Where is Napoleon Pass?

Where is Napoleon Pass?

Usa, north-america

Length

19.9 km

Elevation

3,668 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Napoleon Pass? Oh, you *need* to add this to your Colorado bucket list! This beast of a pass climbs to a whopping 12,034 feet in the heart of Gunnison County, smack-dab in the Gunnison National Forest.

Forget pavement – we're talking serious off-road adventure on FR 953, also known as Napoleon Pass Road. You *absolutely* need a 4x4; this isn't a Sunday drive! You'll be splashing through multiple creek crossings as you follow Middle Willow Creek. Prepare for mud, gorgeous scenery, and an unforgettable ride along the west face of the Continental Divide!

The whole shebang stretches for about 12.4 miles, winding its way between the quirky little towns of Tincup and Pitkin. Originally, it was a vital route for hauling ore back in the day.

Fair warning: this one's a summer-only kinda deal. The Sawatch Range throws down some serious weather, so accessibility is limited and closures can happen out of the blue. But trust me, if you get the chance, the views are worth it!

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Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
19.9 km
Max Elevation
3,668 m
Difficulty
hard

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