost on trail 401 and headed back down. Epic ride!
Did the first 3 miles at peak wildflower season - spectacular! In September I plan to do the entire trail from Aspen to Crested Butte, so this was an excellent appetizer!
Definitely a 4 wheel drive road but beautiful views. Did run into a camper who asked what day of the week it was. That is going native.
A drive in a 4 WD to Gothic, Schofield Pass, Paradise Divide and past Oh Be Joyful valley I(very nice hike) s the grand tour of wild flowers and classic Colorado vistas. The back of the Maroon Bells. Back of Pyramid Peak. Trailhead of West Maroon Pass (gorgeous hike). Some of the best views in Colorado, so it can get crowded... Summer flowers up to your armpits!