Marshall Pass - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

There's no shortage of things to do when you visit Marshall Pass in Saguache County, Colorado. In the summer, you can hike or bike the many trails that crisscross the area. You can also go horseback riding, fishing, or camping. And if you're feeling adventurous, you can even try your hand at rock climbing or whitewater rafting. In the winter, the pass is a popular destination for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. No matter what time of year you visit, you're sure to find plenty of ways to stay active and explore the great outdoors.

The history of Marshall Pass begins in the early 1800s, when the first Europeans to settle in the area were drawn by the possibility of gold mining. However, it wasn't until 1858 that gold was actually discovered in the region, setting off a small-scale gold rush. Settlement increased during the 1860s, and a number of towns and mining camps sprang up along the creeks that ran through the pass. The most important of these was Pitkin, which served as the county seat for Saguache County. The area continued to attract settlers throughout the late 19th century, and by 1900 Marshall Pass was a well-established community. However, the gold rush days were over by this time, and many of the mines had been abandoned. The population of the area declined sharply during the early 20th century, and today Marshall Pass is a quiet reminder of Colorado's mining history.

The best time to visit Marshall Pass is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and dry. This is also the busiest time of year, so be sure to book your accommodation well in advance. If you're looking for a more relaxed experience, try visiting during the shoulder season (April-May or September-October). 

1. Drive cautiously and be prepared for changing weather conditions. The road to Marshall Pass is narrow and winding, and summer storms can make driving conditions treacherous.
2. Give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination. The drive from Saguache to Marshall Pass takes about an hour, and you'll want to make sure you have plenty of time to enjoy the scenic views.
3. Dress appropriately for the weather. Even in summer, the temperature at Marshall Pass can be cool, so it's important to pack a sweater or jacket.
4. Watch for wildlife. Marmots, pika, and bighorn sheep are just a few of the animals that call Marshall Pass home.

5. There are no cell phone signals at Marshall Pass, so it's important to let someone know your itinerary before you set out.

6. Help preserve the beauty of Marshall Pass by packing out all trash and respecting posted signs and closures. Leave no trace!

7. An all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended for visiting Marshall Pass. The road is unpaved and can be rough in places.
    

1. Marshall Pass was named after James W. Marshall, who discovered gold in California in 1848.
2. The pass is located in the San Juan Mountains, a range of mountains that runs from southwest Colorado to northwest New Mexico.
3. The highest point on Marshall Pass is 12,830 feet (3,914 meters), which is also the highest point on the Continental Divide in Colorado.
4. Today, Marshall Pass is a popular recreation area and is used by hikers, campers, and fishermen.
5. There are several lakes located near Marshall Pass, including South Fork Lake and Lost Canyon Lake.
6.  Marshall Pass is one of the snowiest mountain passes in Colorado and can receive up to 30 feet (9 meters) of snow each year.
7.  In addition to being a popular recreation area, Marshall Pass is also an important transportation route as it connects the towns of Gunnison and Saguache.
8. Marshall Pass is one of the few places in Colorado where you can see aspen trees growing at high altitudes.
9. In 1869, the railroad completed a tunnel under Marshall Pass, making it the first railroad to tunnel under a mountain pass.

There is no definitive answer as to how long it takes to explore Marshall Pass. However, most visitors allow at least a full day to enjoy all that the area has to offer.

To reach Marshall Pass from the east, take U.S. Highway 50 west from Cullen, Colorado. After about 15 miles, you'll see a sign for Marshall Pass on the right side of the road. Turn onto this road and follow it for about 5 miles until you reach the pass. The road is paved and suitable for most vehicles.

If you're coming from the west, take Highway 50 east from Gunnison, Colorado. After about 30 miles, you'll see a sign for Marshall Pass on the left side of the road. Turn onto this road and follow it for about 5 miles until you reach the pass. The road is paved and suitable for most vehicles.
 

There is no entrance fee to explore Marshall Pass, Saguache County, Colorado. However, there are some fees associated with using the facilities at Marshall Pass. Camping is available at marshall pass for a fee of $12 per night. Fees are also charged for overnight parking, and for use of the day-use picnic area.

The opening hours of Marshall Pass, Saguache County, Colorado are 8AM-7PM from Monday to Friday. The pass is open to all vehicles except for those over 35 feet in length or 7 feet in width.The maximum speed limit on the pass is 35 mph.