Paradise Divide

Went up trail off 317 on the west side of the loop from Crested Butte. Towed my 16 foot enclosed trailer with truck. Starting on the road there was a sign that said no ATV / OHVs for the first six miles. So, we drove up the trail for six miles expecting to see a parking area to stop and drop off my Ranger. However, no parking area exists. We were lucky that there was an empty campsite so I just parked in that and unloaded. It was a Sunday and it was cloudy with a chance of rain - so, the area was pretty quiet and we considered ourselves to be lucky to find that empty campsite. The drive was great and we enjoyed it. Would love to hear from anyone that knows maybe of a parking area to unload. Maybe we should of started on the east side of the loop out of Crested Butte versus the west?

We drove the loop clockwise. The road was dry and dusty with areas of loose rocks and a couple of shallow water crossings. The road on the east side of the mountain downhill from Schofield Pass was badly rutted from traffic during muddy weather. There was enough traffic on the one lane sections that required backing to a wide enough spot for passing. Took about three hours round trip including stops for photos and enjoying the views.