Coal Bank Pass - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

1 Day Treks

Mountain Passes

About Coal Bank Pass

Coal Bank Pass is a high mountain pass located in San Juan County, Colorado. The pass is traversed by a road that connects the town of Silverton with the town of Ouray. The pass is named for the coal deposits that are found in the area. The road over the pass is one of the most scenic drives in Colorado, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The pass is open year-round, but it can be treacherous in winter due to the heavy snowfall.

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Hotels near Coal Bank Pass

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Things to Do at Coal Bank Pass

There are plenty of things to do around Coal Bank Pass in the San Juans. For starters, the Viewshed trail is a great way to take in all the natural beauty of the area. The trailhead is located just off of County Road 22, and it's an easy hike with fantastic views. If you're looking for a more challenging hike, try the Blue Lakes trail. This 7-mile hike takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the area, including alpine lakes and meadows. For a truly unique experience, head over to Silverton and ride the Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. This historic train takes you on a journey back in time, as you wind your way through the stunning San Juan mountains. Whatever you're looking for, you're sure to find it around Coal Bank Pass.

Activities Around

History of Coal Bank Pass

Coal Bank Pass is a high mountain pass that traverses the San Juan Mountains in southwestern Colorado. The pass is located at an elevation of 10,640 feet (3,245 meters) and is the highest point on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. The pass was named for the coal deposits that were once mined in the area. The first recorded use of the pass was by Native Americans who used it as a trade route between the fertile valleys of the Rio Grande and the mesas of the High Plains. In the late 19th century, prospectors began to explore the San Juans in search of gold and silver. The narrow-gauge railroad was built in 1882 to transport ore from the mines in Silverton to Durango. Today, Coal Bank Pass is a popular tourist destination and is widely considered to be one of the most scenic spots in Colorado.

Best Time to Visit Coal Bank Pass

The best time to visit Coal Bank Pass is in the summer. The temperature is cool and the leaves are green. The views from the top of the pass are beautiful, and there are many hiking trails to explore. However, fall is also a good time to visit, as the leaves begin to change color and the air is crisp. 

Tips for Visiting Coal Bank Pass

  1. Drive cautiously and slow down for curves, wildlife, and oncoming traffic.
  2.  Be prepared for extreme weather conditions- high winds, heavy snow, and fog are all common.
  3.  Bring plenty of food and water with you- there are no services available once you're on the pass.
  4. Fill up your gas tank before you go- again, there are no services available once you're on the pass.
  5. Pack a shovel and tire chains- you may need them if you get stuck in the snow.
  6. No matter which route you take, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to reach the pass. The high altitude can make hiking difficult, and bad weather can delay your progress.
  7. Stop at the visitor center. The Coal Bank Pass Visitor Center is a great resource for information on the area's history, geography, and wildlife.
  8. Be prepared for inclement weather. The weather in the San Juans can change quickly, so come prepared for all conditions.

Interesting Facts and Trivias About Coal Bank Pass

  1. Coal Bank Pass is the second highest mountain pass in Colorado, with an elevation of 10,770 feet (3,285 meters).
  2.  The pass is located on the Continental Divide, which separates the waters of the Pacific Ocean from those of the Atlantic Ocean.
  3. Coal Bank Pass is part of the San Juan Skyway, a 233-mile (375-kilometer) network of roads and trails that winds through the Rocky Mountains.
  4. The pass is named for nearby Coal Bank Gulch, which was once home to a coal mining town called Ironton.
  5. There are several campgrounds and lodges in the area, making it a great place to stay while exploring southwestern Colorado.
  6. In the winter, Coal Bank Pass is popular with snowmobilers and cross-country skiers. 

How Much Time Did Visitors Spend at Coal Bank Pass

However, if we assume that you are a moderately experienced hiker in good condition who hikes at a steady pace with no stops, it would probably take around 6 hours to explore the entire pass.

How to Reach Coal Bank Pass

From US Highway 550 in Durango, take the Purgatory/Durango Mountain Resort exit and continue south on Highway 550 for 12.4 miles to the junction of County Road (CR) 250. Turneast(right) on CR 250 and drive 7.6 miles to the Coal Bank Pass turnoff on the left(north). There is a large parking area at the summit with spectacular views in all directions. 

Entrance Fee of Coal Bank Pass

No, there is no entrance fee to explore Coal Bank Pass.

Opening Hours of Coal Bank Pass

The pass is open to the public from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. During this time, the pass is open daily from sunrise to sunset.

Attractions Near Coal Bank Pass

Engineer Mountain

Engineer Mountain

2.64km from Coal Bank Pass

Engineer Mountain is one of the many peaks in the San Juan Mountains, which is notable for its symmetrical cone-shaped peak, which is a popular hike for visitors to the area. It is also home to a number of old mines, which are now popular tourist attractions. Engineer Mountain is located in San Juan County, Colorado, and is part of the San Juan National Forest. The peak rises to an elevation of 12,968 feet.

San Juan National Forest

San Juan National Forest

2.98km from Coal Bank Pass

The San Juan National Forest is located in the southwest corner of Colorado, bordering both the Lizard Head Wilderness and the Weminuche Wilderness. It is the largest forest in Colorado, stretching over 1.8 million acres. The San Juans are home to 12,000 foot peaks, alpine lakes and meadows, old-growth forests, and sprawling valleys. With such a variety of terrain, it's no wonder that the San Juans are a popular destination for hikers, campers, hunters, and fishermen alike.

Potato Lake

Potato Lake

4.28km from Coal Bank Pass

Potato Lake is a beautiful spot located in San Juan County, Colorado. The lake is surrounded by mountains and is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and fishing. Potato Lake is home to a variety of fish, including trout, pike, and bass. Visitors can also enjoy swimming, kayaking, and canoeing. In addition to its natural beauty, Potato Lake is also home to a number of historical sites, including the ruins of an old mining town.

Jura Knob

Jura Knob

4.63km from Coal Bank Pass

The Jura Knob is a prominent mountain peak in San Juan County. It is notable for its rocky, irregular summit and for its commanding views of the surrounding area. The peak is popular with climbers and hikers, who often use it as a base camp for exploring the nearby regions. The Jura Knob is also home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, and bighorn sheep. In recent years, the mountain has become increasingly popular with backcountry skiers.

Twilight Peak

Twilight Peak

6.06km from Coal Bank Pass

Twilight Peak is a popular destination for hiking and camping. The peak is named for its position near the edge of the continental divide, where the sun sets early in the evening. Twilight Peak is also home to several glaciers, including Bancroft Glacier and Sunset Glacier. The summit of Twilight Peak offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and lakes.Wildflowers are abundant in the meadows near the peak, and wildlife includes elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and mountain lions.

Snowdon Peak

Snowdon Peak

7.79km from Coal Bank Pass

Snowdon Peak is the highest point in San Juan County. The peak is located in the San Juan National Forest and has an elevation of 12,933 feet. Snowdon Peak is a popular destination for hikers and climbers and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The peak can be accessed via a number of trails, and there are several camping sites located nearby. Snowdon Peak is a beautiful spot to experience the natural beauty of Colorado and is well worth a visit for any outdoor enthusiast.

Discover More Attractions in San Juan County, Home of Coal Bank Pass

San Juan County

San Juan County

29 attractions

San Juan County, located in the southwest corner of Colorado, is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. The county is home to several popular National Parks and Monuments, including Mesa Verde National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park, and Hovenweep National Monument. In addition, the San Juan Mountains offer ample opportunities for hiking, camping, and fishing. Thanks to its abundant natural beauty, San Juan County is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Colorado. In fact, the county w

Location of Coal Bank Pass

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