---
id: "2120"
name: West Elk Loop
distance: "205"
duration: 6 to 8 hours.
description: This route travels through the Crystal River Valley, whose well-watered reaches made it a favorite among both Native American and pioneer settlers. Scenic features include views of mountain ranges, fields of alpine wildflowers, farmlands & cattle ranches.
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websites:
  - url: https://www.codot.gov/travel/colorado-byways/southwest/west-elk-loop
    name: Colorado Byways
  - url: https://www.colorado.com/byways/west-elk-loop
    name: Colorado Travel Guide
  - url: https://www.coloradodirectory.com/maps/westelk.html
    name: Colorado Vacation Directory
  - url: https://www.americanlegacytours.org/colorado/west-elk-loop-road-trip/
    name: National Travel Center
  - url: https://www.thearmchairexplorer.com/colorado/west-elk-loop-scenic-byway.php
    name: The Armchair Explorer
attractions:
  - url: https://www.aspensnowmass.com/
    name: Aspen Snowmass
  - url: https://www.fs.usda.gov/gmug
    name: Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests
  - url: https://gunnisoncrestedbutte.com/visit/places-to-go/mountain-towns/gunnison/
    name: Gunnison
  - url: https://www.fs.usda.gov/whiteriver
    name: White River National Forest
designations:
  - National Forest Scenic Byway
  - Colorado State Scenic Byway
states:
  - CO
ll:
  - -107.36280799999997
  - 38.94129200000009
bounds:
  - - -107.71457700000002
    - 38.45052000000004
  - - -106.84542099999993
    - 39.401112000000126
books: "979-8886470185"

---

The twin summits of Mount Sopris and the incomparable Black Canyon of the Gunnison anchor the ends of the West Elk Loop. This magnificent landscape has been home to uncounted generations of Native Americans, most recently the Utes.  White settlers originally came in search of minerals and stayed to farm and ranch. The coke ovens at Redstone bear witness to the toil that built the communities of today.  Carbondale, Hotchkiss, Crawford, Gunnison, Crested Butte, and other towns offer a slice of Colorado's rich history, varied lifestyles, and natural beauty. The route gives access to the White River and Gunnison National Forests, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument, Curecanti National Recreational Area, and Crawford and Paonia State Parks.