McClure Pass Trail

Project Overview

In 2026, Pitkin County Open Space and Trails is breaking ground on the first major construction phase of the Carbondale to Crested Butte Trail Plan, a long-envisioned non-motorized route connecting communities along the West Elk Scenic and Historic Byway. This phase focuses on the McClure Pass Trail, a natural-surface trail that will climb approximately 1,295 feet over 2.52 miles and provide a link in the Crystal Valley trail network to the summit of McClure Pass.

Construction is expected to begin in May 2026 and be substantially complete by October 2026. Pitkin County Open Space and Trails is coordinating closely with the U.S. Forest Service and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). Joint construction communications will be shared on this page as they become available.

Mountain valley with a road and river running through it.

Key Dates

Construction on the McClure Pass Trail is scheduled from May through October 2026. Here is what to expect during that period:

  • February 2026: Phase one of the construction project opens for contractor bidding.
  • May 2026: Construction begins on the trail tunnel under Highway 133; estimated completion is October 2026.
  • July 2026: Ground bird nesting season ends. Construction begins on the new McClure Pass Trailhead. The informal Old McClure Pass Road parking area is removed and reclaimed. Trail crews begin improving Old McClure Pass Road and constructing a new natural-surface trail to connect the trailhead, tunnel, and Ragged Mountain Road.
  • October 2026: Phase one construction is anticipated to be complete.

Note: Highway 133 and McClure Pass are planned to remain open throughout construction, with periodic work-zone management and on-site direction as needed. Follow all posted signage and directions from flaggers or on-site crew. Dates may be updated as construction progresses.

Project Goals

McClure Pass Trail advances the first major construction connection in the Crystal Valley toward the summit of McClure Pass. Key parts of the project include:

  • Constructing a tunnel under Highway 133, providing a grade-separated highway crossing for trail users.
  • Constructing a new McClure Pass trailhead at the bottom of McClure Pass.
  • Removing the informal McClure Pass Road parking area and restoring the site.
  • Improvements to convert Old McClure Pass Road to a trail. Constructing a new trail from the tunnel to Ragged Mountain Road at the top of McClure Pass, including a series of switchbacks to achieve a manageable grade.
map of new McClure Trail with callouts for parking and the tunnel

Highway 133 Trail Tunnel

One of the most significant features of the McClure Pass Trail project is a new tunnel beneath Highway 133. The tunnel will provide trail users with a fully separated crossing of the highway, eliminating a major barrier to non-motorized travel through the Crystal Valley. Mountain bikers, hikers, and other trail users will be able to easily navigate from the new trailhead through the trail tunnel and up to Ragged Mountain Road at the top of McClure Pass.

Quick Facts

  • Trail type: Natural-surface, non-motorized
  • Distance: 2.52 miles
  • Elevation Gain: ~1,295 feet
  • Allowed Users: All non-motorized users, including hikers and mountain bikers
  • Trailhead Access: New McClure Pass parking lot and trailhead at the bottom of McClure Pass.
  • Connections: McClure Pass trailhead to the trail tunnel and up to Ragged Mountain Road at the top of McClure Pass.
  • Seasonal Closure: McClure Pass Trail will be closed from December 1 through April 30 each year to protect wildlife during the winter. 
natural surface trail winding through aspen trees

More Resources