A white-knuckle drive to Berthoud Pass in Colorado
Usa, north-america
75.15 km
3,446 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, road trip fans, let's talk Berthoud Pass! This Colorado gem sits way up high at 11,307 feet, straddling Clear Creek and Grand counties.
We're talking a fully paved, 46.7-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 40 that'll whisk you from the charming town of Empire to Granby. Nestled in the heart of the Rockies, this pass, named after surveyor Edward Berthoud, slices right through the Continental Divide on the Front Range.
Yes, it's open year-round, but Mother Nature calls the shots here. Expect winter weather to throw some curveballs – closures are possible due to heavy snow and potential avalanches.
Just west of Denver, Berthoud Pass packs a punch. Parts of it widen to three lanes, but be ready for some serious curves and steep climbs (6.3% grades!), plus those winding switchbacks. But don’t worry, guardrails have got your back. Keep an eye out for the gravel road that branches off east towards Colorado Mines Peak – talk about an epic detour!
Factor in about 50-70 minutes of pure driving time, but honestly, you'll want to stop. The views are absolutely unreal, with overlooks at every turn. Prepare to be wowed!
Where is it?
A white-knuckle drive to Berthoud Pass in Colorado is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 37.9483, -98.5426
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 75.15 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,446 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 37.9483, -98.5426
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