Kebler and Cottonwood are close

Cottonwood likely by June 1

By Mark Reaman

It is the time of year when thoughts of Kebler and Cottonwood start dancing in one one’s head and both mountain passes are approaching their opening dates pretty much on schedule.

According to Gunnison County Public Works director Marlene Crosby Kebler Pass Road between Crested Butte and the North Fork Valley is scheduled to open Wednesday, May 27. The county normally tries to get Kebler open before Memorial Day but the holiday weekend is about a week earlier than normal this year.

County commissioner Jonathan Houck pointed out the pass openings usually take place in late May and this year they will correspond with the change in state public health restrictions on travel in Colorado.

Cottonwood Pass is located above Taylor Reservoir and leads over to Buena Vista. “We are working with Chaffee County and we currently have that scheduled to open June 1,” Crosby said.

The other north valley road the county opens up at this time is the road to Gothic. “We have plowed into Gothic, but we are going to keep it closed until Mt. CB has a chance to clean up the area near their new shop facility and while we haul some gravel. I’m sure it will be before Memorial Day.”

Ahhh…the traditional start of summer.