Wilkerson Pass - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

There are many things to do there including hiking, fishing, camping, and picnicking. The scenery is incredible with mountains, forests, and valleys all around. Wildlife is abundant and there are often deer, elk, and other animals to be seen. The pass is also popular for its ski resorts, which provide great skiing and snowboarding opportunities. There are many trails to explore and the views from the top are amazing. Whether you're looking for a place to hike, camp, or ski, Wilkerson Pass is a great choice.

Wilkerson Pass is a pass located in Park County, Colorado. It was named for John C. Wilkerson, who discovered the pass in 1861. The pass is located on the Continental Divide and is one of the few passes in the area that remains open year-round. The pass is frequently used by hikers and climbers seeking to access the nearby Rocky Mountains. In winter, the pass is popular with cross-country skiers and snowmobilers.Wilkerson Pass has a long and fascinating history. For centuries, it was used by Native Americans as a trade route between the Plains and the mountains. In the 1800s, it became an important part of the Old Spanish Trail. Today, it remains an important link between Denver and Summit County. The pass is sure to remain popular for years to come, as it provides breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains and a variety of recreational opportunities.

The pass is open year-round, but the best time to visit is from late spring to early fall. During this time, the weather is mild and the scenery is beautiful. 

1. Plan ahead and know your limits. The pass is located at an elevation of 11,600 feet, so it's important to be aware of how altitude can affect your body. If you're not used to high altitudes, plan to take things slowly and give yourself plenty of time to acclimate.
2.  Bring enough food and water. There are no services available once you reach the summit, so it's important to pack enough supplies for your entire hike. Be sure to bring extra food and water in case of emergencies.
3. Start early. The earlier you start hiking, the cooler the temperature will be. This is especially important during the summer months when temperatures can be unbearable during midday.
4. Don't go alone. Although solo hikes can be peaceful, it's always safest to hike with someone else in case of an emergency. Make sure everyone in your group is aware of the dangers and knows what to do if something goes wrong.
5. Be prepared for extreme weather conditions . Wilkerson Pass is known for its severe weather , so be sure to check the forecast before heading out . If possible , avoid hiking during thunderstorms or other dangerous conditions.
6. Wildlife is abundant in Wilkerson Pass, so keep your eyes peeled for elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and other animals. Be sure to give them plenty of space and don't try to feed them.
7. campgrounds are available if you want to extend your stay overnight or longer. Be sure to obtain a permit beforehand if you plan on camping in one of the designated areas.

1. The pass gets its name from John C. Wilkerson, who discovered it in 1864 and is the highest point on Highway 24.
2. The pass receives an average of 300 inches (7.6 m) of snowfall each year.
3. There are two ski areas located near the pass: Loveland Ski Area and Arapahoe Basin Ski Area.
4. The pass is home to several hiking trails, including the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail.
5. The pass is home to a variety of plant and animal life, including several species of wildflowers and Rocky Mountain elk.
6. The road over Wilkerson Pass is one of the most dangerous in Colorado, with a history of fatal accidents.

While there is no definitive answer to how long it takes to explore Wilkerson Pass, most people agree that two to three days is a good amount of time. This allows you to take your time and really take in all that the area has to offer. 

Getting to Wilkerson Pass from Denver is a pretty easy drive. You'll take I-70 west through the tunnel and then continue on for about an hour until you reach the turnoff for US285 South. From there it's only about another 15 minutes to the pass. The road is pretty well-maintained and any kind of car can make it up, but in wintertime it can be icy so use caution. 

There is no entrance fee to access this pass. 

The pass is open year-round, but hours may vary depending on the season. In the summer, the pass is open from sunrise to sunset, while in the winter it is open from 8 AM to 4 PM.