Summer Drives You’ll Love: Colorado’s West Elk Scenic Byway

I-70 is usually the fastest way to Aspen. However, Western Colorado's recent Hilltop Fire between Parachute and Rifle forced me to make other plans. It turned out to be the best detour of the summer.

Next time you drive to Aspen, consider making the return trip to Grand Junction via the West Elk Scenic Byway or CO 133. Keep scrolling to see why, as we check out the route between Carbondale and McClure Pass.

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Checking Out Mount Sopris

Mount Sopris is the most prominent feature along CO 133 as you pick up the West Elk Byway in Carbondale, Colorado. Captain Richard Sopris led an expedition into the Roaring Fork Valley in the 1860s. Sopris would be elected Mayor of Denver by 1878. Hikers looking for a challenge will find a 13-mile trail that climbs to the twin summit at 12,953 feet (both peaks).

Historic Redstone, Colorado

Much of what you will see traveling through the Redstone Mining historic district was tied to the  Colorado Fuel and Iron Company. The coke ovens (above) were built in 1899 and are part of the larger operation at the nearby Coal Basin Mines. 

According to the Redstone Historical Society, after the coke was cooked for 48 hours in the ovens, it was sprayed with cold river water from the Roaring Fork and raked into train cars bound for steel mills in Pueblo, Colorado.

Read More: Two Colorado Airports Listed as the Most Dangerous in the World

Driving Over Colorado's McClure Pass

If you forgot that the McClure Pass was located on CO 133, it's understandable. With a summit at 8,755 feet, it could be called one of Colorado's more 'gentle' passes. That being said, the pass still experiences frequent storms and should not be taken lightly. As you climb the pass, Chair Mountain dominates the scenery at 12,721 feet.

Keep an eye out for bikes. The pass is a perfect training ground for cyclists ahead of the USA Pro Challenge. The August race typically uses Independence Pass but is sometimes moved to McClure Pass for various reasons.