Ute Pass

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Ute Pass, at 9,165 feet (2,793 m) above sea level, is a mountain pass just west of Colorado Springs. The pass is a winding road through pine and granite. The North side of the pass is relatively free of snow even in the mists of winter, while the south side has snow until early spring. The climate is arid, so many plants that grow here are adapted to low water usage. The pass connects the city of Colorado Springs to area highlights. such as, The Pike Peak Highway, Santa's Village, Waldo Canyon and the city of Woodland Park. Some of the older sections of the pass are only used by hikers and 4 wheel drive vehicles. The pass at one time was used by stage coach and equestrian traffic. The pass is traversed by U.S. Highway 24.