Ute
Pass  |
| Maps: |
|
| USGS 7.5' Map: |
Kondike Mine, Graveyard Gulch |
| Statistics: |
| Difficulty: |
Number: |
Miles: |
Altitude: |
Obstacles: |
Time: |
| Easy 2 |
FR842, FR852, Cnty 46Aa |
6.8 |
9,944 ft. |
NA |
1-2 hours |
|
| County: |
Saguache |
| Adopted by: |
|
|
|
| Managed by: |
Rio Grande National Forest,
Saguache Ranger District |
46525 State Highway 114
Saguache, CO 81149 |
(719)655-2547 |
| Summary: |
Ute Pass is an easy pass north of
Saguache. It quickly climbs the side of Saguache Peak and crosses over
to Kerber Creek which heads east to Villa Grove.
|
| Attractions: |
Scenery
|
Seasonal
Closure: |
Agency - March 15 to May 15
|
| Best Time: |
June - Best
July - Best
August - Best
September - Best
October - Best, possible early snow |
Trail Heads
Accessed: |
|
| Camping: |
There is little
camping on the southwest side of the pass. The northwest has a few
dispersed sites. Be aware of the private property in the area.
|
| Base Camp: |
Ute Pass would not be the best place
to base camp. There are other roads in the area to explore, but access
in and out will cross private.
|
| Fall Colors: |
Good - The
northeast side of Ute Pass has the most aspen trees below the pass.
|
| Navigation: |
From Saguache, CO head west on
Colorado Hwy 114 for 1.1 miles. Turn right onto Cnty Road 46Aa. Stay to
the left and continue on Cnty Road 46Aa for 4.4 miles. Stay with Cnty
46Aa, Ute Pass Road, as you enter the Rio Grande National Forest.
From Villa Grove, CO head north on US Hwy 285 for 0.3 miles. Turn left
onto Cnty Road Ll56. After 7.8 miles turn left onto Cnty Road Hh50 and
go 1.5 miles. Turn left onto Cnty Road 46Aa, the Ute Pass road.
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| History: |
|
| Description: |
Ute Pass divides Ute Creek to the north and Findley Gulch to the south. Ute Pass begins north of Saguache
below Saguache Peak. After crossing the flat scrub lowlands along Cnty
Road 46Aa you will head northeast and begine to climb into the forest.
Forest Road 842 continues the climb to the top of Ute Pass. One section
of ledge road will give you views of the northern part of the San Luis
Valley.
At the top of Ute Pass the road number changes to FR852 as you cross
the ridge on Saguache Peak. On the northeast side of the pass the
terrain closes in more. The pines give way to more aspen and the road
works its way down Ute Creek then to Kerber Creek.
Along the way you will pass through private property, stay on the main
road and travel responsibly.
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Data updated - April 9, 2016
4WD Road driven September 5, 2011
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