How long is Berthoud Pass?
Usa, north-america
75.15 km
3,446 m
hard
Year-round
Cruising through Colorado? You HAVE to experience Berthoud Pass! This paved beauty, also known as U.S. Highway 40, stretches for 46.7 miles (75.15 km) between the charming town of Empire and Granby.
Perched on the Continental Divide in the Front Range, it's named after Edward Berthoud, a railroad surveyor back in the day. The views? Unreal! Think classic Rocky Mountain scenery around every bend.
Heads up – at 11,307 feet (3,446m), this pass is no joke! While it's generally open year-round, winter can throw a wrench in things. Expect potential closures or restrictions due to heavy snow and avalanches. It's definitely a route that demands respect.
The road itself has some steep sections (around 6.3% grade) and plenty of switchbacks, so take it slow. While it can be challenging in spots, guardrails help keep you on track. Budget around 50-70 minutes to drive it without stopping, but trust me, you'll want to pull over at the overlooks and soak in the epic views. Oh, and for the adventurous, a gravel road branches off to the east, leading to the summit of a 12,506-foot (3,812m) peak.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 75.15 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,446 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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