Molas Pass,[1] elevation 10,910 feet (3,330 meters), is a high mountain pass in the San Juan Mountains of western Colorado in the United States.

Molas Pass
Molas Pass
Elevation10,910 ft (3,325 m)
Traversed by US 550
LocationSan Juan County, Colorado, U.S.
RangeSan Juan Mountains
Coordinates37°44′16″N 107°41′53″W / 37.73778°N 107.69806°W / 37.73778; -107.69806
Topo mapUSGS Snowdon Peak

The pass is in the San Juan National Forest. It is traversed by the Million Dollar Highway, U.S. Highway 550 south of Silverton, which is part of the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway.

Though it is one of the higher passes in Colorado, it has only a few switchbacks on the north approach, is considerably less intimidating than Red Mountain Pass on the same highway. It is generally kept open in the winter months.

Molas Pass is also the last mountain pass of the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic race, where riders race the train from Durango to Silverton.

See also

edit

References

edit
  1. ^ "Molas Pass". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior.
edit