Colorado’s Wolf Creek Pass

Y’all may have picked up on this…but I love living in Colorado!! I’m not saying it’s the best place on planet Earth, but it has such beautiful scenery that I really don’t care if I’m missing out by not living somewhere else.  I mean, I’d live in Oregon, but their state income tax would make me throw up blood every time I looked at my paycheck.

No, I’m just gonna have to keep hanging around Colorado!

While there are so many beautiful places in Colorado that I could talk about, I’m gonna give this shoutout to Wolf Creek Pass near Pagosa Springs.  I 100% love the Western Slope of Colorado, specifically Pagosa Springs, Durango, the Million Dollar Highway, and of course, my beloved Telluride.  Wolf Creek Pass is a must-see place if you’re staying in Pagosa Springs!

The time of year that you visit Pagosa Springs will determine what activities you do at Wolf Creek Pass. Obviously, if you visit in the winter, snow and skiing are what awaits you!! Wolf Creek Pass supposedly gets the most snow in all of Colorado, which makes it a really popular skiing destination in the state! It’s also on top of the Continental Divide, which is kind of cool.  Apparently, there are a few hiking trails up here that I didn’t know about when I visited…not that I would have had time for them.  My vacation itineraries are usually pretty jam-packed! Check out this link for a list of trails that start at Wolf Creek Pass!

Directions:  Directions are pretty easy!! From Pagosa Springs, head east on HWY 160.  It’s roughly about 24 miles from Pagosa to the Ski area.

Things to do: hiking, skiing, Treasure Falls, Scenic Overlook, photo ops

Tips:

• I’m not a great skier, and I’ve never ski’d at Wolf Creek, but for all of those who are interested here’s the official website with all the information you could want about making a visit.
• Take advantage of the several pull-offs along the drive up/down for great photo ops!
• Stop and hike to Treasure Falls.  I promise it’ll be worth the effort!
• If it’s open, pull off at the Overlook! The only time it’s been open when I was there was when I went during the winter.  Even then it’s a great spot to look out on the valley!
• There are restrooms located at Treasure Falls and at Wolf Creek Ski Area
• Be aware of possible elevation related problems!! At 10,856 ft you’ll definitely be feeling any exertion – especially if you are visiting from a lower elevation!! Drink lots and lots of water and listen to your body!!
• For all the poor people who get stuck behind the wheel on road trips: this is a well maintained highway road.  During the summer there should be no problems whatsoever at daytime.  At night however, care should be taken because animals will be out and about – possibly on the highway (we almost hit a deer driving this at night once).  Obviously during the winter this can be a hazardous road due to the combination of hairpin turns and icy conditions.
• Staying in Pagosa Springs? Check out my other posts on what to do in Pagosa Springs!

Such a gorgeous valley!!

Just a little sisterly photo op!!

My family and I…hard to believe I was 3 months pregnant here!!

We weren’t the only ones taking advantage of the pull-offs!

I would love to see this in the fall with all the Aspen changing colors!!

We had a great time making Wolf Creek Pass a part of our travel itinerary!! I really think we would’ve regretted not making stops and taking our time through this area like we did.  It really is a special place!

Don’t forget to leave me a comment and let me know what you think!!!

Until next time!!