Weston Pass, Lake and Park County, CO

Pass Report, June 17, 2007.

I've visited this pass twice and both times it was not my destination when I set out for the weekend. But if you've traveled in Colorado enough in the summer you know that often by the time you reach your destination it's raining and thundering. Such is the case with my visits to Weston Pass. Driving accross South Park (the place not the town) headed towards Antero Reservoir you see at least four ranges including the Sawatch, Sangre De Cristo, Tenmile and the Mosquito Range of which the Weston Pass road crosses. This time, like the last time I crossed South Park, I can also see where the rain is developing a 100 miles in any direction, so I stop my vehicle an pick a range that I think will give me an semi-dry afternoon of hiking and fishing - which once again is Weston Pass. Not that it doesn't rain here - after all this is the "Mosquito" Range and bogs abound.

Like many pass roads in Colorado, Weston Pass is a wagon route that follows an old Ute trail. This one connects the South Platte valley to the Arkansas river valley near Leadville. The Forest Service has a nice historical description and brochure for this auto tour - go here to view it. As you drive along the road there are markers (signs in the shape of a wagon wheel) that correspond to the brochure.

The camping is great, the fishing is awesome (did I say that already?) and there are plenty of old mines and cabins to check out. At the top of the pass are the best preserved and there are two or three more just below the top of the pass on the east side.

The cabin just below the top of the pass is the most well preserved (see photo at right), as it lies frozen beneath 20 or more feet of snow many months of the year. This spot also has remnants of old vehicles (probably model A's or T's) lying nearby. It looks as if they used the engine to run a pump or something for the mine.

Oh, and one more thing, there is a 115kv electric transmission line running up the pass through stands of bristlecone pines and somewhat marring a timeless view of the peaks and the ponds at the top of the pass. I am generally a purist when it comes to exploring and I don't seek out places that excessively have the "mark of man", but don't let this stop you from exploring this area. It is truly one of the most interesting passes I've visited.

Camping is best below the pass, you'll want to choose a spot at least a quarter mile down either side of the pass. There are plenty of spots for dispersed camping - just follow the side roads to the north side of the road near the top of the pass. You can also camp at Weston Pass Campground near Rich Creek - there are some excellent beaver ponds for fishing near this C.G.

(I'm not sure why I included a shot of me here - hey look at that belly! I think more hiking instead of fishing is in order).

The fishing access is good above Rich Creek Trailhead to almost the top of the pass. If you decide to travel on to Leadville down the west side of the pass be prepared to take it slow - six ply sidewalls are recommended.

All Photos Copyright Paul Leonis 2007 - All Rights Reserved