Paradise Divide trail out of Crested Butte is a stress-free, relaxing drive during the summer months when the snow has melted and the road is dry. In my two opportunities to drive the loop, much of the road was in excellent condition, but a high-clearance vehicle is still recommended. I made it in our stock Honda Pilot both times, happening to drive the loop counter-clockwise.. The first time driving the loop was in the 2006 September when there was an early but heavy snowfall. (See Last Dollar Road and Kebler Pass Road.) As is often the case, the higher the elevation, the deeper the snow, so driving the pass involved a little white-knuckle steering.
The loop is about 27 miles, but you could take all day with numerous stops combines with some hiking, and exploring a couple old mining towns, Gothic and Pittsburgh. Of the two, Gothic has the most buildings, remnants from the silver boom in the mountains to the north. In addition Emerald Lake, almost to Schofield Pass, is a good stop. Coming from Gothic, and at the SE side of the lake, Forest Service Road 317.3E takes you down to the lake. If you are a polar bear, you might like a swim. We have also seen campers there at the shore of the lake.
