Slumgullion Pass

Aliases: Spring Creek Pass

Description: Slumgullion Pass, along with Spring Creek Pass just to the south, are the high points along CO 149. The highway runs through excellent spruce-fir forest where Pine Grosbeak and Red Crossbill can be found; White-winged Crossbill has also been seen. Boreal Owls breed here and can occasionally be heard from the road on late winter and early spring nights. Other wildlife is common in this remote area. You might see a porcupine crossing the road, or even a lynx, since that species has done well following its reintroduction into the San Juans. A side attraction is the Slumgullion Earthflow, an enormous mudslide that is still slowly moving, responsible for the formation of Lake San Cristobal.

Habitat: Spruce-Fir Forest, Streamside Willow

Directions: Slumgullion Pass is along CO 149, 9.5 miles south of Lake City and 21 miles NW of the Hinsdale/Mineral County line.

Dates of Access: Any
Hours of Operation: Any

Delorme: 77 A7
Roads of Colorado: 116 A4

Latitude: 37.989798500000
Longitude: -107.200418600000

Ownership: US Forest Service
Lodging: Hotels in Lake City
Parking: Roadside (in paved pullouts)
Admission: Free
Restrictions or Hazards: The road is maintained year-round, but beware poor conditions in winter.
Handicap Access: Viewing from car (pull completely off the road).