Hardscrabble Pass in Colorado is an absolute must for road lovers

Hardscrabble Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.773m (9,097ft) above sea level, located in Custer County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.

Hardscrabble Pass

Where is Hardscrabble Pass?

The pass is located in the south-central part of Colorado, within the San Isabel National Forest.

How long is Hardscrabble Pass?

The curvy road to the summit is totally paved. It’s called State Highway 96. The pass is 42.16km (26.2 miles) long, running west-northeast from Westcliffe, the county seat of Custer County to Wetmore. North of the pass, a gravel 1.48 km (0,91 miles) long road climbs up to 2.913m (9,557ft) above sea level.

Is Hardscrabble Pass challenging?

The road is dangerous according to riders that reported crashes that sent people over guard rails while biking switchbacks along the downhill section of the pass. The drive features three to four large sweeping switchbacks. The road is steep, hitting a 9% through some of the ramps.

 

 

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