McClure Pass
McClure Pass (el. 2673 m./8769 ft.) is a high mountain pass in the Rocky Mountains of western Colorado in the United States.
| McClure Pass | |
|---|---|
 View north from the summit of McClure Pass towards the Elk Mountains near Marble | |
| Elevation | 2,673 m (8,770 ft)[1] |
| Traversed by | State Highway 133 |
| Location | Gunnison / Pitkin counties, Colorado, U.S. |
| Range | Rocky Mountains |
| Coordinates | 39.12901°N 107.28298°W |
| Topo map | USGS Topozone entry |
Overview
The pass is located along the boundary between Pitkin and Gunnison counties, in a gap at the western side of the Elk Mountains south of Redstone. It separates the headwaters of the Crystal River (a tributary of the Roaring Fork River to the north) with the headwaters of the North Fork Gunnison River (south). The pass is traversed by State Highway 133 between Carbondale and Paonia, providing the direct route between the Roaring Fork Valley and the North Fork Valley. The pass is not especially high and is generally open year-round, closed only during heavy snowstorms. The approaches are fairly steep on each side, with an 8% grade. The approach is smooth on the south side, as the road overlooks Muddy Creek above Paonia State Park. The approach on the north side has one large switchback overlooking the valley containing the town of Marble, Colorado.
References
- "T 156 McClure Pass". NGS data sheet. U.S. National Geodetic Survey. Retrieved September 11, 2018.