An Unforgettable Journey Over Slumgullion Pass
In Colorado's rugged southern heartland, a road less traveled winds its way
through the wilderness, cutting through canyons, over mountain passes, and past
scenic valleys. This is Colorado State Road 149, a journey that not only threads
its way across the Continental Divide but also weaves a tale of Colorado's
diverse landscapes and historic mining heritage.
Beginning at the junction of US 160 near South Fork, SR 149 calls to those with
a taste for adventure and a heart for the road less traveled. The road meanders
through the Rio Grande National Forest, where dense, fragrant pine forests keep
the secrets of the mountains, and wildlife sightings are as common as the
breathtaking vistas around each curve.
As you venture northward, the Silver Thread Byway begins to unfurl. This scenic
byway, a designated National Scenic Byway, gets its name from the rich silver
veins that once sparked a mining boom in this region. Today, the thread is a
metaphorical one, connecting historic towns like Creede and Lake City, each with
their own tales of a bygone era.
Creede, tucked into a dramatic cliff-lined canyon, offers a glimpse into
Colorado's mining past. But it's the views around the Bachelor Loop, a 17-mile
drive featuring historic buildings, abandoned mines, and unparalleled mountain
views, that truly make this hidden gem shine.
Leaving Creede behind, SR 149 begins its ascent. The road climbs, the air grows
crisper, and you are on your way up the Slumgullion Pass. Here, at over 11,000
feet, the world seems to lay at your feet. A breathtaking panorama of the San
Juan Mountains surrounds you, their peaks etched against the sky, an ocean of
evergreen forests carpeting their slopes.
Slumgullion Pass is as unique as its name suggests. The pass was formed by an
ancient landslide, and the rich, yellowish soils that tint the mountainside have
inspired its name, a term for mining slag and a throwback to the area's vibrant
mining history.
Down from the pass, the town of Lake City appears like an oasis in the
mountains. Nestled in the valley below, it's a place where time seems to have
stood still, with well-preserved Victorian-era buildings and a charming,
laid-back vibe.
Your journey on SR 149 culminates at the junction with US 50 near Gunnison, a
town as wild and beautiful as the landscape that surrounds it. But even as the
journey ends, the spirit of the road, the memory of the mountains, the echo of
the Silver Thread, live on.
Colorado State Road 149 is more than a route across southern Colorado; it's a
passage through time, a voyage through the heart of the mountains. From the
thrill of the Slumgullion Pass to the serenity of the Silver Thread Byway, it's
a journey that invites you to discover, to explore, to dream. So when the
mountains call, answer them on Colorado State Road 149, and experience a road
trip that you'll remember for a lifetime.
Home | States/Provinces | Subjects
