Jones Pass Hike

The Jones Pass Hike is awesome because it can be enjoyed year-round. Our favorite season to hike up the pass is fall, so we can admire the beauty of the vibrant foliage. The season you choose to adventure the Jones Pass is up to your description, just note that it will be extremely windy on the Continental Divide, no matter what season it is. If you choose to drive the gravel road up the pass, make sure you have a 4×4 vehicle and high ground clearance. Please also be mindful of those hiking or biking along the route.

Depart from the Jones Pass Trailhead off of the I-70. If you are walking the Divide, simply park your car here. Hike the trail northwest up the pass. Follow the gravel road and be mindful of passing vehicles. Track along the trail and the climb will become increasingly intense. If you aren’t used to the high elevation, make sure to stop for breaks and keep hydrated. Continue along the path and you will notice dispersed campsites on the edge of the trail. The ones near the trailhead are semi-shielded from the wind by the towering pines. Soon, you will encounter an intersection; stay right on the gravel trail.

Shortly after the junction you will meet another fork in the road, here stay left on the gravel route. Navigate a few switchbacks and you will ascend the treeline. Again, you will confront off-shooting trails, maintain along the rocky road. Track along the windy ridgeline as the path curves you southwest. The campsites along the exposed ridgeline have striking views of the Rocky Mountains, but the wind is extreme. Eventually, you will confront an extremely steep section of the trail. Scale the route and you will summit Jones Pass.

Enjoy the expansive mountainous views and sights of the lush woodlands below. Appreciate the grandeur of the scenery from atop the Continental Divide before retracing your steps all the way back down to the parking lot.