Where is Wolf Creek Pass Colorado?

Where is Wolf Creek Pass Colorado?

Usa, north-america

Length

67 km

Elevation

3,313 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Cruising through southern Colorado? You HAVE to experience Wolf Creek Pass! This epic stretch of U.S. Highway 160 clocks in at around 42 miles, connecting Pagosa Springs and South Fork through Mineral County.

The summit sits at a lofty 10,869 feet in the San Juan Mountains. It's named for the nearby Wolf Creek and even has its own country music shout-out. This beauty's been paved since 1950, but don't let that fool you—it's still a wild ride. Expect a solid hour (or a little more) of driving time.

Be prepared for some serious grades, especially on the west side where you'll find a thrilling 7% downhill stretch. Winter? Forget about it. This area gets DUMPED on with snow. It's open year-round, but icy conditions are common. Even summer can bring surprise flurries.

Word to the wise: watch out for the hairpin curve about 6.5 miles from the top. It's notorious, with a steep drop-off. Truckers, take note – there are runaway ramps for a reason. This road isn't for the faint of heart. But the views? Totally worth it.

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Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
67 km
Max Elevation
3,313 m
Difficulty
hard

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