Driving the 9 steepest paved mountain passes of Colorado

Located in the western United States, Colorado is notable for its majestic mountains. It’s classified as one of the mountain states, located in the Rocky upland part of the country. Due its topography, the roads can also get extremely steep. If you’re not used to it, driving there can feel like you’re falling off the side of a cliff.

Driving the 9 steepest paved mountain passes of Colorado
Mountain Pass County Elevation Max. gradient
Slumgullion Pass Hinsdale 3.528m (11,574ft) 10%
McClure Pass Pitkin-Gunnison 2.681m (8,795ft) 9%
Hoosier Pass Park-Summit 3.518m (11,542ft) 8%
Red Mountain Pass Ouray-San Juan 3.358m (11,018ft) 8%
Vail Pass Summit-Eagle 3.251m (10,666ft) 7-8% 
Spring Creek Pass Hinsdale 3.323m (10,901ft) 7,5%
Molas Pass San Juan 3.328m (10,918ft) 7%
Douglas Pass Garfield 2.526m (8,287ft) 7%
Wolf Creek Pass Mineral 3.313m (10,869ft) 7%