An awe-inspiring road to Wilkerson Pass in Colorado
Wilkerson Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,902m (9,520ft) above sea level, located in Park County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.
Where is Wilkerson Pass?
The pass is located in the central part of Colorado, within Pike National Forest. The summit hosts the Wilkerson Pass Visitor Center, which is open seasonally during summers.
Why is it called Wilkerson Pass?
The pass is named after John Wilkerson, an Ohio-born resident who lived in the area after serving in the Civil War.
How long is Wilkerson Pass?
The road to the summit is completely paved. It’s called U.S. Route 24 (US 24). The road is 122km (76 miles) long, running west-east from Antero Junction, near Trout Creek Pass, to Colorado Springs. The road is not overly steep, with a mild approach on both sides and a maximum gradient of 5.8% on some ramps.
Is the road to Wilkerson Pass open?
Set high in the Rocky Mountains, access to the pass is typically open all year round, with occasional closures in winter due to heavy snowfall.