
Slumgullion Pass
A breathtaking mountain pass on Hwy 149, featuring the immense Slumgullion Earthflow and panoramic San Juan Mountain vistas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Spectacular fall colors

Slumgullion Pass
Best Time
Spectacular fall colors
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking mountain pass on Hwy 149, featuring the immense Slumgullion Earthflow and panoramic San Juan Mountain vistas.
"Outstanding in the fall! Take your time to stop at the pull outs and enjoy the views."

🚗 Drive with Caution
Steep grades & sharp curves! Ensure brakes are good. Watch for wildlife. :car:
📸 Stop at Overlooks
Numerous pull-offs offer stunning views. Don't rush the drive! :camerawithflash:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Slumgullion Earthflow
Northeast of the summit
Witness a massive, ancient landslide frozen in time. A unique geological marvel offering dramatic, rugged scenery.

Windy Point Observation
Summit of Slumgullion Pass
Panoramic views of the surrounding San Juan Mountains and the vast earthflow. A must-stop for photographers and nature lovers.

Wildflower Displays
Along the roadside
During summer months, the pass bursts with vibrant wildflowers. A colorful natural spectacle that enhances the scenic drive.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time for Fall Colors
Prepare for Mountain Driving
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Any exciting sights to (respectfully) see along this route I'll be taking over the summer? Thanks !
🚗 Drive with Caution
Steep grades & sharp curves! Ensure brakes are good. Watch for wildlife. :car:
📸 Stop at Overlooks
Numerous pull-offs offer stunning views. Don't rush the drive! :camerawithflash:
🍂 Fall Color Peak
Aspens turn vibrant yellow in early Oct. Best for fall foliage viewing. :fallen_leaf:
🥾 Explore Old Campgrounds
Remnants of old campgrounds with picnic tables & fire rings. :hiking_boot:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive with Caution
Steep grades & sharp curves! Ensure brakes are good. Watch for wildlife. :car:
📸 Stop at Overlooks
Numerous pull-offs offer stunning views. Don't rush the drive! :camerawithflash:
🍂 Fall Color Peak
Aspens turn vibrant yellow in early Oct. Best for fall foliage viewing. :fallen_leaf:
🥾 Explore Old Campgrounds
Remnants of old campgrounds with picnic tables & fire rings. :hiking_boot:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Slumgullion Pass for its breathtaking mountain views and the unique geological spectacle of the earthflow. The fall colors are a major draw, with many recommending a visit during October. Some note the steep grades and sharp curves require careful driving, and amenities are basic.
"Located on Hwy 149 between Hwy 160 and Hwy 50, this is a great route! Coming from the South, going thru Crede and working up towards Lake City, this route will not leave you disappointed. Our plan is to come back in the fall to see some great fall colors with the Aspen turning.
Slumgullion pass seems to be an area for off-roaders to unload and explore. The remains of old campground, concrete picnic tables and fire rings are noticeable. There is also an old pit vault toilet as well as a newer one that seemed to get pretty light use.
Great wildflowers as well as views of mountains to the north and a huge earthflow to the northeast."
Peter Boyd
"Slumgullion Pass is outstanding in the fall! Take your time to stop at the pull outs and enjoy the views"
Kristal Kraft
"It's a great experience to drive up to the top"
Kiran CG
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Slumgullion Pass is located on Highway 149 between Highway 160 and Highway 50 in Colorado. It's a scenic drive, often traveled between Creede and Lake City. The pass itself is the highest point on this route.
Highway 149 over Slumgullion Pass is generally open year-round, but can experience temporary closures due to heavy snowfall in winter. Always check road conditions before traveling during winter months.
The closest towns are Creede to the south and Lake City to the north. Both offer amenities like lodging, dining, and gas stations.
Yes, RVs can navigate Highway 149, but be mindful of the steep grades and sharp curves. It's advisable to drive slowly and use lower gears on descents.
The Slumgullion Earthflow is visible from the highway, particularly from overlooks northeast of the summit. There are pull-offs where you can safely stop and view this geological feature.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Slumgullion Pass is a public roadway and there is no entrance fee to drive through or stop at the overlooks. It's a free scenic byway.
Slumgullion Pass is accessible 24/7 as it is a public highway. However, visibility and safety can be significantly reduced during nighttime, especially in adverse weather conditions.
No advance booking is required as it's a public road. You can visit anytime.
The primary restriction is to drive safely and responsibly, respecting the mountain environment. Be aware of weather conditions and wildlife.
While there are remnants of old campgrounds, official camping facilities may be limited. It's best to check with the local Forest Service or BLM offices for designated camping areas nearby.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You'll see the impressive Slumgullion Earthflow, stunning mountain vistas from Windy Point Observation, and vibrant wildflowers in summer. The drive itself is a major attraction.
Windy Point Observation at the summit offers the most expansive views. There are also numerous pull-offs along the highway that provide excellent photo opportunities of the earthflow and surrounding peaks.
While the pass is primarily a scenic drive, there are opportunities for short walks at overlooks. For more extensive hiking, consider nearby areas like the Weminuche Wilderness or trails around Lake City.
Keep an eye out for deer, elk, and various bird species. Bears are also present in the area, so practice bear safety if you venture off-road.
Yes, there are restrooms available at some of the larger pull-offs, including at the summit. These are typically vault toilets.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The Windy Point Observation deck is prime for panoramic shots. The overlooks showcasing the Slumgullion Earthflow are also highly photogenic, especially with dramatic lighting.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for landscape photography, minimizing harsh shadows and enhancing the colors of the mountains and earthflow. Golden hour is particularly magical.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions or long exposures.
Capture the scale of the earthflow, the winding road, and the changing colors of the aspen trees in autumn. Look for wildflowers in bloom during the summer.
Be mindful of weather changes, as conditions can shift rapidly in the mountains. Always prioritize safety and stay within designated viewing areas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during the summer months when wildflowers are in bloom, adding an extra layer of visual interest for children. The drive itself, with its winding roads and mountain vistas, can be an adventure. Ensure children are safely buckled in and enjoy the scenic journey. The restrooms at the summit are a convenient stop for families.
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
Plan to dedicate ample time to this section of your journey. The numerous scenic pull-offs are not to be missed, offering opportunities for photography and simply soaking in the vastness of the San Juan Mountains. The drive is particularly spectacular in the fall when the aspen trees create a vibrant tapestry of color.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geology of Slumgullion Earthflow
Visitors can observe the earthflow from various overlooks along Highway 149. The sheer scale of the feature is best appreciated from a distance, allowing you to grasp its immense size and the dramatic impact it had on the terrain. The textures and patterns within the earthflow are fascinating, showcasing the chaotic yet ordered nature of geological processes. It’s a prime example of mass wasting and a must-see for anyone interested in geology or dramatic natural landscapes.
Driving Slumgullion Pass: A Scenic Adventure
As you ascend, the landscape transforms, showcasing alpine meadows, dense forests, and dramatic rock formations. The Windy Point Observation area at the summit provides an unparalleled vantage point to soak in the grandeur of the San Juan Mountains. This is an ideal spot to stop, stretch your legs, and capture stunning photographs. Remember to check weather conditions before your trip, as mountain passes can experience rapid changes in temperature and visibility.
Travelers often recommend taking your time to stop at the numerous pull-outs along the pass. These aren't just for parking; they are designed to let you appreciate the stunning scenery and unique geological features like the earthflow. Whether you're heading north towards Lake City or south towards Creede, the drive over Slumgullion Pass is a highlight of any trip through this region of Colorado.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit