Trail Overview

La Salle Pass is a rugged off-road trail with distinct variations between the east and west sections. The eastern portion is rougher, featuring two particularly tricky spots that act as minor “obstacles.” Drivers will encounter rocky terrain, dips, humps, and rolling hills that demand careful line selection. The trail opens into a flowy section on the east side, allowing for a faster-paced drive in some stretches. Aspens and mixed forests provide scenic surroundings along much of the route. Cellular service is extremely limited, with only one bar in some areas.

Photos of La Salle Pass

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Difficulty

This is an unmaintained trail that has varying terrain and erosion. It's possible that the dirt and offset potholes may become problematic after a moisture event.

History

La Salle Pass sits within Colorado’s high country, surrounded by alpine forests and open meadows. Aspens, pines, and wildflowers dominate the flora along the trail, and wildlife such as deer and elk can often be spotted. While not tied to a specific historic mining town, the trail follows routes historically used for grazing and forest access, connecting remote areas of the region. Its combination of challenging terrain and beautiful scenery makes it a favored route for off-road enthusiasts exploring Colorado’s backcountry.

Technical Rating

Arthur Carnotaurus

May 11, 2026

Open

3 spots were a bit of a challenge from erosion and use. Not just a cruise-through anymore. Trailed rating of a 3 or mild 4/10 feels more appropriate

kevin Govro

Dec 15, 2025

Open

Light snow nothing to really worry about. First time over the pass was nice and not super long.

Joe D

Sep 27, 2025

Open

So worth it. Perfect time to go. 99% dried out, all kinds of different terrain, scraped the side of our 4Runner at one really narrow portion, but fine throughout. Able to pull off for other riders. Roughly 20 people spread out over the course of an hour riding ATVs, dirt bikes, buggies, etc...with nice stretches of being alone in between.

Blake Brown

Feb 11, 2025

Open

Some snow on the road, been a while since snowfall so it was very manageable in 4wd. Could become more difficult with just a couple inches of snow.

Austin Fry

Aug 18, 2024

Open

Some folks on the trail until you cross county road 31 and then it was empty all the way to the end in South Park

Tim Horst

Apr 15, 2024

Open

Snow is pretty much non existent at this point. We’ll see how much precipitation the area gets this coming weekend but when I was there everything was already good to ride in this area 👍🏼