Schofield Road Report — Still Blocked on Crystal Side
We headed back up there yesterday, June 24. Snow blockage on Crystal side of punchbowl has melted significantly. The snow is unusually slick, with less of the usual coating of rocks and tree debris, so we didn’t attempt driving it. A motorcyclist tried but didn’t get far. You could probably have crossed with a motorcycle or ATV in the downhill direction, and perhaps even a 4×4. We predict it’ll be drivable by next weekend if our sunny warm weather continues, certainly in the downhill direction from the Crested Butte side. Bring a shovel.
Motorcyclist attempts riding the snow blockage in uphill direction.
At this time we’re uncertain as to snow blockage on the Crested Butte side. We’ve heard the road is still blocked at Emerald Lake, but Paradise Divide may be open.
We did a rough off-trail hike up the northerly side of Crystal Canyon, and caught this view of the Punchbowl area with the snow blockage and Schofield Road.
Of note, just a few days ago a backcountry skier/rider was rescued after falling off the side of a trail near Paradise Divide. More here.
Very cool idea for a website! Such beautiful country there. I need to get the Tacoma over there this summer. You should put a link for trail running too; Lead King / Crystal / Schofield, all great places to run, if you don’t mind a few 4×4’s, which I don’t.
Hello and thanks for this great site! I am an intermediate level off-roader with a real inclination to make it through Scholhield Pass to Crystal and Marble. I am planning to try it the first week in September and was looking for some advice on conditions,etc. at that time. Even more interested in some company since I will be solo. Please provide advice and feel free to email me.
Hi John, if you’ve wheeled some other 4×4 roads and have a good rig, you’ll be fine if you’re careful. Lots of people up there so going solo is fine, though it’s nice to have a spotter walk on ahead on some of the longer narrower sections, to avoid difficult passing situations.