McClure Pass
McClure Pass, located in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, is renowned
for its extensive aspen groves and the pass is highly photographed in
the autumn time of year. The pass is not especially high in
elevation with a summit of only 8,755 feet, not your typical Colorado
pass road. McClure pass is generally open year-round, closing
only when heavy snowstorms cause low visibility or avalanche danger.
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The pass road is situated between Pitkin and Gunnison counties, in a
gap at the western side of the Elk Mountains south of Redstone, a close
neighbor to Aspen, Colorado. The headwaters of the Crystal River
and the North Fork Gunnison River are separated by McClure Pass.
Colorado State Highway 133 traverses the pass road between Carbondale
and Paonia, providing a direct route between the Roaring Fork Valley
and the North Fork Valley.
Even though McClure Pass is not of extreme elevation, 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.
McClure Pass is a scenic mountain pass in the heart of Colorado's
Rockies. The natural beauty of this mountainous region is
stunning at anytime of year, but the fall season brings golden hues as
aspens blanket the pass road. There is great hiking off the pass
road where trails are easily accessed. Camping is also possible
at McClure Pass Campground and wildlife viewing and bird watching are
common activities for the area. Northern Pygmy-Owls can be seen
in season, along with Purple Martin and Blue Grouse.
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