johnlt Posted June 13, 2006 Share Posted June 13, 2006 I have a couple GS routes I'd like to share. Unfortunately I won't be able to make it to the UN but having had a home in Crested Butte for several years, I know the area pretty well. The first is Cottenwood pass. I recommend counterclockwise so you can climb up the paved side of the pass. The dirt starts at the top and goes for about 17 miles until you get to Taylor Res. Really a great ride. The second goes over Schofield Pass and is only 83 miles. I'm not sure if it is open this early in the year, but if it is, it is spectacular. You go through the ski area in Crested Butte then up to Gothic on your way to Schofield pass where you turn left and go through Paradise basin. If it is open, it is really cool. If you have a problem with heights on narrow dirt roads with no guard railing, don't go on either of these routes. Enjoy, johnlt 698679-jltGSroutes.gdb Link to comment
Tasker Posted June 13, 2006 Share Posted June 13, 2006 John, I've added your two routes to my 2610. Thanks for offering these options! Tasker Link to comment
StretchMark Posted June 13, 2006 Share Posted June 13, 2006 If you have a problem with heights on narrow dirt roads with no guard railing, don't go on either of these routes. Tasker??? Are you sure about this??? Link to comment
johnlt Posted June 13, 2006 Author Share Posted June 13, 2006 I promise you Mark, the descent from Schofield makes the Batopilas decent seem like a highway. john Link to comment
Ken H. Posted June 14, 2006 Share Posted June 14, 2006 Tasker??? Are you sure about this??? Geez Mark, cheap shot. I'm not even Tasker and that hurts way over here! Link to comment
Tasker Posted June 14, 2006 Share Posted June 14, 2006 If you have a problem with heights on narrow dirt roads with no guard railing, don't go on either of these routes. Tasker??? Are you sure about this??? Ummm, no. I downloaded the routes before I saw this little tid-bit of information about the routes. I can't see a good outcome to me on these roads... Link to comment
Dances_With_Wiener_Dogs Posted June 14, 2006 Share Posted June 14, 2006 If you have a problem with heights on narrow dirt roads with no guard railing, don't go on either of these routes. Tasker??? Are you sure about this??? Heck, I'll be riding Cottonwood on my RT Monday on my way into Gunnison. And this will be with my camping gear loaded. After I pitch camp, I figure I'll take a short run up Cumberland Pass on my way to the ghost town of Tincup. Schofield Pass is a serious mutha, tho... Link to comment
johnlt Posted June 14, 2006 Author Share Posted June 14, 2006 Heck, I'll be riding Cottonwood on my RT Monday on my way into Gunnison. And this will be with my camping gear loaded. After I pitch camp, I figure I'll take a short run up Cumberland Pass on my way to the ghost town of Tincup. Schofield Pass is a serious mutha, tho... You're right, Cottonwood pass is easy dirt. Only a 17 mile section down from the summit on the west side but although an RT can make it easy, it is washboard and you can get some rocks kicked up on the tupperware. The climb up the east side to the summit is one of the best around. Link to comment
Peter H. Posted June 21, 2006 Share Posted June 21, 2006 I'll add my $.02 worth: Cottonwood Pass is a great idea. The paved approach from the east side (Buena Vista) is a sweet ride up to the top of the pass. The west side approach (from the Taylor Reservoir) is unpaved, but well maintained gravel - might have to deal with some "washboard" sections, but otherwise it is an easy ride. Schofield Pass: I not sure I would do Schofield on my GS. It is one serious bit of offroading. There are some extremely rough sections. However, if you must, the approach from Marble includes a postcard photo opportunity of the old Sheep Mountain Mill (and a good place to turn around!). The approach from the Crested Butte side has the lovely Emerald Lake (and a good place to turn around!). The Schofield Pass section itself is definitely "travel at your own risk". In spite of just getting back from that area on Sunday - I am very jealous of you guys - have fun! Peter Link to comment
johnlt Posted June 22, 2006 Author Share Posted June 22, 2006 I'll add my $.02 worth: Cottonwood Pass is a great idea. The paved approach from the east side (Buena Vista) is a sweet ride up to the top of the pass. The west side approach (from the Taylor Reservoir) is unpaved, but well maintained gravel - might have to deal with some "washboard" sections, but otherwise it is an easy ride. Schofield Pass: I not sure I would do Schofield on my GS. It is one serious bit of offroading. There are some extremely rough sections. However, if you must, the approach from Marble includes a postcard photo opportunity of the old Sheep Mountain Mill (and a good place to turn around!). The approach from the Crested Butte side has the lovely Emerald Lake (and a good place to turn around!). The Schofield Pass section itself is definitely "travel at your own risk". In spite of just getting back from that area on Sunday - I am very jealous of you guys - have fun! Peter Peter, I wasn't suggesting they go down the back side to Marble. My recommendation was that they turn left at the top and go through Paradise basin then back down to CB. You can see the route on my GPS file. I wouldn't take a GS to Marble either. I think that is a serious "real dirt bike" road. johnlt Link to comment
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