Trail Overview
Jones Pass is a gravel and rocky mountain road that climbs steeply out of the Clear Creek drainage near Empire, Colorado. The route is generally wide with no major obstacles, though its steady grade and exposed shelf road sections require attentive driving. Along the way, travelers will find dispersed camping spots tucked into the trees and clearings, with a creek paralleling the lower sections of the road. The pass is also popular with hikers, offering access to the Continental Divide Trail and other alpine routes. On the western side, travelers pass through a burn scar that opens up dramatic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
Difficulty
There are no major obstacles on this trail, though at times it does get narrow and tight with trees and switchbacks, especially once over the summit and on the backside.
History
Rising to an elevation of 12,454 feet, Jones Pass was first surveyed in the early 1900s as a possible route for the Denver & Salt Lake Railroad, though the line was never built here. Today, it serves as a gateway to the Vasquez and Byers Peak Wilderness areas and offers sweeping alpine scenery with tundra meadows, summer wildflowers, and the chance to spot wildlife such as marmots and ptarmigan. Its proximity to Denver makes it a well-traveled high-mountain destination, especially for those seeking camping, hiking, and backcountry skiing in winter.
