121 Mountain Passes to Explore in United States

The Allatoona Pass Battlefield is a significant location during the American Civil War. Originally an Indian trading path, the site saw bloodshed during General William T. Sherman’s march to Atlanta in 1864. Between September 1-4, Union forces led by General Samuel D. Sturgis fought yet failed to stop Confederate troops from reaching Atlanta and dividing Sherman’s army. The site honors those who died on both sides of the Battle of Allatoona Pass.

A majestic high altitude pass, which features excellent views of Treasure Mountain and Marble Peak with Daly Peak in the distance. It is one of the iconic location which is covered with trees and also there are opportunities to explore the wildlife habitat too.

Apache Pass is a historic mountain pass in the U.S. state of Arizona between the Dos Cabezas Mountains and Chiricahua Mountains at an elevation of 5,110 feet. It is approximately 20 miles east-southeast of Willcox, Arizona, in Cochise County.

Arapaho Pass is 11,906 feet above sea level, but a manageable 1,800 feet above the trailhead. Meander to the north side of the ridge to look down on Caribou Lake. Due west is Lake Dorothy. Keep an eye out for backcountry skiers taking runs off Mount Neva. Follow the same route back to the trailhead. It is also one of the iconic location which offers beautiful views of this area.

Argentine Pass is a high mountain pass in Summit County, Colorado. It is the highest paved pass in the Rockies. The pass provides access to the valley of the Blue River from the west. The pass was used by Native Americans and early settlers as a shortcut between the Platte and Arkansas rivers. Today, the pass is popular with hikers, cyclists, and skiers. Argentine Pass is also one of the few places in Colorado where you can drive across the Continental Divide.

Arkansas State Highway 309, is a state highway in Arkansas, USA. It serves as a transportation route connecting various communities and providing access to natural and recreational areas in the state. It is not only a means of transportation but also a scenic route that showcases the natural beauty of the Ozark Mountains. It provides access to recreational opportunities and allows travelers to experience the rugged landscapes and breathtaking vistas of this region in Arkansas.

Atigun Pass is a renowned mountain pass located in the rugged terrain of Alaska, specifically in the Brooks Range, which is part of the Matanuska region. It is one of the most significant and challenging mountain passes in the state and holds a special place in the hearts of those who explore the northern reaches of Alaska.

Berthoud Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.446m above the sea level, located in Clear Creek County. The pass is located west of Denver, and provides a high route between upper Clear Creek Canyon to the upper valley of the Fraser River in Middle Park to the north. The pass traverses the continental divide at the Front Range, on the border between Clear Creek County and Grand County. The pass is a destination for local backcountry skiers, snowboarders, and snowshoers.

Boreas Pass is a high mountain pass that traverses the Continental Divide in the Rocky Mountains. The pass is located in the Front Range, west of Denver, and provides the shortest route between the cities of Denver and Grand Junction. Boreas Pass is Named for the north wind of Greek mythology, the pass was used by prospectors during the Colorado Gold Rush of 1859-60. Today, Boreas Pass is a popular recreation area, offering hiking, camping, and fishing opportunities.

Boreas Pass is a mountain pass located on the Continental Divide, at an elevation of 11,481 feet. Boreas Pass Road connects the towns of Breckenridge and Como in the Western Slope region of Colorado. The pass was originally used by Native Americans and later by settlers during the Colorado Gold Rush. Today, Boreas Pass is a popular recreation area, with hiking, camping, and fishing opportunities. The pass is also home to several ski resorts.

Boulder-Grand Pass is located 7.25 miles from Wild Basin Trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park. It spans a broad saddle along the Continental Divide between Tanima Peak and Pilot Mountain. Boulder-Grand takes you to 12000’, within reach of two summits to the north, Mount Alice and Pilot Mountain, and three to the south, Tanima Peak, The Cleaver and Isolation Peak.

Buchanan Pass is a mountain pass located in the Rocky Mountains of north-central Colorado in the United States. The pass is toward the northern end of the Indian Peaks of the Front Range on the Grand-Boulder county line, between the Buchanan Creek drainage to the west and the Middle St. The pass is in the Indian Peaks Wilderness of the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and is the easternmost mountain pass on the continental divide.

Buffalo Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.610m (8,562ft) above the sea level, located in the Navajo Nation of Apache County, in northeast Arizona, in USA. It’s called Indian Route 13. It’s a great little curvy road with twists and turns in a scenic panorama of sandstone cliffs and tall ponderosa pines.

Buffalo Pass is a high mountain pass in the Rocky Mountains of north-central Colorado in the United States. It is located in the Park Range, within Routt National Forest. The pass provides a route between the headwaters of the North Fork of the Illinois River on the west side of the continental divide and the Middle Fork of the Williams Fork River on the east side. Buffalo Pass is traversed by State Highway 14 and Forest Road 50, both of which are popular scenic routes.

Cajon Pass is a mountain pass between the San Bernardino Mountains to the east and the San Gabriel Mountains to the west in Southern California. The Pacific Crest Trail goes directly through Cajon Pass, and during the hiking season up to several thousand transient hikers will pass through this area after walking one of the hottest, driest, and most grueling sections of desert on the trail.

Carson Pass is located on the south side of Highway 88 at Carson Pass 60 miles east of Jackson in Alpine County. The historic pass was a point on the Carson Trail during the California Gold Rush and was used for American Civil War shipping to California until the completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad. The Pacific Crest Trail traverses the Carson Pass summit, which has California Historical Landmark #315 at CA 88 postmile 6.09 where Kit Carson carved his name into a tree.

The Carson Pass Sno-Park is located near Caples Lake on the south side of Highway 88. It is popular with hikers throughout most of the year, and the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, Tahoe-Yosemite Trail, and the Emigrant Summit Trail have access points at Carson Pass. Several high-elevation lakes can be accessed from Carson Pass.

Cerro Summit is a high mountain pass in Montrose County, Colorado. The pass lies on the Continental Divide, at an elevation of 12,276 feet. The pass is traversed by State Highway 145, which connects the towns of Telluride and Placerville. Cerro Summit is one of the highest paved roads in Colorado. The views from the pass are stunning, with alpine meadows and wildflowers in summer, and snow-capped peaks in winter.

Cinnamon Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.853m above the sea level, located in San Juan County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. It is a 19.2 mile 4WD route between Silverton and Lake City Colorado and is part of the well known Alpine Loop. This is one of Colorado's most scenic offroad drives and this long climb on narrowing shelf road is primarily used for off road driving and it’s accessible from May until October.

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.