Splains Gulch

Splains Gulch is a relatively short, out-and-back 4x4 trail where vehicle width and maneuverability are the biggest considerations, as the trail offers steadily increasing rocks, narrow shelf roads, limited passing opportunities, and access to five remote designated campsites. 

Located about 5 miles west of Crested Butte, the trail begins directly off Kebler Pass Road, where a sign marks the route as 4x4 only. The opening climb is relatively mild, traveling over scattered rocks generally no larger than grapefruit-sized. At the top of the first hill, a signboard on the left displays the route and locations of the designated campsites ahead.

A little farther up, the road makes a sharp turn at one of the few useful pullouts along the trail. This is the last good opportunity to comfortably make room for another vehicle before the road narrows and the shelf-road sections begin. The terrain also becomes noticeably rougher from here, with loose and embedded rocks reaching roughly watermelon size. These narrow sections are one of the biggest considerations when choosing a vehicle for Splains Gulch. The single-lane shelf road offers very few places to pass, making wide expedition vehicles and full-size trucks less desirable. Adventure bikes, UTVs, and narrower 4x4s are much better suited for this trail. Because this is an out-and-back drive, be prepared to encounter vehicles traveling in the opposite direction and think ahead about where you last saw enough room to pass.

Continuing uphill, the road passes the single-track Lily Lake Trail before reaching a stream crossing at 38.84215, -107.06260. Just beyond the crossing is Designated Campsite SG-1 at 38.84206, -107.06214. From here, the road enters thicker timber and becomes noticeably rockier and steeper.

The next three campsites are scattered along this more challenging section of the climb: SG-2 at 38.83971, -107.06073, SG-3 at 38.83837, -107.06061, and SG-4 at 38.83755, -107.06091. After working through the rocky climb, the route reaches a fork near SG-5 at 38.83174, -107.05731. The five sites are part of the Kebler Pass designated camping system and are intended to provide more remote camping than the easier-access sites closer to the main road. 

The scenery and sense of isolation are a big part of Splains Gulch's appeal. Compared with the busy camp areas directly along Kebler Pass, this route feels considerably more tucked away, with forest, mountain meadows, rocky slopes, and occasional views opening around the surrounding high country. It is not an extreme 4x4 trail, but the progressively rougher terrain, narrow shelf sections, limited passing, and remote campsites give it a genuine backcountry feel. For adventure bikes, UTVs, and maneuverable 4x4s, Splains Gulch offers a rewarding way to leave the traffic of Kebler Pass behind and explore a quieter corner of the Crested Butte high country.