Where is Weston Pass?
Usa, north-america
42.8 km
3,639 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure awaits on Weston Pass! This high-altitude dirt road straddles Park and Lake counties in central Colorado, topping out at a cool 11,938 feet. Country Road 22 (aka Co Rte 7) stretches for about 26.6 miles between US-24 and US-285, offering a scenic, though sometimes bumpy, ride.
Heads up: the eastern approach (from Highway 285) is generally easier and doable in most cars with a bit of care to avoid the rough patches. The western side, accessed via Highway 24, gets a bit more intense. High clearance and 4WD are your friends here, especially if you plan to tackle the entire pass. Be prepared for some steep sections too, with gradients hitting up to 12%.
Keep in mind, this pass is usually snowed in from late October until late June or early July.
But the views? Totally worth it! Built in 1860 and once dubbed "The Road to Riches" back in the silver and gold rush days, this route winds through stunning Rocky Mountain landscapes. Expect incredible mountain vistas, remnants of old cabins, lots of beaver dams, and if you're up for a challenging detour on the west side, a 4x4 trail leading to an old gold mine. And near the top, you'll find the Weston Pass Hut, Colorado's highest backcountry lodging of its kind. Get ready for an unforgettable high-country adventure!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 42.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,639 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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