Kenosha Pass
Front Range fall-color central: a sea of gold aspen spilling down to the wide-open basin of South Park.
About Kenosha Pass
Kenosha Pass carries US 285 over the hills between Grant and Jefferson in Park County, at 9,984 feet. On the southwest side the land falls away into South Park, a vast high basin ringed by the Mosquito Range, and the hillsides around the pass hold some of the most famous aspen groves on the Front Range.
The Colorado Trail crosses the summit. Heading east (Segment 5), you reach your first aspen and South Park views in about half a mile, with a broad vantage at about 1.5 miles. Heading west (Segment 6), it is about 3 miles to big views of the park, the Mosquito Range and a huge aspen stand.
It is an easy drive from Denver, which is both its charm and its challenge in late September.
Probably the single most reliable aspen-viewing spot within range of Denver, with the Colorado Trail crossing right at the summit and gentle terrain on both the east and west sides that most hikers can manage easily. Late September into early October is peak color here, and the pass is high and open enough that you get real depth in a photo — foreground aspens, then South Park's plains stretching out behind them.
History
In 1879 the narrow-gauge Denver, South Park & Pacific Railroad crossed Kenosha Pass, giving Denver its first rail link to South Park mining towns such as Fairplay. The tracks were pulled up in 1938, but you can still trace much of the old grade beside the highway.
During the silver boom the pass was a main route for people heading to Leadville, Breckenridge and Aspen. Walt Whitman wrote of South Park stretching 'fifty miles before me' from its summit. A Forest Service campground sits at the top, inside Pike National Forest.
Photographing Kenosha Pass
Best light: Sunrise on the east side of the pass lights the aspen slopes and South Park with low, warm light; late afternoon backlights the aspen leaves so they glow. Peak color usually falls in late September, varying by year.
Shots to look for
- From the east-side Colorado Trail at about 1.5 miles, aspen in the foreground with South Park and the Mosquito Range beyond, normal to short telephoto
- Backlit aspen trunks and leaves inside the groves in late afternoon
- Telephoto patterns of gold and green aspen on the hillsides from the summit area
- The Colorado Trail winding through gold aspen, with hikers for scale
- The old railroad grade along US 285 with fall color
Photo tips
- Peak-color weekends bring traffic jams for hours; arrive before 6 a.m. or come on a weekday.
- Most visitors stay near the car; walking a mile or two in gives much better solitude and compositions.
- A polarizer saturates aspen and cuts glare on leaves, but use it lightly on the sky with a wide lens.
- Avoid parking on the US 285 shoulder; it is dangerous with fast traffic.
Know before you go
- Parking at the summit is limited and fills early on fall weekends.
- The campground is reservable in summer; check Recreation.gov.
- The Colorado Trail is shared with mountain bikers.
- Weather at almost 10,000 ft can turn cold quickly in fall.
Prints from Kenosha Pass
Every photo is available as a print on metal, canvas, wood or fine art paper.
Frequently asked questions
When do the aspens peak at Kenosha Pass?
Usually from mid-September to early October, with the best color often in the last weeks of September.
Which side of Kenosha Pass is best?
The east side reaches aspen and South Park views quickly, with a big vantage at about 1.5 miles. The west side takes about 3 miles to reach broad views and a large aspen stand.
Are dogs allowed at Kenosha Pass?
Yes, on a leash.
Featured in: Best Fall Color Spots in Colorado
Combine it with
Guanella Pass · Fairplay · Jefferson · Boreas Pass
More Colorado spots
Horse Ranch Park (Kebler Pass Road) · Lone Eagle Peak · Hanging Lake
Sources & further reading: en.wikipedia.org · foxintheforest.net. Conditions, fees and rules change; check with the managing agency before you go.