Dunckley Pass - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

Dunckley Pass is a beautiful Colorado mountain pass that offers a variety of activities for both locals and visitors. In the winter, the slopes are perfect for skiing and snowboarding, and in the summer, hikers and mountain bikers can enjoy the many trails that wind through the area. There are also several lakes in the area that offer opportunities for fishing, swimming, and canoeing. In addition, Dunckley Pass is home to a number of historical sites, including an old stagecoach stop and a mining town that has been abandoned for over 100 years. Whether you're looking for a place to enjoy the outdoors or just want to explore some of Colorado's history, Dunckley Pass is definitely worth a visit.

Dunckley Pass is a mountain pass located in Rio Grande County, Colorado. The pass was originally used by the Ute people as a trade route between the Front Range and the San Luis Valley. In the late 19th century, Euro-American settlers began to use the pass for transportation and wagon traffic increased significantly. In order to accommodate this increased traffic, the Denver, South Park & Pacific Railroad built a narrow gauge railway through the pass in 1879. The railway was later abandoned and replaced by a jeep trail. Today, Dunckley Pass is a popular destination for hikers and campers. The stunning scenery and wildlife make it a perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. Whether you're looking for an afternoon hike or a week-long camping trip, Dunckley Pass is sure to provide an enjoyable experience.

The best time to visit Dunckley Pass is from late spring to early fall. During this time, the weather is mild and the scenery is at its best. However, if you're looking for a truly unique experience, visiting during winter can be quite magical. The snow-capped mountains and frozen lakes create a scene that is truly one of a kind. 

1. Be prepared for extreme weather conditions. The temperature can vary widely, and there is little shelter from the sun or wind.
2.  Respect the privacy of the residents. Most of the land in the park is privately owned. Do not trespass on posted property.
3. Plan your visit in advance .There is no cell phone coverage in much of the park, so it is important to know your route before you arrive."
4. Don't forget to pack binoculars - there's some great wildlife spotting to be done.
5. Respect the natural environment - please don't litter or disturb plants and animals.

1. The pass is named after William Dunckley, a prospector who discovered gold in the area in 1859. 
2. The gold rush that followed brought thousands of miners to the area, but it only lasted for a few years.  Today, Dunckley Pass is popular with hikers and campers who come to enjoy the stunning mountain views. 
3. There are two dozen peaks in the forest that rise to an elevation of more than 14,000 feet (4,267 meters). 
4. The forest is home to several hundred species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. 
5. The scenery around Dunckley Pass is stunning, with alpine meadows, forests, and mountain peaks.

The trip from the town of Del Norte to Dunckley Pass takes about two hours. However, visitors should allow at least four hours to explore the area around the pass.

To reach the pass, simply take State Highway 149 south from the town of Fairplay. The drive to the pass takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Upon reaching the pass, there are several pull-offs where you can park your vehicle and enjoy the views. 

There is no entrance fee to explore Dunckley Pass, which is located in Rio Grande County, Colorado. However, there may be other fees associated with activities such as camping or picnicking.

The pass is open all year round, but the hours vary depending on the season. In winter, the pass is only open from 9 AM to 5 PM, while in summer it is open from 6 AM to 10 PM.