West Elk Loop circles through a landscape known for its variety. Traveling through the Crystal River Valley, it traces canyon rims, winds next to rivers, dives into forests, and crosses fields. The region provides countless opportunities for recreation and natural sightseeing in a setting unlike any other. From state parks and national forests to the expansive Curecanti National Recreation Area, the route keeps a promise of beauty and diversity.
Several state parks and national forests offer generous portions of recreation and nature watching. Visit Crawford State Park and Paonia State Park, prime places for picnicking, hiking, and camping. Crawford features fantastic bird watching and photographic views. The route passes through three national forests: Grand Mesa, White River, and Gunnison. Revered as the top recreation forest in the world, White River National Forest boasts numerous ski resorts and wilderness expanses. Explore the aspen forests in Gunnison National Forest. During the day, discover the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, where 1,000-foot crystalline canyon walls pave a path for the swift Gunnison River. At night, look up through the trees and see stars pierce the dark sky.
Curecanti National Recreation Area, composed of three dam-separated lakes, meshes with the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park at Morrow Point Lake and Crystal Lake. Blue Mesa Lake, the largest body of water in Colorado, lies east of the other two. These three lakes form the heart of Curecanti, and each provide excellent fishing, swimming, boating, camping, and picnicking. While Curecanti offers traditional recreation, such as wildlife viewing, hiking, camping, and skiing, it goes above and beyond the call for adventure. Here, you can ride a narrow gauge train, kayak, rock climb, and star gaze and see the Milky Way with the naked eye.
West Elk Loop, traveling through the Crystal River Valley, features views of mountain ranges, fields of alpine wildflowers, farmland pastures, thick forests, and steep canyons. Though it passes through towns like Gunnison and Crested Butte that offer a slice of Colorado's history, the byway's quiet beauty comes alive in its canyons, mountain ranges, and fields.
