Shrine Pass, Rocky Mountains Travel Guide

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Discover breathtaking views and rich history at Shrine Pass, a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts in the heart of the Colorado Rockies.

Shrine Pass, located in the Sawatch Range of central Colorado, offers stunning views and a rich history. Once a crucial route over the Gore Mountains, it's now a haven for hikers, bikers, and nature enthusiasts seeking panoramic vistas and wildflower meadows.

A brief summary to Shrine Pass

Colorado, US

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Shrine Pass.

Visit in late July for the best wildflower viewing along the trails.
Bring a sturdy vehicle, as Shrine Pass Road is unpaved and can be rough.
Pack layers, as the weather in the mountains can change quickly.
Consider a one-way bike ride from Vail Pass to Red Cliff for an easier downhill experience; a shuttle car can be left at Red Cliff.

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Explore Shrine Pass on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Shrine Pass, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

From Vail, take I-70 East to Exit 190 for Vail Pass. Park at the rest area and turn right onto Shrine Pass Road (Forest Road 709). The road is unpaved and can be rough, so a 4WD vehicle is recommended. There is no fee to access Shrine Pass, but dispersed camping is available along the road.
Public Transport

From Denver International Airport, you can take a shuttle or bus to Vail. From Vail Transportation Center, free bus service is available throughout the town. However, there is no public transportation that goes directly to Shrine Pass. You can take the free bus to Vail Pass Rest Area and hike or bike from there.

Discover more about Shrine Pass

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.