Wolf Creek Pass & South Fork, CO (7/15/2019)

Wolf Creek Pass is a section of U.S. 160 that crosses the Continental Divide in southern Colorado, reaching an elevation of nearly 11,000 feet.  In the 20th century, it gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous roads due to the large number of truck accidents, especially during winter.  At that time, it was a two lane road with steep grades on both sides, with an average of 8% over a twenty mile distance.  Sharp turns in its switchbacks added to the danger.  In 1975, trucker turned recording artist C. W. McCall produced a record called Wolf Creek Pass that you might find amusing.  (McCall's most popular offering was the trucker anthem Convoy.)

I drove over the pass in 2003 with my Honda, not in my motor home.  Construction was underway at that time of improvements that have made the road much safer and even enjoyable.  Almost all uphill grades now have multiple lanes, and a tunnel and avalanche shed were added.  Still, the heavy snowfall in winter does pose a risk for truckers, and the grades still average 7%.  Many truckers drive through northern New Mexico in winter to avoid this pass.

The area around Wolf Creek Pass is extremely scenic.  There is a ski resort near the top, and mountain streams and waterfalls can be seen all around.  Driving my motor home over the pass recently did not allow much opportunity to photograph the scenery, so I took a day trip back to explore some of the side roads and get some photos.  One forest service road took me about ten miles into the wilderness, where I enjoyed mountain streams, unusual rock formations, mountain meadows and wildflowers..

After returning to the main highway, I stopped at the Treasure Falls observation area before continuing on over the pass.  The 105 foot waterfall is viewed from several miles.

Other pullouts afforded views of additional waterfalls and cascades in the stream.  At one stop, I met a couple from Serbia who were thrilled by our country's beauty.

                     

Back in South Fork that afternoon, I toured around and found a good variety of photo ops.

Historic Holy Family Mission