Schofield Pass Road

Schofield Pass earned its reputation on the notorious Devil’s Punchbowl—a boulder field that stops more vehicles than it passes. The route threads through the preserved ghost town of Crystal, where the mill still stands against the backdrop of 14,000-foot peaks, before climbing to 10,707 feet over loose rock and narrow shelf road. The final approach to the pass requires precise wheel placement through house-sized boulders that have claimed undercarriages and differentials for decades.

This is a difficult technical route demanding experienced drivers and properly equipped 4WD vehicles with rock sliders and skid plates. Even seasoned Colorado wheelers turn around at the Devil’s Punchbowl. Best attempted July through September when snow clears, but afternoon storms can make the exposed sections dangerous. No permits required, though camping options are limited due to steep terrain and mining claims. The reward is Crystal’s authentic ghost town atmosphere and some of the most challenging accessible terrain in Colorado’s high country. This isn’t a casual drive—it’s a legitimate test of both driver skill and vehicle capability.