How long is Douglas Pass in Colorado?

Okay, buckle up for a wild ride over Douglas Pass in Colorado! This beauty, sitting pretty at 8,287 feet, can be found in Garfield County. You'll cruise along Colorado Highway 139, aka Douglas Pass Road, for about 70.4 miles.

This north-south route connects Rangely to Loma and was one of the original highways in the 1920s. It wasn't fully paved until 1972! Being nestled high in the Bookcliff Mountains, winter weather can be intense, so occasional closures are possible. Usually, though, you can access it year-round. The views from the top are insane, especially the La Sal Mountains in the distance!

Now, fair warning: Douglas Pass sees a lot of traffic, including big rigs heading north from Grand Junction. Expect hairpin turns, narrow sections hugging the rock face, and erosion that can lead to surprises. The south side has some seriously steep spots, hitting a 7% grade. If you're feeling adventurous once you're at the pass, a small dirt road heads even higher to a communication tower (8,818 feet) with three crazy hairpin turns. 4WD is definitely recommended for that little detour!