Our time in Crested Butte wouldn’t have been complete without tackling one of Colorado’s most legendary—and nerve-tingling—off-road trails: the Devil’s Punch Bowl.
We set out from Crested Butte on Gothic Road, winding past alpine meadows, thick stands of evergreens, and the quiet charm of Gothic itself. The higher we climbed toward Schofield Pass, the rougher and narrower the trail became, with jagged rock shelves and just enough room for our tires to hug the canyon walls.
Dropping into the canyon was both breathtaking and humbling. The road pinched tight in places, with sheer cliffs plunging hundreds of feet into Crystal Canyon below. Every turn demanded focus, every rock ledge a careful crawl. The “pucker factor” was real, but so was the rush of accomplishment.
And then—there it was. The Devil’s Punch Bowl. A waterfall cascaded into a deep turquoise pool, surrounded by steep rock walls carved smooth by centuries of rushing water. We parked nearby and climbed down to take it in up close, the sound of the falls echoing through the canyon. The cool spray felt refreshing after the white-knuckle ride in.
From there, the trail continued toward Crystal Mill and Marble, but simply reaching the Punch Bowl felt like a triumph. The combination of adrenaline, raw mountain beauty, and Colorado history made this one of the most unforgettable off-roading experiences we’ve ever had.
If you go, bring a capable rig, steady nerves, and respect for the trail. The Devil’s Punch Bowl doesn’t hand out easy victories—but it rewards you with scenery and memories you’ll never forget.