• Menu
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Uncover Colorado Logo

  • Blog
  • Activities
    • Year-round
      • Brewery Tours
      • Casinos & Gaming
      • Colorado Brands
      • Federal Lands
      • Food & Dining
      • Ghost Towns
      • Gondola & Chairlifts
      • Hot Springs
      • Mine Tours
      • Museums
      • Paintball
      • Public Parks
      • Scenic Drives
      • Shopping
      • Sports Teams
      • State Parks
      • Train Rides
      • Transportation
      • Wildlife
      • Zip Lines & Aerial Parks
    • Spring, Summer & Fall
      • Amusement Parks
      • ATV Rentals
      • Biking
      • Boating
      • Camping
      • Drive-In Theaters
      • Fishing
      • Golf Courses
      • Hiking
      • Horseback Riding
      • Rock Climbing
      • Tubing & Paddling
      • Waterfalls
      • Whitewater Rafting
    • Winter
      • Cross Country Skiing
      • Dog Sledding
      • Ice Climbing
      • Ice Fishing
      • Ice Skating
      • Skiing & Snowboarding
      • Sleigh Rides
      • Snow Tubing
      • Snowmobiling
      • Snowshoeing
  • Events
    • January
    • February
    • March
    • April
    • May
    • June
    • July
    • August
    • September
    • October
    • November
    • December
  • Lodging
    • Budget Hotels
    • Historic Hotels
    • Luxury Hotels
    • Bed & Breakfasts
    • Cabins & Glamping
    • Casinos with Lodging
    • Dude Ranches
    • Hot Spring with Lodging
    • Wineries with Lodging
    • Campgrounds
  • Towns
  • Trip Planner
  • Search
  • Blog
  • Activities
  • Events
  • Lodging
  • Towns
  • Trip Planner
Ute Pass, CO
Ute Pass, CO. Photo: Alan Stark

Ute Pass – Manitou Springs-Divide

FacebookTwitter

West of Colorado Springs, Ute Pass is a 9,165 foot mountain pass that can be traversed along US Highway 24. The pass has an interesting history and is easily accessible in all passenger vehicles. From east to west it begins after Manitou Springs, ascending past Cascade, Green Mountain Falls, Woodland Park, before finishing in Divide.

History

Ute Pass, Colorado
Ute Pass, Colorado.

Ute Pass lies along the Ute Trail. Believe or not, this route was originally carved by herds of buffalo traveling between South Park and the eastern plains. The native Ute Indian tribe called the pass “El Puerto del Sierra Almagre.” In English, this translates to the “Doorway to the Red Earth Mountains.”

In the 1860’s, the heavily worn soil was eventually developed into a wagon road. Eventually, a railway was laid down along the route. For several decades, Ute Pass provided access to mining operations in Leadville, Aspen, and Cripple Creek. Upon the removal of the train tracks, the first automobile road was completed over Ute Pass in 1932.

Ute Pass Accessibility

The top of Ute Pass is easily accessible along US 24, about 26 miles west of Colorado Springs. The pass lies at the intersection with State Highway 67, in the small town of Divide, Colorado.

Seasonality – In general, US 24 is open all year round.

Vehicle Restrictions – There are no special restrictions on vehicles traveling through Divide, Colorado. In winter conditions, drivers should be aware and prepared for any inclement weather.

Activities near Ute Pass

The drive up and down Ute Pass showcases plenty of breathtaking views of Pike’s Peak and the surrounding wilderness. There are many opportunities for hiking, fishing, and viewing wildlife in the area.

Popular stops along the route include Rainbow Falls and Cave of the Winds Mountain Park. Visitors who are particularly interested in the area’s history can visit the Ute Pass Historical Society in Woodland Park.

Ute Pass Summit sign, CO
Ute Pass Summit sign. Photo: Nationalparks

Details

Address: Intersection of US Highway 24 & CO State Highway 67 S, in Divide, between US-24 Manitou Springs, CO

Passes thru (north to south)

  • Divide
  • Woodland Park
  • Green Mountain Falls
  • Cascade
  • Manitou Springs

Season: Year Round

Elevation: 9,165 ft (2,793 m)

County: Teller County

Mountain Range: Front Range of the Rocky Mountains

Coordinates: 38°56′30″N 105°09′25″W

Access: US-24

Primary Sidebar

Join our Colorado travel community

Enter your email below and grab our free locals' guide and monthly what's up designed to help you live your Colorado life and uncover fun things to do. —and never miss out again.

Recent Posts

  • Upcoming Spring Festivals in Colorado
  • 8 Great Springtime Colorado Festivals
  • 9 Colorado Ski & Snowboard Companies
  • Brief Timeline of Colorado’s Ski and Snowboard History
  • Fly Directly to these Colorado Ski Resorts with Airports Nearby

Footer

Get In Touch

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Resources
  • Disclaimer
Facebook Instagram Pinterest Twitter

Disclosure: Uncover Colorado is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Things To Do

  • Travel Blog
  • Colorado Activities
  • Colorado Events
  • Colorado Towns
  • Colorado Hotels
  • Colorado Restaurants
  • Colorado Transportation
  • Made in Colorado

Cheers! Mile High Happy Hour shares showcases Denver neighborhoods' restaurant happy hours.

Winter Activities

  • Federal Lands
  • Ghost Towns
  • Hot Springs
  • Ice Skating
  • Ski Resorts
  • Snow Tubing
  • State Parks
  • Train Rides

Copyright © 2023 · Uncover Colorado | Sitemap | Advertise