The Top 14 Mountain Passes in San Juan National Forest
Whether it be for the views, for the climbs or for the downhill descents, browse our list of the best mountain passes in San Juan National Forest and make your next adventure one to remember. Contributed by the community, for the community, each mountain pass Highlight is a personal recommendation you know you can trust, so simply find your favorite and go.
Last updated: November 13, 2025
Blackhawk Pass
Highlight (Segment) • Mountain Pass
This section of the Colorado Trail is called Blackhawk Pass and it leads up to 12,000 feet. When you ride up those switchbacks, you definitely feel the elevation.
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Coal Bank Pass
Highlight (Segment) • Mountain Pass
Coal Bank Pass sits at an elevation of 10,610 feet and serves as a link between the towns of Silverton and Durango. Situated along the renowned Million Dollar Highway, it offers travelers spectacular vistas of rugged peaks and stunning landscapes.
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Kennebec Pass Trailhead
Highlight • Trail
Kennebec Pass Trailhead sits at 11,600 feet and is accessible by a long, rough Forest Service road that climbs from Junction Creek outside of Durango. The trailhead has only a …
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Red Mountain Pass Climb North
Highlight (Segment) • Climb
Red Mountain Pass from the north, starting in Ouray, is an iconic and incredibly scenic road bike climb on US Highway 550, often called the "Million Dollar Highway." Over about …
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Molas Pass
Highlight • Mountain Pass
The views of the San Juan range here are an all time high, and the descent on the backside of Molas pass is incredibly beautiful.
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See even more epic mountain passes by checking out these guides in San Juan National Forest:
Front RangeWhite River National ForestPike And San Isabel National ForestsGrand Mesa, Uncompahgre And Gunnison National ForestsSawatch RangeSummit CountySan Juan MountainsPark CountyChaffee CountyClear Creek CountyArapaho And Roosevelt National ForestsSan Juan CountyGunnison CountyLake CountySaguache CountyRio Grande National ForestLarimer CountyHinsdale CountyPitkin CountyGrand CountyMineral CountyEagle CountyLa Plata County
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