Willow Creek Pass (Colorado) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Willow Creek Pass |
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South side of Willow Creek Pass
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| Elevation | 9,659 ft (2,944 m) |
| Traversed by | State Highway 125 |
| Location | Grand / Jackson counties, Colorado, United States |
| Range | Rabbit Ears Range |
| Coordinates | 40°21′02″N 106°05′32″W / 40.35056°N 106.09222°W |
| Topo map | USGS Radial Mountain |
 Willow Creek Pass
Location in Colorado
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Willow Creek Pass is a mountain pass located in the Rocky Mountains of north-central Colorado. It sits at an elevation of about 9,659 feet (2,944 meters) above sea level. This pass is special because it crosses the Continental Divide, which is like a giant imaginary line that separates where water flows in North America.
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What is a Mountain Pass?
A mountain pass is a low point between mountains. It's like a natural gateway through a mountain range. People have used passes for thousands of years to travel from one side of a mountain range to another. They make it much easier to cross tall mountains.
Where is Willow Creek Pass Located?
Willow Creek Pass is found in the Rabbit Ears Range of the Rocky Mountains. It's right on the border between two counties in Colorado: Jackson County to the north and Grand County to the south. The pass is named after Willow Creek, a stream that flows from the pass.
The Continental Divide at Willow Creek Pass
The Continental Divide is a very important feature. On one side of the divide, water flows towards the Pacific Ocean. On the other side, water flows towards the Atlantic Ocean (or the Arctic Ocean).
At Willow Creek Pass, water flows in different directions:
- To the north, the Illinois River starts its journey. It flows into an area called North Park. From there, its water eventually joins the North Platte River.
- To the south, Willow Creek begins. It flows south and eventually joins the mighty Colorado River. The Colorado River then makes its way through the southwestern United States.
This means that rain or snow falling on one side of the pass will end up in a completely different ocean basin than water falling on the other side!
Traveling Through Willow Creek Pass
Willow Creek Pass is not one of the highest passes in Colorado. Because of this, the roads leading up to it are not very steep. This makes it a relatively easy pass to travel through. It is rarely closed, even during the winter months.
State Highway 125 goes right over Willow Creek Pass. The area around the pass is very quiet, with not many people living there. The closest small community where you can find services is Rand, which is just north of the pass in Jackson County.
