Slumgullion Pass is the steepest paved maintained road in Colorado
Usa, north-america
11.3 km
3,528 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, road trippers, because Slumgullion Pass in southwestern Colorado is calling your name! This fully paved stretch of Colorado State Highway 149 (aka the Silver Thread Scenic Byway) isn't just any mountain pass; it's a high-altitude adventure topping out at 11,574 feet!
This route boasts the steepest sustained grades in Colorado, hitting nearly 10% on the north side, so get ready for a climb! Starting near Lake City, you'll gain over 2,500 feet in just 7 miles – a pretty consistent uphill push.
Don't let the steepness scare you, though. This two-lane road is generally well-maintained, even in winter (thanks, snowplows!), making it accessible for most drivers. Just be aware of potential winter weather. Keep your eyes peeled for elk, deer, moose, and bighorn sheep. The pass itself is part of a larger 50-mile stretch, linking Lake City with the historic town of Creede.
Make sure you stop at Windy Point Overlook, just west of the summit, for incredible panoramic views of the San Juan Mountains. You'll be gazing at peaks soaring over 13,000 feet! Seriously, the scenery is unreal.
Where is it?
Slumgullion Pass is the steepest paved maintained road in Colorado is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 39.7091, -98.8404
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 11.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,528 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 39.7091, -98.8404
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