Drives Colorado Grand Junction and the Western Slope
McClure Pass: Highway 133
CO 133 · Carbondale → Paonia
The drive
Colorado 133 runs south from Carbondale up the Crystal River, through Redstone and over McClure Pass at 8,755 feet, then down past Paonia Reservoir into the North Fork valley. Redstone is the old company town with its coke ovens, and the road climbs from there into big aspen groves on the pass.
The north side of the pass has switchbacks, and the west side drops along Paonia Reservoir, where Kebler Pass leaves the highway on a dirt road to Crested Butte. The West Elk Loop byway uses this road.
Mostly gentle and sweeping, it climbs about 3,700 feet in 56 miles. Fall color is the draw for many drivers.
Along the way
- Carbondale
- Redstone
- McClure Pass
- Paonia Reservoir
- Paonia
Good to know
- Rockfall and slides have closed Highway 133 near Paonia Reservoir in past years; check COtrip.
- Avalanches and storms can close the pass in winter.
- Services are in Carbondale, Redstone and the North Fork towns, not on the pass.
- Kebler Pass is a dirt road; it is not part of this drive.
Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check CDOT COtrip.
Questions about this drive
How long does McClure Pass on Highway 133 take?
Carbondale to Paonia on Highway 133 over McClure Pass is 56.3 miles and takes about 1 hr 15 min.
How high is McClure Pass?
McClure Pass is 8,755 feet, and it separates the Crystal River headwaters from the North Fork of the Gunnison.
Is McClure Pass open in winter?
Highway 133 is kept open, but slides and avalanches close it at times. Check COtrip.
Is McClure Pass twisty?
Mostly gentle. There are switchbacks on the north side, but it is a sweeping highway rather than a tight one.
What you get in the app
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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.