West Side - Leadville Ranger District, East Side - South Park Ranger District
Highlights
Camping
Forest
Overland
Scenic
Once known as the "Road To Riches", Weston Pass was once an extremely busy wagon road traveled by thousands of gold fevered miners, connecting the towns of Fairplay and Leadville. These days it is an easy dirt road that travels through the Pike-San Isabel National Forest connecting Lake County and Park County and traveled by outdoor enthusiasts looking for high alpine views, wilderness hikes, great camping, and spectacular fall colors.
Trail Difficulty and Assessment
Recommended Vehicle:
2WD Vehicle with High Clearance
Concerns:
Summary:
The road is mostly flat with only small rocks, ruts, and washboards.
Community Consensus
1 votes
14 votes
0 votes
Easier
Spot On
Harder
The weighted average of your fellow members agreement of our trail
rating. As trail conditions change this helps us keep the community
aware of changes.
Mandatory
2 -
EASY
The hardest part of the trail that you
cannot bypass - you have to drive it.
Optional
2 -
EASY
The hardest part of the trail that is
purely optional - you can bypass it.
Dirt and/or rocky road. Potential rocks and/or tree stumps less than 8" tall and/or vertical ledges less than 9" tall and/or near vertical ledges or waterfalls less than 12" inches. Good tire placement likely. Can be steep but with good traction. Read More about our Rating System
Weston Pass starts as a paved road through a neighborhood and quickly changes to dirt and enters the National Forest. The entire western route is a wide, mostly graded dirt road with a handful of rough rocky sections and some mud puddles. The eastern side of the pass is suitable for 2wd vehicles as it is much more maintained on that end due to several hiking trailheads.
There are plenty of dispersed campsites on both ends of the pass. There is even an improved USFS campground on the eastern side.
1. Weston Pass Western Trailhead (0
mi)
Weston Pass begins as a paved road just off of Highway 24. There are several markers to note the turn including a directional sign about a 1/4 mile before the turn on the highway, the Lake County Road 7 sign, a long row of mailboxes, and also the Mt. Massive Lakes directional sign.
Continue down the paved road for the next 2 miles past many driveways and neighborhood entrances. Depending on the size of your group, this is the ideal location to air down if you are going to do so.
2. Pavement Ends (2.4
mi)
The road turns to dirt at just before 2.5 miles. The road is not very wide, nor does it have good visibility, so attempting to air down here is not a good idea.
3. Road Split - Stay Right (2.6
mi)
As you come to the first Y intersection along the road, continue to the right. The left is a private drive.
4. Camp Spot (4.97
mi)
This is the first of many camp spots along the road. It is very grassy but could also be soggy with a lot of rain.
5. Camp Spot (5.08
mi)
This is a large camp spot suitable for several vehicles and tents.
6. Camp Spot (5.81
mi)
This camp spot is a nice pull-through spot for someone with a trailer. It is right next to the creek providing a relaxing ambiance.
7. Camp Spot (6.38
mi)
Another pull-through type camp spot with plenty of wide-open flat ground.
8. Large Camp Spot (6.68
mi)
This large established camp spot would be ideal for large groups as there is a ton of open, flat space, and a large fire pit.
9. Camp Spot (7.08
mi)
This spot is a little more secluded as it is off the road and down by the creek.
10. Waterfall on Left (7.53
mi)
This small pullout on the left as the road begins to curve, marks the location of a nice waterfall.
11. FSR 150 - Stay Right / Southeast (7.98
mi)
Stay to the right as the road splits with FSR 150.
12. Unknown Road - Stay Right / Southeast (8.97
mi)
Stay to the right at this unknown road split.
13. Weston Pass Hut Entrance- Continue Straight (11.59
mi)
Continue straight along the main road. This is the entrance for the Weston Pass Hut which is a private hut available for rent.
14. Weston Pass Hut (11.34
mi)
This is the Weston Pass Hut which is a private rental unit that provides amazing views for its renters. Check out the website for more details: www.westonpasshut.com.
15. Weston Pass Summit (11.71
mi)
You have now reached the 11,921' Weston Pass summit and have entered into the Pike National Forest. The road changes over to County Road 22 at this point. Continue your descent down the pass towards Fairplay.
16. FSR 162 - Stay Straight, Downhill (11.92
mi)
Stay to the right going downhill. FSR 162 is the hard left turn you see here which is a more difficult route that parallels Weston Pass road. If you are in a long-wheelbase vehicle, or one with low ground clearance, avoid this spur.
17. FSR 162 - Stay Straight, Downhill (13.52
mi)
Continue down the road. FSR 162 reconnects at this juncture.
18. Camp Spot (15.65
mi)
The eastern side of the pass is just as riddled with camp spots as the western side. This particular spot is a nice pull-through spot with a great view across the beaver pond. Although we did not see any wildlife at the time, it's highly likely you would see wildlife in this area.
19. Weston Pass Campground (16.53
mi)
Weston Pass Campground is an improved, first come first served campground that charges around $15 per night. The campground only operates in the summer months.
According to the Forest Service, "Weston Pass Campground is located adjacent to Buffalo Peaks Wilderness on the east side. It has 14 campsites with a maximum trailer length of 25 feet; elevation is 10,200 feet; camping season begins in May and continues to early October with reduced service. Facilities include toilets, tables, and fire rings. There is no water or trash service at this campground. You must pack everything out."
20. Rich Creek Trailhead (17.7
mi)
This is the trailhead for Rich Creek, which provides access into the Buffalo Peaks Wilderness. Combining this with Tumble Creek Trail (aka Rough and Tumbling Trail) you can form a loop of about ten miles. There is room for roughly a dozen vehicles here.
21. Weston Pass Eastern Trailhead (20.63
mi)
Weston Pass ends at the intersection of County Road 5. This is the ideal location to air back up as there is a lot of space and great visibility for other drivers. From this point, you are 7 miles from Highway 285 either direction you head. Take a left to head towards Fairplay, or take a right to head towards Antero Junction, Colorado Springs, and Buena Vista.
Dispersed
Improved
Dispersed camping is available along most of the route, and the USFS Weston Pass Campground is located adjacent to the Buffalo Peaks Wilderness on the east side. It has 14 campsites with a maximum trailer length of 25 feet; elevation is 10,200 feet; camping season begins in May and continues to early October with reduced service. Facilities include toilets, tables, and fire rings. There is no water or trash service at this campground, you must pack everything in / out.
Starting Point
Leadville
From Leadville,Take highway 24 south for 13 miles. Between mile markers 183 and 184, turn left on County Road 7. There are numerous mailboxes lining the road at the turn.
From Fairplay, take highway 285 south for 4.7 miles and turn right on County Road 5. Bear right at 7 miles when you reach County Road 22.
One of my new favorite trails for easy level. Some snow pack in shade and north side. Took our wilderness OB and had no issues. Went from Leadville to Fairplay. I didn't check the harder section out, but plan to with the Tacoma.
Fall colors are starting as of 9/16/22. Definitely a worthwhile drive and easy in a 4Runner, the west side was a little more worn than the east. Still some camp sites available.
Fall colors are starting as of 9/16/22. Definitely a worthwhile drive and easy in a 4Runner, the west side was a little more worn than the east. Still some camp sites available.
Easy and scenic drive that gets progressively rougher (potholes/small rocks) as you head east. Camped on the east side and slept to the sounds of the creek down the hill. Colors were changing in sparse sections. Fall is here!
I drove Weston Pass on Sunday, 8-21-2022. A few of us had camped near Leadville, and took Weston Pass back to US 285 via County Road 22. (US 285 is closed 100-yards north of CR 22, where the bridge over South Fork South Platte River is being rebuilt). Weston Pass is in good condition, relatively, but be aware of potential erosion and cautious of water puddles due to rain.
Makes a decent loop with Mosquito pass. Highly recommend adding the short side road if you want a little more interesting wheeling experience. Great views on the main route just don't expect anything technical.
Have done this trail a few times over the last few years! Very Scenic , Easy and relaxing. This year I saw 3 Elk about a half mile away early in the morning which was cool.
Only negative for me is tere always seems to be someone in a truck in a hurry and when they finally get around they take of 30 mph throwing up Rocks and dust for miles. Maybe it only happens when I do this route in early August.
This a very beautiful drive through the mountains. Plenty of camping, though most spots are pretty close to the trail. This trail is no secret. Lots of traffic, especially considering this was a Monday. Still worth it if you're in the area.
I drove Weston Pass from Leadville to Alma (west to east) on Saturday, July 9th. The road is mostly dry and in good condition; be very cautious (drive slowly) on the blind curves because the vegetation blocks your vision. The parking area on the east side at Rich Creek Trailhead (hiking trail) was packed with a dozen or more cars and SUVs. Be cautious in this area for children and pets potentially in the road.
Great drive and a very nice alternative to the highway miles. A few spots where it has been chewed up or rutted but nothing to be concerned about in a 4x4 or a vehicle with decent clearance.
This is one of our scenic ways home when camping near Leadville, but it's not really anything to seek out unless you want to be in the back country. It's a fun trail with some offshoots that look fun, and the summit has good hikes for views. We enjoy this drive and we were able to take our 11mo old up the trial west to east during her nap (but she is used to the bumps on the trail). I didn't air down and I should since that would really help. It's a good way to take the "long way home."
Great trail! We had a good mix of fall and winter conditions all in the same day. So many camping and hiking opportunities along most of the entire trail. Lots of scenic views and places to see the leaves changing colors. Road is in good condition with some pretty decent potholes. water pooled in the large potholes makes them a bit harder to tell how deep they are. We tend to take most trails a bit slower in our Jeeps, and pulled over for several tailgaters that whizzed right by. Overall, pretty easy trail.
I drove west to east over Weston Pass to return from Leadville after driving Mosquito Pass. Weston Pass is an easy drive. The road is in good condition--not too rutted, not a lot of washboard. One must be cautious on the west side of the pass because the road is narrower with several curves, the trees are more dense, and camping on this side seems more popular (more traffic). Overall, a good drive with great scenery. The 4Runner is a fellow who is visiting Colorado from out east. He joined us on Mosquito Pass and chose to return to Fairplay via Weston Pass.
Easy trail, very neat for a quick pass over the mountains. Great views on the west side. We stopped for lunch at one of the campsites, the bugs were out in full force so be prepared for that. Not a lot of traffic. Aired down just to make the ride more comfortable, but definitely didn't need too. On the east side of the pass there are quite a few sections with large potholes which are unavoidable. They're not much of an obstacle but might send you bouncing if you don't see them. Great trail for a beginner or even a stock vehicle looking for a different experience.
Easy. Beautiful views, alpine scenery, and some old cabin remnants near the top. Perfect for first timers. I really enjoyed this trail but took it on our trip back home from other trails, wouldn't necessarily do this trail just by itself.
I started up in South Park by taking a turn off Hiway 9 near Garo, halfway between Hartsel & Fairplay,, and headed west on Park Road 24, crossed 285, and headed up. Lots of history in this little if you stop & look. A few people parked mostly to go up Buffalo Peaks, I'm guessing, and the only steep section was above timberline near the top of the pass. No sudden drop offs, no large rocks or rock crawling necessary.
I parked at the top & visited the hut (closed) and cabin beyond it. I contemplated hiking to the north, up a double track trail, blocked by the forest Service to vehicles, but the clouds moved in, and it started snowing, so I abandoned the idea of going further west down towards Leadville.
The snow got heavier, turned into rain as I descended, and by the time I go back to 285 it was dry
I started from the eat side after a pleasant drive thru South Park starting in Garo on Park County road 24, halfway between Hartsel & Fairplay .
With potential thunderstorms looming, I headed up in a Jeep Wrangler, past some interesting historical spots. Plenty of people parked, possibly to go up Buffalo Peaks to the south. The last section above timberline to the summit was the only steep part requiring 4-WD low.
I parked, and visited the hut and the cabin just past it. I contemplated hiking up the road to the north—seen as a double track nearly straight up, which the Forest Service had blocked to vehicles—but then the clouds rolled in and the temperature dropped significantly, and it started snowing, so rather than go on towards the Arkansas Valley & Leadville, I turned around. The snow got heavier, but turned to rain, and by the time I go on the road to Fairplay it was dry.
A pleasant sojourn, and well-recommended for novice drivers ; no steep drop offs nor gnarly rocks.
Pretty easy dirt road in my stock 4Runner SR5. I passed by a guy in a Rav4 who didn't seem to be having a bad time.
The camping spots are plentiful, but a lot of them are right next to the road or don't offer that much that is interesting. Some of them offer nice access to the streams that flow on either side of the pass. I camped at Waypoint 9, which is a nice spot down by the stream. It's pretty expansive and you could fit a large group there. I arrived just before dark on a fall Saturday and most of the spots were empty.
Fall colors were past their prime in early October but still nice. If you hit the peak of fall colors it would probably be pretty great, but other than that views are somewhat underwhelming.
Ran the trail from FairPlay side to twin lakes , pretty easy did it with my stock 2016 Nissan Frontier with no issues. lots of dispersed camp sites all along the trail
We drove this trail from Leadville to Fairplay after completing Mosquito Pass. This is a fairly easy trail, but there are some bumpy spots and decent potholes and ruts that pop up (mainly on the Leadville side). I'm sure a 2wd crossover would be fine on the trail (saw a Ford Escape and Toyota Venza), but I wouldn't recommend a car with low clearance.
Please drive slowly approaching blind corners. Had a mild scare on the Leadville side because a vehicle was cruising the opposite direction toward a blind corner I was approaching. Overall the trail is wide with plenty of room for passing, but there are a few, narrower sections.
I really enjoyed this trail. It is very wide making passing oncoming traffic easy. It has very good open views. It may be easy which deters some people, but I enjoyed it. Not to mention the plethora of good camp spots.
From the Community
Be the first to ask a question!
Ryan Boudreau
Mapping Crew - Colorado
Hi, I'm Ryan!
I am a Colorado native and I've been wheeling since I was 16 years old. I grew up with a relentless passion for all things Jeep and off road related, and that passion has never died out. I am a member of the Mile-Hi Jeep Club, and currently own a customized '05 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited (LJ) with a 5.7 Hemi swap.
I am a huge supporter of Stay the Trail and Tread Lightly, and have participated and even been in charge of many trail restoration projects. I have been a trail leader several times for events such as All-4-Fun, ColoradoFest, Set Them Free, 14er Fest, and others. I am also the creator of the Unlimited LJ Adventure.
My rig is built for extreme offroading, but I love to get my tires dirty on any kind of trail whether it's rock crawling or just scenic high Alpine drives. I've wheeled all over the country and love a great adventure, especially if I get to share those adventures with others.
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