Lizard Head Pass

Lizard Head Pass, elevation 10,246 feet (3,123 m), is a mountain pass in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, on the border between Dolores and San Miguel counties.

Lizard Head Pass
The sign at the top of the pass
Elevation10,246 ft (3,123 m)[1]
Traversed byState Highway 145
LocationDolores / San Miguel counties, Colorado, United States
RangeSan Juan Mountains
Coordinates37°48.7′N 107°54.5′W
Topo mapOphir

It is also on the divide between the watersheds of the Dolores River and San Miguel River.

History

The pass is named for a prominent nearby peak that is said to look like the head of a lizard, the 12,995 ft (3,961 m) spire of Lizard Head. The pass is currently traversed by State Highway 145, about 12 miles south of the Telluride turnoff.

It was also used by the historic Rio Grande Southern Railroad until 1952. Although the grades on both sides of the pass are mild for automobile traffic, this was a significant obstacle for the railroad, and this was a factor leading to the use of the legendary Galloping Goose railcars.

See also
  • Mountain passes of Colorado
  • San Juan Mountains (Colorado)

References
  1. "Lizard Head Pass". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey.


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