Pass Creek Pass

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4.4/5 (11 reviews)
La Veta, Colorado (Costilla County)
Last Updated: 08/07/2023

Trail Information

Highlights

Pass Creek Pass is a useful route that allows one to save time traveling from one side of the Sangre De Cristo mountains to the other. Using this route saves about 30 minutes and around 32 miles from Hermit Pass to the Blanca Peak trailhead by not going through Walsenburg. Pass Creek Pass is as beautiful as it is useful. It is a great route for photography and scenic views of mountain ranges and rock formations. Make sure to pay attention to private property signs as they are on both sides of the road for almost the entire route; this does not hinder any of the scenic views. Some other sights include geology, old structures, and the town of Malachite that you pass through on the northern side.


Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

4.4/5 (11)
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9400
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 09/03/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Road is in good shape despite the signs warning of damage and washouts. This was a nice alternative to having to drive the highway to Westcliffe. Saw 3 bears during the drive, one of which we observed for a bit while it foraged in the trees.
Trail Review: Pass Creek Pass - Ray
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31800
Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 07/29/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Road is open and there is evidence of grading work done recently. I found no significant ruts but it seems that June/early July rains may have caused problems (but are repaired now). I used Pass Creek to go north and tie-in to CO 69 near Gardner and on towards Westcliffe and Cloverdale Mine.
Trail Review: Pass Creek Pass - Tracy Barker
Trail Review: Pass Creek Pass - Tracy Barker
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1200
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 07/02/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Nice cut to take the scenic route off the paved road.
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1200
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 05/30/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Nice Sunday drive!
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100
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 01/02/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

A few easy trail. I would recommend 4wd and high clearance this time of year the road was washed out, which ment a rather thick 30 ft section of ice slab. Kept momentum at a crawl no issues 2016 rebel on 33's. This is mostly just a scenic drive. Fresh air, random cows, high in the mountains mainly just a dirt road. It is not closed at all anymore.

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