What Is Slumgullion Pass, and What Is the Silver Thread Byway?

Slumgullion Pass is the high point on Colorado Highway 149 between Gunnison and Lake City. Wikipedia lists its elevation at 11,361 feet. The entire route is also known as the Silver Thread Scenic and Historic Byway and is 117.522 miles long, per Wikipedia.

What should I know about driving it?

Lake City's visitor site says Highway 149 is open year-round and plowed daily in winter from 5 AM to 7 PM. It advises not to rush going over Slumgullion Pass and to use lower gears to avoid overheating brakes. Check CoTrip.org for current conditions. See my post on getting to Lake City.

What is the Slumgullion Slide?

Lake City's visitor site says that while climbing Slumgullion Pass heading south from Lake City, you can look for the debris path called the Slumgullion Slide near mile marker 67. The site also says Lake San Cristobal was formed by the Slumgullion Earthflow over 700 years ago. See my post on Lake San Cristobal.

What does this mean for buyers?

Highway 149 is the main road to town from the north. Drive it in the season you would use it, and plan for mountain driving.

What is the bottom line?

The drive to Lake City crosses an 11,361-foot pass. Take it slowly and check conditions first.

How high is Slumgullion Pass?

11,361 feet, per Wikipedia.

How long is the Silver Thread byway?

117.522 miles, per Wikipedia.

Is the pass open in winter?

Lake City's visitor site says Highway 149 is open year-round.

What is the Slumgullion Slide?

A debris path visible near mile marker 67, per lakecity.com.

Connect with a great real estate agent in Lake City, Kelsey Loftis with Crystal Peak Properties. Phone: (970) 784-6768 · Email: kelseyloftis@gmail.com · Website: crystalpeakproperties.com

Sources: Wikipedia, Colorado State Highway 149; lakecity.com, Getting Here and Lake San Cristobal pages. Check CoTrip.org for current conditions.