Williams Pass: A Limited Time Colorado Adventure

Williams Pass is a Colorado gem available to the 4WD community for only one month each year, making it a special addition to any enthusiast's adventure list. Williams Pass follows an old 1880s toll road that ascends and traverses the Continental Divide. It was once the route for travelers and goods from St. Elmo to Pitkin, and it's now used exclusively for outdoor recreation. Topping out at just below 12,000' in elevation, Williams Pass treats visitors to spectacular east and west views as you travel through a pristine alpine meadow. Explore the Williams Pass Trail Guide

Stewardship with the Work of CORE

Williams Pass is opened each year thanks to the continued efforts of CORE and hard-working volunteers. CORE is a 4x4 advocacy group working to keep offroad trails in Colorado and Utah open through promoting education, ethics, and stewardship for all public land users. The organization has adopted 14 4x4 trails in Central Colorado and also works with land managers as advocates for 4x4 trails and participates in land-use projects to ensure our access stays open. CORE is supported by memberships that provide the necessary funding for trail projects and show land managers that you value your access to public lands. Memberships help to cover operational costs, signage, project equipment, and other resources. The general public can volunteer for certain projects with no Supporting Member requirement. Learn more here

Colorado Full-Size OHV Routes

Williams Pass is classified as a full-size OHV route requiring a Colorado OHV Permit (including plated 4x4 vehicles). All OHVs and motor vehicles (including motorcycles) that display a valid Colorado or out-of -state license plate must display a current Colorado OHV use permit sticker when operated on any designated OHV trails in Colorado. Regardless of when they are purchased, OHV Permits are valid from April 1 through March 31 each year and are required annually. Visit the Colorado Parks & Wildlife website to read more information on how to purchase OHV registrations and permits, and the projects that the OHV Registration program funds.