Driving the scenic road to Milner Pass in Colorado
Milner Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.279m (10,758ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary between Larimer and Grand counties in the U.S. state of Colorado.
Is the road through Milner Pass paved?
Located in the Front Range, within Rocky Mountain National Park, the road through the pass is called Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in the country. Also referred to as the Beaver Meadow National Scenic Byway, this road connects the towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake, offering a view of the Continental Divide. The "Trail Ridge Road" name reflects its close relation to historical routes that native peoples used to traverse the Rocky Mountains. The road, which spans from Estes Park in the east to Grand Lake in the west, began construction in 1929 and reached Fall River Pass by July 1932. It has a peak grade of 7% and is characterized by its winding turns and steep inclines.
Why is it called Milner Pass?
Positioned in north-central Colorado on the Continental Divide, the pass gets its name from T.J. Milner, a railroad promoter. He once surveyed this area for a potential railroad route, but the railroad never materialized. The pass provides views of Poudre Lake.
Is Milner Pass open in winters?
The road at Milner Pass is inaccessible during winters, typically from October to early June. Unfavorable summer weather can also lead to occasional closures. Its accessibility in late spring or early summer is contingent on snowpack conditions. Access is mandatory to the Rocky Mountain National Park, which applies even to local inhabitants. Travelers should be prepared for variable weather conditions. Rapid changes in weather, including rain, thunderstorms, lightning, and wind, are common during summer. Extreme weather conditions might necessitate changes in road status. Travelers are advised to stay flexible and check weather forecasts before commencing their journey.