Pearl Pass

5/5 (38 reviews)
Aspen, Colorado (Pitkin County)
Last Updated: 12/18/2022

Trail Information

Highlights

Located just south of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, Pearl Pass is a high alpine off-road trail between Aspen and Crested Butte.  The trail has a variety of different terrain, from grassy hillsides and water crossings to coarse rock fields and towering mountains.  This extremely rugged mountain pass will amaze you while traveling in some of the most remote terrain in the state, taking in incredible views as you cross the Continental Divide at 12,705 feet.  Snow can linger very late into the summer, and some years this pass doesn't fully open due to snow blockage.


Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

5/5 (38)
4800
Partially Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 10/10/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Beautiful area on the Aspen side. Tried to get to Crested Butte but the trail sign at WP6 had a red ribbon with Closed written on it. Didn't call to verify but there is a lot of snow up top. It was late so we turned around and took independence pass back to Buena Vista. We came down Taylor pass which was amazing
Open
Visited: 09/04/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Beautiful, long trail and one of the nicest in Colorado. We ran this from the Aspen to Crested Butte. Not that hard of a trail, with only three significant obstacles. But the one wet obstacle and some significant off-camber sections on the shelf road on the Aspen side, probably make this a fair rating. When you think the trail is almost over, it is not, as there are at least six miles after you get off the mountain to Crested Butte.
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 09/03/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Ran this trail on my way to climb Castle and Conundrum Peaks from the CB side. ‘18 4Runner with 2.5in lift and 32s. A full 3in would’ve been nice but pick your lines correctly and you’ll be ok. Ran 50% 2H, 40% 4H, 10% 4L. After summiting the 14er, we went back towards CB. Had to “bump” the staircase to wetness a little but ended up doing just fine. I zigged when I shoulda zagged and bottomed out in the mud bog. Rear locker on, people rocking vic side to side and a quad with a winch pulled me back out haha. Thanks for all the help! Otherwise, it’s a straight forward trail all the way up to the base of Castle/ Conundrum.
Official Crew
32850
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 08/07/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Probably my favorite pass in Colorado. Great day in the mountains, perfect weather BV and no rain. Barely any traffic after the Montezuma Basin intersection. Only saw 4 SxS machines way down on the CB side.
Open
Visited: 07/26/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Open. Small snow patch still on north side right after the pass, but easily traversed with careful tire placement.

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