Cerro Summit - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

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Mountain Passes

About Cerro Summit

Cerro Summit is a high mountain pass in Montrose County, Colorado. The pass lies on the Continental Divide, at an elevation of 12,276 feet. The pass is traversed by State Highway 145, which connects the towns of Telluride and Placerville. Cerro Summit is one of the highest paved roads in Colorado. The views from the pass are stunning, with alpine meadows and wildflowers in summer, and snow-capped peaks in winter.

Hotels near Cerro Summit

Hotels to stay near Cerro Summit

Things to Do at Cerro Summit

There are plenty of hiking and biking trails to explore, and the scenery is absolutely stunning. In addition, Cerro Summit is home to a number of different wildlife species, making it a great place for birdwatching or simply enjoying the sights and sounds of nature. If you're looking for a little bit of adventure, you can also try your hand at rock climbing or whitewater rafting.

Activities Around

History of Cerro Summit

Cerro Summit pass is located in Montrose county, Colorado. The pass is situated at an elevation of 10,409 feet above sea level, making it one of the highest mountain passes in the state. The pass was originally used by Native Americans as a trade route between the regions of present-day Colorado and Utah. In 1873, the Denver and Rio Grande Railway company built a rail line through the pass, which became an important transport route for goods and passengers. During the early 20th century, the Cerro Summit pass was also used by automobile traffic. Since 2015, Cerro Summit has been home to the Cerro Summit Recreation Area, an open space managed by the City of Montrose which features a network of hiking trails. 

Best Time to Visit Cerro Summit

The best time to visit Cerro Summit pass is in the summer. The weather is warm and dry, making it ideal for hiking and camping. However, the pass can be busy with tourists during this time of year. 

Tips for Visiting Cerro Summit

  1. Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather. Cerro Summit pass is located at a high elevation, so it tends to be cooler than surrounding areas.
  2. Be aware of your surroundings and stay on marked trails. The terrain can be challenging, and it's easy to get lost if you're not paying attention.
  3. Remember that cell phone service can be spotty at Cerro Summit pass, so it's a good idea to have a backup plan in case of an emergency.
  4. Be sure to stop at Blue Mesa Reservoir for a break and to take in the views.
  5. When you're ready to head back down, be sure to take your time and drive safely. The road can be slippery and dangerous in places.
  6. Respect private property rights . The majority of Cerro Summit is privately owned, so please respect posted signs and stay on designated trails .  Do not trespassing onto someone's property without permission .         

Interesting Facts and Trivias About Cerro Summit

  1. Cerro Summit pass is the highest point on the Continental Divide in Colorado, at an elevation of 11,567 feet.
  2. The pass is located in the San Juan Mountains, and is part of the Rocky Mountain chain.
  3. There are several trailheads leading into the San Juans from Cerro Summit pass, including the popular Blue Lakes trail.
  4. Cerro Summit pass is also known for its spectacular wildflower displays in late summer.
  5. The San Juans are one of the most geologically diverse mountain ranges in North America, and Cerro Summit pass provides access to some of the finest examples of this diversity.

How Much Time Did Visitors Spend at Cerro Summit

The maximum time required to explore the pass is three hours. During this time, hikers can enjoy the scenery and get a workout in at the same time.

How to Reach Cerro Summit

To reach Cerro Summit pass in Montrose county, Colorado, take Highway 550 north from Montrose for about 25 miles. The road will wind its way up into the mountains, and the views will become more and more breathtaking as you ascend. Eventually, you'll reach a sign that marks the summit of the pass. From there, it's just a short distance to the top of Cerro Summit. 

Entrance Fee of Cerro Summit

In order to access the pass, visitors must pay an entrance fee of $5 per person. The fee helps to cover the cost of maintaining the trail and providing restrooms and trash cans at the trailhead. 

Opening Hours of Cerro Summit

The pass is open to the public from sunrise to sunset. However, during the winter months, the pass may be closed due to weather conditions. For the safety of visitors, it is always best to check the current conditions before heading out.

Attractions Near Cerro Summit

Crystal Reservoir

Crystal Reservoir

6.61km from Cerro Summit

Crystal Reservoir is a man-made reservoir located in Montrose County. The reservoir was created in the early 1980s by damming the Crystal River. The reservoir is located near the town of Nucla and is a popular recreation spot for boating, fishing, and water skiing. It is also known for its abundance of cutthroat trout. The reservoir is fed by the Crystal River and is surrounded by steep cliffs and evergreen forests. The reservoir is used for irrigation, recreation, and flood control.

D & RG Narrow Gauge Trestle

D & RG Narrow Gauge Trestle

8.11km from Cerro Summit

The D&RG Narrow Gauge Trestle in Montrose County, Colorado is a historic wooden trestle that was built in the late 19th century. The trestle is located on a former railway line that was used to transport silver and other minerals from the nearby San Juans Mountains. The trestle is one of the largest and most impressive examples of railroad engineering from this period in American history. It is also one of the only remaining structures from the D&RG Railroad, which operated in Colorado.

Morrow Point Dam

Morrow Point Dam

9.2km from Cerro Summit

Morrow Point Dam is a concrete arch dam on the Gunnison River in Montrose County, which was built between 1963 and 1968 by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation for the purpose of generating hydroelectric power. The reservoir is used for irrigation, recreation, and hydroelectric power generation. The dam's power plant has a capacity of 72 megawatts. In addition to its main purpose of generating hydroelectric power, the Morrow Point Dam also helps to regulate water levels in the Gunnison River.

Pulpit Rock Overlook

Pulpit Rock Overlook

14.32km from Cerro Summit

Nestled in the majestic San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado, Pulpit Rock Overlook provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The overlook is located just a short hike from the town of Montrose, making it the perfect destination for a day trip. From Pulpit Rock, visitors can see the nearby towns of Ouray and Telluride, as well as the 14,000-foot peaks of the San Juans. The overlook is also a popular spot for bird watching, as it is home to a variety of different species.

Morrow Point Reservoir

Morrow Point Reservoir

15.16km from Cerro Summit

Morrow Point Reservoir is a man-made body of water in Montrose County. The reservoir was created in 1968 by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation as part of the Aspinall Unit of the Colorado River Storage Project. It is located in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, and its primary purpose is to store water for irrigation and hydroelectric power generation. The reservoir has a capacity of 36,700 acre-feet and a surface area of 1,200 acres. It is fed by the Morrow Point Dam.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is located in western Colorado, about 12 miles east of Montrose. The park derives its name from the black granite walls that soar 2,000 feet above the Gunnison River. The canyon is one of the deepest and narrowest in North America, and it offers visitors spectacular views of the river below. In addition to hiking and camping, visitors can also enjoy fishing, boating, and horseback riding. The park is open year-round.

Discover More Attractions in Montrose County, Home of Cerro Summit

Montrose County

Montrose County

16 attractions

Montrose County is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Colorado, offering a wide range of activities and attractions. The county is home to some of the state's most popular ski resorts, as well as a number of hiking and biking trails. In addition, Montrose County is home to a number of historic towns and villages, making it a great place to explore Colorado's rich history. Whether you're looking for an exciting vacation or a relaxing getaway, Montrose County is sure to have something

Location of Cerro Summit

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