Slumgullion Pass is the steepest paved maintained road in Colorado

Slumgullion Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.528m (11,574ft) above sea level, located in Hinsdale County, in the US state of Colorado. It claims the steepest grades of any fully paved and maintained road in the state.

Slumgullion Pass

Is the road to Slumgullion Pass paved?

Located in the southwestern part of Colorado, the road to the summit is entirely paved. It’s named Colorado State Highway 149, also known as the Silver Thread Scenic Byway. The north side features the steepest grade of any continuously paved road in Colorado (9.8%).

Is Slumgullion Pass dangerous?

At this elevation, it's one of Colorado's highest mountain roads. While it has a few switchbacks and tight spots, most travelers will find it an easy, scenic route. Starting from Lake City, the ascent to the summit spans 11.3 km, with an elevation gain of 783 meters and an average gradient of 6.9%. The climb begins immediately with near 10% grades, with the grade rarely letting up. Elk, deer, moose, and bighorn sheep are often spotted along the highway. It's one of the steepest paved mountain passes in Colorado.

Is Slumgullion Pass open?

Situated high in the San Juan Mountains, this narrow two-lane road is maintained year-round, with snowplows clearing the route regularly during winter. However, poor conditions may occur in winter.

How long is Slumgullion Pass?

The pass stretches 80km (50 miles), running from the town of Lake City in Hinsdale County to the historic city of Creede in Mineral County. Windy Point Overlook, approximately 2 miles west of the pass, offers stunning views of numerous peaks exceeding 13,000 feet.

 

 

Drive Us to Your Road!

With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click here to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.