Wolf Creek Pass

On the 8th of July we ventured out of Durango, CO. The question was, which way to proceed? We wanted to explore new vistas to get to WY, yet we have been just ‘flat-landers’ up to now. Our biggest pass climbed so far was Raton Pass at 7835′ elevation.  Our choices were through and over Silverton & Ouray or over Wolf Creek Pass.  If we proceeded through and over Silverton & Ouray it would definitely be new vistas but it is VERY mountainous with incredible switch-backs and the passes are very high.  If we proceeded over Wolf Creek Pass it would be high but not as many switch-backs.  We chose the pass ‘most traveled’ and ventured over Wolf Creek Pass.  Wolf Creek Pass is 10,856′ in elevation yet nothing to take for granted.  The maximum grade of W.C. pass is 7.5%.  The total ascent and descent of the pass is 21 miles.

When we started up the pass the skies were overcast and ladened with moisture just waiting to drop.  The further up the pass we traveled the closer the cloud ceiling was to the truck (Gypsy) and the RV (Rosalita).   We took it slow and steady up the hill, after all we ARE retired.  I wasn’t so worried about going up the pass, it was the descent that held me mentally captive.  At the top of the pass we were in the clouds with rain falling steadily, which only added to the mystic of the pass.  On the way down, we held Gypsy in lower gears and were fine all the way down.  We passed the ski resort and all the snow removal equipment waiting in limbo for the season to begin again. I do know we will not be coming this way in the winter, NO WAY…

Tomorrow, July 10th, we will venture up to WY where we will visit Yellowstone National Park and later Glacier National Park (both the Montana  and Canadian side as well).  See you there…