Shrine Pass
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Shrine Pass | |
---|---|
Elevation | 11,089 ft. |
Location | Colorado, United States |
Range | Sawatch Range |
Topo map | Terraserver map |
Traversed by | Unpaved road |
Shrine Pass (el. 11,089 ft.) is a high mountain pass in the Rocky Mountains of central Colorado in the United States.
The pass is located at the northern end of the Sawatch Range, along the border of Eagle and Summit counties west of Frisco and just northwest of Vail Pass. It is traversed by a narrow unpaved road connecting the eastern side of Vail Pass near Interstate 70 (east) with the town of Red Cliff in the upper valley of the Eagle River (west). In ideal weather the road is considered traversable by sturdy vehicles and light trucks.
The pass was formerly the principal route between the upper valleys of the Blue and Eagle before the construction of U.S. Highway 6 over nearby Vail Pass, which subsequently became the main route. The pass offers scenic view of wildflower meadows and pine woodlands during the summer and autumn months, as well as distant view of Mount of the Holy Cross to the north. It is especially popular as a sightseeing route during the autumn months.
During the winter, it is a popular snowmobile and cross-country skiing route. A car shuttle from the resort town of Vail in the Eagle Valley to the town of Red Cliff allows skiiers to access the pass. After a one mile hike upwards, it is possible to descend a ten-mile course back down to the town of Red Cliff.