Slate and Gothic Roads are an easy way for people in the Crested Butte area to view the back country. Most of this road
is well maintained and is easily passable though if in a passenger vehicle you might need 4-wheel drive.
Paradise Divide is great place to get off and walk around and
enjoy the views. I am not sure if it is legal
for ATVs to ride on Slate or Gothic Roads but I think you can on Washington road FR811. You should call the forest service
and ask before riding..
What a great looking trail gone to waste. Since this side trail at Paradise Divide is in a wilderness area you can
no longer ride on it and now can only hike it. Though not open to vehicles I did talk to some blue
ribbon collation
members that were working on clearing the trail.
This bridge is located a the beginning of Gunsight Pass, it is best to go around the bridge.
Gunsight Pass trail is a more difficult trail than Slate Road. The trail is
steeper and you must go though
the creek to drive the trail.
We rode on the southern side of the trail system where many ski resorts can be seen.
Since that time we have return and ridden the eastern trails, see pictures
below.
I do not have any picture of Gothic Road due to a massive rain storm we were in while riding the trail. Gothic
Road is easier than Slate road but is also very beautiful. The Town of Gothic looked neat but I was too cold to stop. There are
many speed limit signs in town so be careful. Once again ATVs should stay on
Washington Road FR811. When the Slate and Gothic roads are combined
together they will make a loop and take you back to Crested Butte.
Directions: Drive through Crested Butte to a dirt road on the left about one mile out of town. This road is
Slate Road 734. The first few miles pass through private property so stay on the road.