The West Elk Loop Scenic and Historic Byway is a 205-mile route through western Colorado that connects mountain valleys, high passes, reservoir country, small towns, public lands, and recreation areas around the West Elk Mountains. Designated as both a Colorado Scenic and Historic Byway and a National Forest Scenic Byway, it runs from Carbondale through places including the Crystal River Valley, Redstone, Paonia, Gunnison, and Crested Butte, with its highest point at Kebler Pass. Its full circuit depends on summer access over unpaved Gunnison County Road 12, giving it the character of both an all-weather road trip and a high-country mountain crossing.