Wilkerson Pass facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wilkerson Pass |
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Wilkerson Pass, looking across South Park
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Elevation | 9,504 ft (2,897 m) |
Traversed by | ![]() |
Location | Park County, Colorado, U.S. |
Coordinates | 39°02′17″N 105°31′32″W / 39.038047°N 105.525556°W |
Topo map | USGS Glentivar |
Wilkerson Pass is a mountain pass in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. It sits at an elevation of about 9,504 feet (2,897 meters) above sea level. This pass is located inside the Pike National Forest. It also marks the eastern edge of a large, flat area called South Park.
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What is Wilkerson Pass?
Wilkerson Pass is a high point where a road crosses over a mountain range. It's like a natural gateway through the mountains. This pass is an important part of U.S. Highway 24. This highway helps people travel through the beautiful Colorado landscape.
Where is Wilkerson Pass located?
The pass is found in Park County, Colorado. It's about 50 miles (80 kilometers) west of Colorado Springs. When you are at the pass, you are surrounded by very tall mountains. To the east, you can see Pikes Peak, which is part of the Front Range. To the west, you can see the Collegiate Peaks. These peaks are part of the Sawatch Range. Many of these mountains are over 14,000 feet (4,267 meters) tall!
What can you do at Wilkerson Pass?
At the top of Wilkerson Pass, there is a special visitor center. This center is run by the United States Forest Service. It's a great place to stop and learn about the area. There are also a few short walking trails nearby. These trails let you explore the natural beauty of the pass.
Is it easy to drive through Wilkerson Pass?
Yes, generally it is. The roads leading up to the pass are not very steep. This means that driving through Wilkerson Pass is usually easy. Even in winter, vehicles typically do not have problems. The gentle slopes make it a smooth journey for most drivers.