McClure Pass

McClure Pass is located along the boundary between Pitkin and Gunnison counties, in a gap at the western side of the Elk Mountains south of Redstone. It separates the headwaters of the Crystal River with the headwaters of the North Fork Gunnison River. The pass is traversed by State Highway 133 between Carbondale and Paonia. It provides the direct route between the Roaring Fork Valley and the North Fork Valley. The pass is not especially high and is generally open year round. It does close during heavy snowstorms. 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, Colorado. ~wikipedia

McClure Pass is just south of Glenwood Springs. Reaching nearly 8800 feet in elevation, it is a small fry in Rocky Mountain terms. It is one of the steepest paved roads in the state, requiring drivers to climb an 8 percent grade. The pass offers magnificent views of Chair Mountain, Ragged Peak and Ragged Mountain.