Epic Mountain Passes in Colorado

Georgia Pass – See images below of more epic passes

Colorado has more driveable passes over 10,000 feet than any other state. Many are not paved making the trip over them more rewarding and in some cases quite challenging!

This map locates the Colorado backroads that expose you to thin air at high elevations, rugged dirt tracks with rocks and ruts, tight switchbacks, and steep exposure in many places. They are also remote routes through some of the most scenic areas in America. All but a few of these passes are over 10,000 feet high and have views of Rocky Mountain peaks including many 14ers (summits over 14,000 ft). Several routes cross over the Continental Divide.

Most of these passes are truly epic with rugged roads going up/down both sides. Argentine’s western route is now single-track so the only way up is from the east. A few of the passes have better maintained gravel roads or are only unpaved on one side, but they are still amazing drives with stunning high points to visit. Do your research as many of these roads require a vehicle with high clearance and real four-wheel drive. Don’t attempt Imogene in an “all-wheel drive” Honda Pilot for example.

Click on the pins on the map above or the list of mountain passes below to see a topographic map of each one.

Hagerman Pass one of several on the Continental Divide

 Cottonwood Pass – dirt on west side and paved on the east

Ophir Pass looking back toward hamlet of Ophir

Cinnamon Pass looking east

Imogene Pass between Telluride and Ouray – truly epic!

Mosquito Pass near Leadville

Black Bear Pass – just drive east out of Telluride

View west from near Engineer Pass

Boreas Pass near Breckenridge

Places on this map