North Pass - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

North Pass is a beautiful area, that offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. For those who love the outdoors, there are plenty of hiking and biking trails to explore, as well as opportunities for fishing, bird watching, and horseback riding. In the winter, the area is perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. For those who prefer a more relaxed vacation, North Pass also offers several scenic drives and many picnic areas. There are also several historic sites in the area, including the ghost town ofishman and the old Ute Indian Agency. No matter what your interests are, North Pass is sure to have something for you.

North Pass is a pass in the Sawatch Range of the Rocky Mountains in central Colorado in the United States. The pass is traversed by State Highway 114 between Saguache County Road T in the San Luis Valley and U.S. Route 24 near Leadville in Lake County. The pass is located within the San Isabel National Forest and is the highest point on the highway, at an elevation of 12,095 feet (3,683 m). North Pass has been used as a crossing of the Rockies since pre-Hispanic times when it was part of the Navajo Trail. In 1806, Zebulon Pike was the first European American to reach North Pass. He mistakenly thought that he had found the headwaters of the Arkansas River. North Pass was used as a wagon road in the 1860s and 1870s as part of the Wagon Wheel Route between Denver and Salt Lake City. The pass was also used during this period by stagecoaches operated by the Denver and Salt Lake Railroad Company. Today, North Pass is popular with off-road vehicles and is also used for cross-country skiing and hiking.

The best time to visit North Pass is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and the days are long. During this time of year, the wildflowers are in bloom and the hiking trails are open. 

1. Make sure to bring your camera - North Pass is full of stunning scenery, from the mountains to the valleys. You'll want to make sure to capture it all!
2. Bring a map - North Pass is a large area, and it's easy to get lost if you're not familiar with the area. A map will help you navigate your way around.
3.  Dress for the weather - North Pass can have extreme weather conditions, so make sure you're prepared for whatever Mother Nature has in store.
4. Be prepared for hiking - there are some great hiking trails in North Pass, so make sure you're wearing appropriate footwear and bringing plenty of water.
5. Make sure you have enough gas in your car - there are some remote areas in North Pass, so you don't want to run out of gas halfway through your trip!
6. Pack a flashlight - night can fall very quickly in North Pass, and a flashlight will come in handy if you find yourself out after dark.
7. respect private property rights while you're visiting North Pass. This area is home to many people, and they deserve to have their privacy respected.

1. North Pass is the highest point on the Continental Divide in the US, at an elevation of 12,433 feet.
2. North Pass was used as a crossing point by Native Americans for centuries before the arrival of Europeans.
3. In 1864, during the US Civil War, Union troops occupied North Pass in order to control access to the southern state of California.
4. The area is also popular with skiers and snowboarders due to its proximity to several ski resorts.
5. North Pass is home to the oldest continuously inhabited mining town in Colorado, Saint Elmo.
6. Today, North Pass is home to a variety of businesses, including a distillery, a winery, and several cafes and restaurants.

If you're doing a day hike, allow yourself at least five hours to complete the loop. For an overnight trip, you'll need to pack a tent and supplies, and plan on spending two days in the backcountry. 

There are many ways to reach North Pass, Saguache County, Colorado. The most popular way is by driving. You can take I-70 West from Denver and take the US-285 exit towards Fairplay. From Fairplay, you will take County Road 16 South for about 12 miles until you reach the pass. You can also take the train from Denver's Union Station. The San Luis Central Railroad offers a scenic route that runs through the mountains. Finally, you can fly into the San Luis Valley Regional Airport and rent a car for the drive to North Pass.

No, there is no entrance fee to explore North Pass. However, there is a parking fee if you choose to park in the Saguache County lot. The county charges $5 per vehicle per day, and there are also some additional fees for camping overnight. 

North Pass, is open to the public from 8:00 AM. to 6 PM., Monday through Friday. The area is closed on weekends and holidays.