Pearl Pass
Overview:
Located between two of the most famous recreational areas in the state, this long trail offers an unmatched variety of different landscapes from rolling hillsides to challenging rock ledges. High elevation sections of the trail follow the border of the Maroon Bells- Snowmass Wilderness and pass through some of the most remote and strikingly beautiful areas of Colorado. At the time of this writing, unlicensed vehicles were allowed on this trail, which is actually a county road.
Rating: Difficult
Many boulder fields, steep climbs, water crossings and narrow shelves. These conditions are magnified by snow and ice that are present well into late summer at higher elevations. During years of heavy snow pack, the summit can be blocked for the entire year. Trail is not recommended for stock SUVs, but an experienced driver can do it with good clearance, low range and skid plates.
Stats:
Length: 21.7 miles
Time: 5 hours
High Point: 12,705 feet
Best Time to Go: August-Sept
Current Conditions:
Gunnison National Forest
Gunnison Ranger District
(970) 641-0471