Black Canyon and the West Elk Loop
The dizzying rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Colorado’s largest lake, and the aspen forests over Kebler Pass to Crested Butte and the North Fork orchards.
- Distance
- 215 km (133 mi)
- Driving
- 2 h 23 min
- Suggested days
- 4
- Stops
- 7
- States
- CO
- Updated
- May 28, 2026
At a glance: 4-day road trip of about 215 km (133 mi) with 7 stops, from Montrose to Paonia. About 2 h 23 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Colorado
Route description
From Montrose, a short road climbs to the South Rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The rim drive stops at a dozen overlooks, including the Painted Wall; the steep East Portal Road to the river is closed to vehicles over 22 feet.
US-50 then runs east along Blue Mesa Reservoir in Curecanti National Recreation Area, Colorado’s largest body of water, with several lakeside campgrounds. Gunnison is a ranch and college town with all services.
CO-135 heads north to Crested Butte, an old coal-mining town with painted wooden storefronts, known for wildflowers in July. From there, Kebler Pass Road (gravel, closed in winter) crosses to the west through huge aspen groves that turn gold in late September.
The road descends to Paonia in the North Fork Valley, known for orchards, organic farms and small wineries. Return to Montrose via Hotchkiss and Delta, or take CO-92 back along the north side of the Black Canyon.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Montrose
CO - 219 km
Black Canyon of the Gunnison, South Rim
NatureMontrose, COA sheer, dark gorge so narrow that sunlight barely reaches the river. The South Rim Road has a dozen overlooks, including the Painted Wall, Colorado’s tallest cliff.
- 361 km
Blue Mesa Reservoir
NatureGunnison, COColorado’s largest body of water, in Curecanti National Recreation Area along US-50, with campgrounds and boat ramps.
- 427 km
Gunnison
CO - 544 km
Crested Butte
CO - 612 km
Kebler Pass
ViewsCrested Butte, COA gravel pass road through one of the largest aspen groves in the world, blazing gold in late September. Closed in winter.
- 751 km
Paonia
CO
Suggested stages and overnight stops
4 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Montrose → Blue Mesa Reservoir · 50 mi · 0 h 53 minOn the way: Black Canyon of the Gunnison, South Rim.Overnight nearby, for example: Elk Creek Campground (< 1 km); Tall Texan RV Park (16 mi).
- Day 2: Blue Mesa Reservoir → Gunnison · 17 mi · 0 h 18 minOvernight nearby, for example: Tall Texan RV Park (2 mi); Elk Creek Campground (14 mi).
- Day 3: Gunnison → Kebler Pass · 35 mi · 0 h 37 minOn the way: Crested Butte.Overnight nearby, for example: Lake Irwin Campground (2 mi); Cement Creek Campground (14 mi).
- Day 4: Kebler Pass → Paonia · 32 mi · 0 h 34 minOvernight nearby, for example: Erickson Springs Campground (19 mi); Iron Creek Campground (13 mi).
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 December–February. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
FAQs
How long is Black Canyon and the West Elk Loop?
4-day road trip of about 215 km (133 mi) with 7 stops, from Montrose to Paonia. About 2 h 23 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Black Canyon and the West Elk Loop?
We suggest 4 days: about 2 h 23 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Black Canyon and the West Elk Loop start and end?
It starts in Montrose and ends in Paonia.
Which states does Black Canyon and the West Elk Loop pass through?
Colorado.
Where can you camp along Black Canyon and the West Elk Loop?
OpenStreetMap lists 125 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 19 mi of the stops on this route. For example: The Campers Hub, Cedar Creek RV Park and Riverbend RV Park.
When is the best time for Black Canyon and the West Elk Loop?
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)
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