Breakneck Pass

4.5/5 (14 reviews)
Fairplay, Colorado (Park County)
Last Updated: 07/09/2022

Trail Information

Highlights

Breakneck Pass and nearby roads are hidden gems among Colorado four-wheel drive roads along the U.S. Highway 285 corridor. Breakneck Pass features easy to moderate climbs and descents, but surprisingly reaches above timberline into a bowl southwest of Sheep Mountain. This stretch provides amazing views in all directions. This area of South Park is remote and far less traveled than other passes, making it a desirable destination for weekend overland exploration. Breakneck Pass closes seasonally in December through June 15th.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

4.5/5 (14 reviews)
Official Crew
28850
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 07/09/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

I drove up Breakneck Pass on Saturday, July 9th (east to west). The road is wet on the low elevation segment on the east side. The climb at WP 3 is rough, and unfortunately, it is braided by vehicles attempting to find a "smoother" line--please stay the trail/drive over the rocks, and don't widen the road! From the "summit" down into the creek valley is in good condition. Once in the valley, I crossed the creek onto FS Road 173 (WP 7) where I camped overnight. I drove the remainder of Breakneck Pass (north to WP 10) on Sunday morning.
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 09/18/2021
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

We had this trail to ourselves the entire day and it was so pretty! A few rocky spots but not bad. Lots of great dispersed camping sites were noted along the way. We decided to take Brown’s Pass on the way out, which we felt was a bit more moderately technical with larger rocks compared to Breakneck.
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 07/09/2021

Ran up Breakneck and down Brown’s pass this afternoon. Great trail. A couple rutted and rocky spots as noted. Wild flowers were BEAUTIFUL.
Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 06/12/2021

This Trail is adopted by Mile Hi Jeep Clubs Patrol 2 Trail should officially open on time June 15th. MHJC Patrol 2 Went up this weekend to Browns and Breakneck to officially clear the roads to make them ready for opening day. Great trail heavily forested area not very hard but has some spectacular views.
Official Crew
28850
Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 08/16/2020

Camped at a spot between WP 8 and WP 9 on Saturday evening. Almost had the whole valley to ourselves--we saw one truck coming down Brown's Pass, one truck at the north end of Breakneck, and one farther south from us. Coyotes howled periodically through the night, and then a crescendo serenade at sunrise--it was pretty awesome!

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