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Schofield Pass
Off-Road Trail
Gunnison & White River National Forests, Colorado
Trail Information
Schofield Pass is a mountain pass located in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. It is situated in Gunnison County, near the town of Crested Butte. Schofield Pass is well-known for being a challenging and rugged route, primarily frequented by off-road enthusiasts, hikers, and mountain bikers. The pass offers stunning views of the surrounding alpine landscape and is often used as a starting point for various outdoor activities.
Features
One of the most famous aspects of Schofield Pass is the notorious "Devil's Punchbowl," a steep and treacherous section of the road that can be quite dangerous to navigate, especially for inexperienced drivers. The Devil's Punchbowl is a tight and narrow section with a steep drop-off on one side and a sheer cliff on the other. It requires careful maneuvering and can be impassable during adverse weather conditions or due to rockslides.
The pass can be reached by taking County Road 317 from the town of Crested Butte. From there, the road becomes progressively more challenging as it gains elevation. The route eventually intersects with the West Maroon Pass Trail, which is a popular hiking trail connecting Crested Butte to Aspen.
Difficulty
Because of its rugged terrain and challenging conditions, Schofield Pass is generally best suited for experienced off-road drivers with appropriate vehicles and equipment. Travelers attempting to traverse the pass should exercise caution, be prepared for changing weather conditions, and have a solid understanding of the route before embarking on the journey.
It's important to note that conditions and accessibility may vary from year to year due to factors such as weather, maintenance, and road conditions. Therefore, it's recommended to check with local authorities or park services before attempting to navigate Schofield Pass.
Vehicle Recommendations
Features
One of the most famous aspects of Schofield Pass is the notorious "Devil's Punchbowl," a steep and treacherous section of the road that can be quite dangerous to navigate, especially for inexperienced drivers. The Devil's Punchbowl is a tight and narrow section with a steep drop-off on one side and a sheer cliff on the other. It requires careful maneuvering and can be impassable during adverse weather conditions or due to rockslides.
The pass can be reached by taking County Road 317 from the town of Crested Butte. From there, the road becomes progressively more challenging as it gains elevation. The route eventually intersects with the West Maroon Pass Trail, which is a popular hiking trail connecting Crested Butte to Aspen.
Difficulty
Because of its rugged terrain and challenging conditions, Schofield Pass is generally best suited for experienced off-road drivers with appropriate vehicles and equipment. Travelers attempting to traverse the pass should exercise caution, be prepared for changing weather conditions, and have a solid understanding of the route before embarking on the journey.
It's important to note that conditions and accessibility may vary from year to year due to factors such as weather, maintenance, and road conditions. Therefore, it's recommended to check with local authorities or park services before attempting to navigate Schofield Pass.
Vehicle Recommendations
- 4WD w/low range
- High clearance
If you're interested in finding out more about this trail, check out this video from Matt & Cara with Ozark Overland Adventures as they and their friends share their experience!
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Basic Info
Difficulty
Difficult
Length
5.0 mi
Hightest Elevation
10796 ft
Nearest City
Crested Butte
Categories
Mountains
Views
Waterfalls
Off-Road
National Forest
Overland