County Road 12 leading to and over Kebler Pass (10,007′) is a 30-mile gravel road appropriate for just about any passenger car between May and November. The road is also known as part of the West Elk Scenic Byway, but I always just called it Kebler Pass Rd. I have driven the road twice, from west to east, both in September, but what a difference from one year to another. The western access point is 16 miles north of Paonia (just south of the Paonia reservoir) at an altitude of 6318′. After the easy climb to the pass, the road descends to Crested Butte at 8892′.
My first trip was in September, 2006 by myself as Sandy was just beginning a BFA program in ceramics. Just before arriving in Colorado, I found out that there had been a very recent snowfall in the mountains — up to 10″ or more depending on the elevation. The good news: the snow had stopped and it was a clear day. Arriving in the afternoon in my stock, all-wheel drive Honda Pilot, all the highways had been clear, but shortly after an initial climb on CR 12, the gravel road became covered in snow. Based on earlier research and estimated timing, I planned to spend the night at the state Lost Lake Campground, about 17 miles into the journey. There was at least one set of car tracks in the deepening snow, so I took some solace that the road was passable. When I reached a sign marking the turn to the campground, there was an initial significantly long and deep dip in the narrow road. Easy to do the down part, but could I get up the next half of the dip? Foolish attempt by myself or not, I made it to the campground with no one else there.
It was still light enough for some photography as I trudged around in the deep snow, then I cleared a picnic table, got out my Coleman gas stove, and prepared “dinner”. It got dark soon, so I retired to my sleeping bag in the back of the Honda. I got up once during the night, and it was ever so cold. In the morning, every car window was frozen over from the inside. It was 20º outside, but fortunately there was no additional snow. I had hot oatmeal and coffee for breakfast as a beautiful sunny morning unfolded — perfect for more photography.
Mid-morning or so, I retraced my steps back to CR 12 and headed to Kebler Pass (not even worth of a sign) and then on to Crested Butte.
The second trip was three years later to the month with my wife, Sandy, and no snow! The first eleven images in the following gallery are from my solo trip.
