Coal Bank Pass - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

There are plenty of things to do around Coal Bank Pass in the San Juans. For starters, the Viewshed trail is a great way to take in all the natural beauty of the area. The trailhead is located just off of County Road 22, and it's an easy hike with fantastic views. If you're looking for a more challenging hike, try the Blue Lakes trail. This 7-mile hike takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the area, including alpine lakes and meadows. For a truly unique experience, head over to Silverton and ride the Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. This historic train takes you on a journey back in time, as you wind your way through the stunning San Juan mountains. Whatever you're looking for, you're sure to find it around Coal Bank Pass.

Coal Bank Pass is a high mountain pass that traverses the San Juan Mountains in southwestern Colorado. The pass is located at an elevation of 10,640 feet (3,245 meters) and is the highest point on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. The pass was named for the coal deposits that were once mined in the area. The first recorded use of the pass was by Native Americans who used it as a trade route between the fertile valleys of the Rio Grande and the mesas of the High Plains. In the late 19th century, prospectors began to explore the San Juans in search of gold and silver. The narrow-gauge railroad was built in 1882 to transport ore from the mines in Silverton to Durango. Today, Coal Bank Pass is a popular tourist destination and is widely considered to be one of the most scenic spots in Colorado.

The best time to visit Coal Bank Pass is in the summer. The temperature is cool and the leaves are green. The views from the top of the pass are beautiful, and there are many hiking trails to explore. However, fall is also a good time to visit, as the leaves begin to change color and the air is crisp. 

1. Drive cautiously and slow down for curves, wildlife, and oncoming traffic.
2.  Be prepared for extreme weather conditions- high winds, heavy snow, and fog are all common.
3.  Bring plenty of food and water with you- there are no services available once you're on the pass.
4. Fill up your gas tank before you go- again, there are no services available once you're on the pass.
5. Pack a shovel and tire chains- you may need them if you get stuck in the snow.
6. No matter which route you take, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to reach the pass. The high altitude can make hiking difficult, and bad weather can delay your progress.
7. Stop at the visitor center. The Coal Bank Pass Visitor Center is a great resource for information on the area's history, geography, and wildlife.
8. Be prepared for inclement weather. The weather in the San Juans can change quickly, so come prepared for all conditions.

1. Coal Bank Pass is the second highest mountain pass in Colorado, with an elevation of 10,770 feet (3,285 meters).
2.  The pass is located on the Continental Divide, which separates the waters of the Pacific Ocean from those of the Atlantic Ocean.
3. Coal Bank Pass is part of the San Juan Skyway, a 233-mile (375-kilometer) network of roads and trails that winds through the Rocky Mountains.
4. The pass is named for nearby Coal Bank Gulch, which was once home to a coal mining town called Ironton.
5. There are several campgrounds and lodges in the area, making it a great place to stay while exploring southwestern Colorado.
6. In the winter, Coal Bank Pass is popular with snowmobilers and cross-country skiers. 

However, if we assume that you are a moderately experienced hiker in good condition who hikes at a steady pace with no stops, it would probably take around 6 hours to explore the entire pass.

From US Highway 550 in Durango, take the Purgatory/Durango Mountain Resort exit and continue south on Highway 550 for 12.4 miles to the junction of County Road (CR) 250. Turneast(right) on CR 250 and drive 7.6 miles to the Coal Bank Pass turnoff on the left(north). There is a large parking area at the summit with spectacular views in all directions. 

No, there is no entrance fee to explore Coal Bank Pass.

The pass is open to the public from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. During this time, the pass is open daily from sunrise to sunset.