Ute Pass
- 4.9 mi
- round trip
- 667 ft
- climb
- 10,268 ft
- high point
- Out and back
- route
- Jun–Jul
- best months
Is Ute Pass open right now?
Alert in the area
The Forest Service lists 6 alerts for White River National Forest.
FSR 286, Radical Hill, is closed due to washouts and unsafe conditions
Agency alert covering White River National Forest · USFS · White River National Forest
Limited parking at Snowmass Creek Trailhead
Agency alert covering White River National Forest · USFS · White River National Forest
Grizzly Creek Trail Closure
Agency alert covering White River National Forest · Order 2026-02 · USFS · White River National Forest
Ruedi Marina Day Use area Dump Station is CLOSED
Agency alert covering White River National Forest · USFS · White River National Forest
Asbestos safety closure - Camp Hale
Agency alert covering White River National Forest · USFS · White River National Forest
As of · Source: USFS · White River National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.
Ute Pass is a 4.9-mile out-and-back trail located in Colorado near the Colorado area, managed by the White River National Forest's Aspen-Sopris Ranger District. This moderately-trafficked route offers hikers a direct path through the national forest terrain. The out-and-back format means you'll retrace your steps on the return journey, making it easy to turn back at any point if desired. The trail is maintained by the Aspen-Sopris Ranger District, ensuring reliable conditions for visitors exploring this section of White River National Forest. Ute Pass provides access to the natural landscape characteristic of the Colorado Rockies region. The 4.9-mile distance makes it suitable for various skill levels, though hikers should come prepared for mountain conditions and weather that can change quickly at elevation. Before heading out, check current conditions with the Aspen-Sopris Ranger District, as trail status and accessibility can vary seasonally. Parking and trailhead facilities are available at the designated starting point.
Go with a guide
- Mineral Belt Trail Guided WalkNexPM AI · $25 per person · 41 mi away
- Rancho Del Rio27 mi away
KINNEY CREEKHikingPhoto: jtsmmm, CC BY 3.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)2.4 mi- Ute PeakHiking3 mi
- Acorn Creek TrailHiking3.8 mi
Williams ForkCanoeingPhoto: US Geological Survey, Public domain (via Wikimedia Commons)3.9 mi
South Fork Group Site - Arapaho NF (CO)CampingPhoto: Recreation.gov (RIDB) / public domain4.5 mi- South Fork CampgroundCamping4.5 mi
- Equinox GardensRock climbing5.3 mi
- Lower/Upper Slate Lakes #65Lake fishing6.3 mi
Source: Roamze catalog (indexable pages within 10 miles, PostGIS distance)
- KINNEY CREEKHiking · ~4 min drivePhoto: jtsmmm, CC BY 3.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)
Darling CreekHiking · ~8 min drivePhoto: jtsmmm, CC BY 3.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)- Acorn Creek TrailHiking · ~6 min drive
Bushee CreekHiking · ~14 min drivePhoto: devriesm, CC BY-SA 2.0 (via Flickr)- Ute PeakHiking · ~5 min drive
- No-See-Um TrailHiking · ~8 min drive
- Pioneer CreekHiking · ~14 min drivePhoto: devriesm, CC BY-SA 2.0 (via Flickr)
- Acorn Creek TrailHiking · ~6 min drive
- KEYSER RIDGEHiking · ~9 min drive
- Williams Fork BoardwalkHiking · ~8 min drivePhoto: jtsmmm, CC BY 3.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)
Best time to visit Ute Pass
Best months: June–July. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.
Jan
31° / 1°
12 wet
Feb
33° / 4°
11 wet
Mar
41° / 10°
11 wet
Apr
47° / 18°
11 wet
May
58° / 26°
10 wet
Jun
69° / 33°
9 wet
Jul
75° / 38°
12 wet
Aug
73° / 37°
13 wet
Sep
66° / 30°
10 wet
Oct
54° / 21°
8 wet
Nov
41° / 11°
9 wet
Dec
32° / 3°
11 wet
Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Dillon 1 E, CO, 14.2 mi away at 9,065 ft. The station sits about 1,200 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.
