October overlanding trip over Kebler Pass and through Marble to the Crystal Mill

[WLDRIDE]

I thought this was going to be an Autumn trip. But, it turns out that if you camp at 10,400' in October, it's actually a Winter trip.

We camped above Kebler Pass, west of Crested Butte.

It started snowing again right after we arrived.

It was very cold. This is my son doing a dance to keep his feet warm while he cooked our burgers.

This is shot from inside the camper the next morning. If I'm lucky (and I usually am) my son will get up first and make coffee while I sleep in. When he has my coffee ready I open the window and screen and he hands it in to me. Pretty great system, haha.

Lake Irwin.

Papa.

Mama.

Junior.

It was cold, cloudy, snowy and foggy. And the aspens were well past their peak. But it was still incredibly beautiful.

The Crystal Mill. I believe this is the most photographed spot in Colorado, and you can see why.

Believe it or not, the best BBQ I've found anywhere in Colorado is in the tiny town of Marble.

Smoked brisket. No brainer.

Of course, had to stop for breakfast in Crested Butte on the way home.

This is called "The Haystack."

And it's always good to come home to the Sangre de Cristos at the end of my trips.

 

[DrDmoney]

I really can appreciate a hot cup of camp coffee on a snowy morning ️ Love the pictures!

 

[Mike_H]

great pictures. Looks like a wonderful trip with your son...which is what it is really all about!

 

[03coloradowrangler]

how passable is crystal mill in general? considered stopping to look it over but havent made it yet, maybe next summer. have read its somewhat difficult to access but ive also been on trails west of there that claimed rough but were nothing to worry about.

closest ive been was half-moon gulch which is a bit of a drive east and that wasn't too bad of a ride once you cross the creek. but is was also fenced off far enough away you couldn't really get up close enough to see it.

 

[WLDRIDE]

how passable is crystal mill in general? considered stopping to look it over but havent made it yet, maybe next summer. have read its somewhat difficult to access but ive also been on trails west of there that claimed rough but were nothing to worry about.

closest ive been was half-moon gulch which is a bit of a drive east and that wasn't too bad of a ride once you cross the creek. but is was also fenced off far enough away you couldn't really get up close enough to see it.
View attachment 284006

Starting from the town of Marble, the drive is an easy 4 miles. I wanted to come from the other direction, over Schofield Pass, but the weather was too sketchy and I was alone.

 

[Irun]

What an amazing trip. Every time I see that Mill, it's absolutely beautiful!

 

[Rescue6]

Beautiful pictures as always. I wish I was good about documenting my journeys. Here is the pic of the Moose I saw on Holy Cross City trail back in September. He was a big boy.