McClure Pass is one of the steepest paved roads of Colorado
Usa, north-america
79.82 km
2,681 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, road trip enthusiasts, buckle up for McClure Pass! This beauty sits way up high in Colorado, clocking in at a cool 8,795 feet above sea level. You'll find it straddling Pitkin and Gunnison counties in western Colorado.
We're talking about Highway 133 – also known as the West Elk Loop Scenic Byway. The entire route is paved, stretching about 50 miles from Carbondale down to Somerset. It got a major upgrade back in '47, so you know it’s a classic.
Get ready for some serious climbs! The Carbondale side throws a 9% gradient your way, and Somerset isn't far behind with an 8% grade. Hold on to your hats!
The pass is usually open year-round, but winter can bring heavy snow and closures. Avalanche risk is a real thing, so pay attention to warnings. Near the top, there’s a park area with an overlook to soak in the views. Trust me, you’ll want to stop and snap some pics of those stunning Rockies!
Where is it?
McClure Pass is one of the steepest paved roads of Colorado is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 41.8837, -97.1096
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 79.82 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,681 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 41.8837, -97.1096
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