Shrine Pass: A Rocky Mountain High

Shrine Pass, sitting at an elevation of 11,094 feet (3,381 meters), is a mountain pass in the Sawatch Range on the border of Eagle and Summit counties in Colorado. The pass is located west of Frisco and approximately 2 miles northwest of Vail Pass. Historically, Shrine Pass served as the primary route over the Gore Mountains before the construction of Interstate 70 in the 1970s. Before U.S. Highway 6 was built in 1940, Shrine Pass was the main route west from Denver to Glenwood Springs. Originally a Ute Indian trail, it later facilitated the transport of timber to support Colorado's burgeoning mines. The many side roads that exist today were once major highways for bringing down timbers to support the construction of roads and internal framework for new mining claims in and around Red Cliff, Gold Park and Leadville. The pass gets its name from the stunning views of the Mount of the Holy Cross, a prominent mountain peak in Eagle County. The mountain's cross-shaped snowfield inspired religious pilgrimages to the pass in the 1920s. In the early 1920s, a series of faith healings and miracle cure pilgrimages were made to the mountain itself, or to places like Shrine Pass and Notch Mountain where the faithful could pray while viewing the famed holy mountain. Today, Shrine Pass is a popular destination for outdoor activities. In the summer, hiking and mountain biking trails wind through wildflower-filled meadows. In the fall, the landscape transforms into a colorful display of golden aspens. During the winter months, Shrine Pass becomes a playground for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.