Overview
Pearl Mountain is the 349th highest mountain in Colorado. It is located about 7 miles southwest of Ashcroft in Central Colorado. Pearl Mountain is less than a mile west of Pearl Pass. Pearl Pass is one of the higher jeep road passes in Colorado and the highest in the
Elk Range. This road was constructed over 100 years ago to deliver mining products to and from Crested Butte and Aspen. Today it is a popular destination for mountain biking, skiing and hiking.
Pearl & West Pearl Mountains, from left to right. Photo: Castlereagh
During the summer months and early fall, Pearl Mountain is usually accessed from the Ashcroft Trailhead and involves 14 miles and 3414 vertical feet of elevation gain.
From Thanksgiving to the end of May, Pearl Mountain is usually accessed from Ashcroft with a stay at
Tagert & Green Wilson Huts. From
Tagert & Green Wilson Huts, Pearl Mountain is about 2 miles and 2112 vertical feet away. Alternatively, Pearl Mountain can be approached from Crested Butte with a stay at
Friends Hut.
Pearl Mountain's north face offers an excellent line for skiing and snowboarding. This is an advanced glisse descent with a slope angle up to 35 degrees.
Pearl Mountain. Photo: ScottGetting There
From Pearl Basin:
Drive Highway 82 east from Glenwood Springs or west from Aspen. About 1 mile west of Aspen, at a roundabout, take Castle Creek Road south 11 miles to Ashcroft. This is the winter/early spring road closure. In late spring/summer this road can be followed an additional two miles to its intersection with the Pearl Pass Road.
Roundtrip Distance From Ashcroft: 14 miles
Elevation Gain: 3,414 feet
Recommended Climbing Season: Any
Red Tape
No permits required for climbing, hiking or skiing in Maroon Bells/Snowmass Wilderness area.
Mountain Conditions
7 Day Forecast for Aspen, CO
Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC)
Roaring Fork Avalanche CenterCamping
Camping is available along Castle Creek Road. You are only allowed to camp in designated sites. Camping is free. In addition, various
huts are in the immediate area.
External Links
huts.org Guide Book
Dawson's Guide to Colorado Backcountry Skiing, Volume 1