Elwood Pass - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

Elwood Pass is a beautiful place to spend a day, whether you're looking for a challenging hike or a relaxing picnic. The area is home to a variety of wildlife, and the views of the surrounding mountains are simply stunning. There are several hiking trails of varying difficulty levels, so there's something for everyone. For those who prefer a relaxed pace, there are also plenty of places to enjoy a picnic or simply take in the scenery. Elwood Pass is truly a place where you can relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Elwood Pass is a high mountain pass in the Rocky Mountains of north-central Colorado. The pass is located on the continental divide, at an elevation of 12,956 feet (3,946 m), in the northern part of Rio Blanco County. The pass is traversed by State Highway 13, and is situated between the towns of Meeker and Walden. Prior to the construction of the highway, Elwood Pass was used as a route for pack trains and stagecoaches. The first recorded use of the pass was by Antoine Janis, who led a group of fur trappers through the area in 1846. In the early 1900s, homesteaders began moving into the valley around Elwood Pass, and the pass became an important route for supplies and livestock. In 1918, the pass was designated as part of the Denver-Rio Grande Western Railroad. The railroad was abandoned in 1936, and Highway 13 was built through the pass in 1940. Today, Elwood Pass is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and fishing.

The best time to visit Elwood Pass is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and dry. However, visitors should be aware that the pass can be crowded on weekends and holidays. 

1.  Elwood Pass is located in a very rural part of Colorado, so be sure to bring your own food and water. There are no convenience stores or restaurants in the area.
2. The roads leading to Elwood Pass are unpaved and can be rough, so a high-clearance vehicle is recommended.
3. There is no cell phone service in the area, so make sure you have someone else with you who knows your itinerary.
4. The altitude at Elwood Pass is over 11,000 feet, so be prepared for thin air and potential altitude sickness. Drink plenty of water and take it easy at first if you're not used to high altitudes.
5. There are no developed campgrounds at Elwood Pass, but dispersed camping is allowed throughout the area. Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles and pack out all of your trash.
6. There are numerous hiking and off-roading trails in the area, but be aware that some of them may be impassable due to snowmelt or rainstorms later in the season. always check the conditions before heading out.
7. Respect private property: please respect private property and do not trespass on ranchland or other private property.
8. Despite its remote location, Elwood Pass can get very busy on weekends and holidays. If you're looking for solitude, it's best to visit during the week.

1. Elwood Pass is named after Colonel John E. Elwood, who was instrumental in opening up the area for settlement.
2. There are several hiking trails in the area, including the 9-mile (14 kilometer) Elwood Trail which leads to Gold Creek Lake.
3. Elwood Pass is one of only three roads that cross the Continental Divide in Colorado.
4. Elwood Pass is one of the highest mountain passes in Colorado, with an elevation of 11,796 feet .
5. The region around Elwood Pass is popular with outdoor enthusiasts and is a popular destination for camping, hiking, fishing, and hunting. 
6. Elwood Pass is one of the most scenic and beautiful places in Colorado's Rocky Mountains.

The maximum time required to explore Elwood Pass is three days. However, many visitors choose to spend more time in the area, as there are numerous activities to enjoy. 

To reach Elwood Pass, take County Road 8 from Meeker for about 23 miles. The road will wind through the White River National Forest and eventually come to a T-intersection. Take a left turn at the T-intersection, and then Elwood Pass will be about 3/4 of a mile ahead on the right. There is a small parking area at the base of the pass. 

While there is no entrance fee to explore Elwood Pass, there is a charge for overnight camping. 

The pass is open to the public from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and it is well worth the visit. During the summer months, the pass is open from dawn to dusk, and visitors can enjoy hiking, picnicking, and wildlife watching.