The unpaved mountain road to Marshall Pass in Colorado

Marshall Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.305m (10,842ft) above the sea level, located in Saguache County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.

Marshall Pass

Can you drive to Marshall Pass?

Tucked away on the northern part of Saguache County, the road to the summit is totally unpaved. It’s called Marshall Pass Road. It may be driven by regular passenger cars in good conditions. For the most part, isn't too bad. There are a few rough spots, but a 2WD passenger vehicle can make it just fine if you take your time. For very low clearance vehicles there are a few humps on the road, particularly the west side, that you’d need to be careful about.

Is Marshall Pass open?

Set high in the Rocky Mountains of central-southern Colorado, the road is not plowed in winters and closed to wheeled vehicles during the coldest months.

Is Marshall Pass worth it?

The drive offers amazing views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountain range. In the summer and late fall, this drive is especially beautiful. On both sides of Marshall Pass and especially in the vicinity of the pass you can find at-large, primitive campsites. Much of the road follows a former railroad grade for the Denver & Rio Grande enroute to Salt Lake City over 100 years ago, so it never climbs steeply and to gain elevation, it seemingly winds all around to gain the pass. It was named after Lt. William L. Marshall, of the Wheeler Survey, in 1873. The Marshall Pass Toll Road was completed in 1878.

How long is Marshall Pass?

The pass is 48.92km (30.4 miles) long, running from Sargents (US-50) to Mears Junction (Highway 285).

More info &pics: http://ponchasprings.org/marshall-pass-road.htm