Road trip guide: Boreas Pass in Colorado

Road trip guide: Boreas Pass in Colorado

Usa, north-america

Length

32.18 km

Elevation

3,507 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Boreas Pass! This high-altitude gem sits at 11,505 feet in the Colorado Rockies, offering killer views between Breckenridge and Como. You'll find it smack-dab on the Summit and Park county line, nestled in the White River National Forest.

This 20-mile route follows the path of gold rush prospectors and a historic narrow-gauge railroad that ran from 1872 to 1938! It’s now a county road (CR 10/Forest Service Road 404) that winds through some seriously stunning scenery.

The road is a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces, but usually passable by 2WD vehicles in good weather. Be prepared for some washboards and embedded rocks along the way. It can get pretty narrow in spots with two-way traffic, and watch out for bicyclists! At the top, there's parking and Ken's Cabin, a historic mountain hut.

Budget about an hour for the drive, but you'll want to stop! The views are incredible, especially in the fall when the aspen trees are blazing with color. You'll also get great perspectives of Mount Silverheels and the Tenmile Range. Plus, there are some cool ghost towns nearby if you're into that.

Heads up: Boreas Pass is closed to vehicles from October to May, so plan accordingly!

Where is it?

Road trip guide: Boreas Pass in Colorado is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 44.1801, -97.1720

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Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
32.18 km
Max Elevation
3,507 m
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
44.1801, -97.1720

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