Where is Los Pinos Pass?
Usa, north-america
39.58 km
3,213 m
extreme
Year-round
Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk about Los Pinos Pass in southern Colorado! This bad boy sits way up high, topping out at 10,541 feet, right on the edge of Hinsdale and Saguache counties, deep inside the Rio Grande National Forest. "Los Pinos" literally means "the pine trees," and trust me, you'll see plenty.
This route has some serious history – think Ute Indian trails and the old Saguache and San Juan toll road from way back in 1874. You'll be cruising on George Bush Drive (aka Los Pinos Pass Road), and just a heads up, it's all dirt!
The whole stretch runs for about 24.6 miles, connecting Cathedral (on County Road 50) to County Road NN 14. Don't expect a walk in the park – it’s a bit rocky and can get muddy, plus it's a steady climb. The western ascent from Cathedral stretches for almost 6 miles with an elevation gain of around 1600 feet, giving you an average grade of just over 5%. But nothing too crazy, any high-clearance vehicle should handle it like a champ.
Keep in mind, being nestled in the northern San Juan Mountains, this pass is generally open from summer to early fall. So, if you're looking for incredible mountain views and a taste of Colorado history, Los Pinos Pass should be on your list!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 39.58 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,213 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
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