North Pass (elevation: 10,135 ft (3,089 m)) is a mountain pass over the Continental Divide in Saguache County , Colorado . North Pass, is also known as North Cochetopa Pass. The pass is traversed by Colorado State Highway 114 between Saguache to the southeast and Gunnison to the northwest. The route is an all-weather paved road.
11-489: Throughout the 1920’s, State Highway 114 was slowly built, originally traversing Cochetopa Pass (the area surrounding North pass). There were trails through these hills long before Cochetopa Pass was constructed, but it was the first significant wagon road through this area. The history of Cochetopa Pass includes abortive expeditions, cannibalism , and invasions by native tribes. By 1959, preparations for realigning Cochetopa Pass had started. Approximately three miles north of
22-568: A route over Cochetopa Pass. The explorers set out with John Charles Fremont leading them. The expedition crossed over the San Juan Mountains at Bill Williams Pass, but soon after reaching Pool Table Mesa in mid-December, the men and mules began freezing to death. After one rescue party failed to reach help and began resorting to cannibalism, Fremont, with the help of the Ute Indians, led the men out to Taos, New Mexico. Fremont left
33-601: Is essential, as the streams along the route are contaminated due to farming. On this portion of the Colorado Trail, mountain biking is permitted. This Colorado state location article is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Cochetopa Pass Cochetopa Pass is a mountain pass in the Rocky Mountains of south-central Colorado. It lies on the Continental Divide between
44-528: Is located nearby on State Highway 114 , which is paved and reaches a slightly higher elevation. The area of the Cochetopa Hills was a hunting ground of the Ute Indians. The area of the pass would be explored by many men in search of a route over and through the Rocky Mountains. Many expeditions would end in disaster. In 1848, St. Louis businessmen, in an effort to have the transcontinental railroad pass through their city, financed an expedition to find
55-590: The city of Gunnison to the northwest and the town of Saguache to the southeast. It also lies on the boundary between the Gunnison and Rio Grande National Forests. Its name is taken from the Cochetopa Hills that it lies within, Cochetopa being the Ute Indian word for "pass of the buffalo". The original pass is traversed by Saguache County Road NN14, a maintained gravel road. Another crossing, sometimes called North Cochetopa Pass and more often simply North Pass ,
66-434: The event of severe winter conditions, drivers should ensure their vehicles meet safety requirements, such as carrying traction devices (chains or winter tires ), particularly if a storm is forecasted. There are many opportunities to enjoy the Gunnison and Rio Grande national forests that surround North Pass. Visitors have a wide array of options for hiking , mountain biking , camping , or winter activities. Just south of
77-594: The men behind in Taos and ran for California. It took until January to rescue the remainder of the party from the mountains. All told, the expedition was a failure and took the lives of 10 men. In the fall of 1853, Captain John W. Gunnison also explored and surveyed the area in search of a route for the transcontinental railroad. Not long after exploring the area, Captain Gunnison was killed by Indians, and his second in command, Lt. Edward G. Beckwith, took over and decided that
88-576: The old Cochetopa Pass road is where the new highway was constructed. North Pass would be the name of this new road. In June 1959, a contract to complete grading of the new route was awarded. Work was scheduled to begin in June, and was expected to take 5 months. With effect from January 1, 1963, the USGS named this highway as North Pass. The US Department of the Interior Board of Geographic Names gave
99-558: The pass along SH 114, campers can camp temporarily on the Buffalo Pass Campground for a minute fee per night. North Pass is crossed by Colorado Trail Segment 18 immediately north of the summit. This trail passes through this region in line with the Continental Divide Trail. The hiking on Segment 18 is mostly on back roads, over open alpine meadows, and through farmland. It is 13.6 miles long. Water
110-480: The route clear, but motorists should always check weather forecasts and road conditions before traveling. During winter storms, certain vehicle types may be required to have snow chains or tires with adequate traction, as mandated by state regulations. State Highway 114 welcomes all types of vehicles due to its paved surface and relatively gentle gradients compared to other mountain passes in Colorado. Nonetheless, in
121-610: The term "North Pass" approval for use on maps in 1964. In 1981, North Cochetopa Pass was acknowledged as an alternate name for this pass. North Pass is easily accessible to most passenger vehicles all year round, making it a convenient route for travelers. State Highway 114, which runs through the pass, is paved and well-maintained, ensuring a smooth drive. Though North Pass is typically open year-round, weather conditions can sometimes lead to temporary closures or restrictions, especially during heavy snowfalls in winter. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) works diligently to keep
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