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Rabbit Ears Pass: US-40, Park Range, Colorado
Photo: Matt Lavin · CC BY-SA 2.0 · cropped

Drives Colorado Summit County, Vail, Aspen and the High Country

Rabbit Ears Pass: US-40

US 40, County Road 32 · Steamboat Springs → Muddy Pass

Leisurely32 mi35 min3,900 ft climbHigh point ≈ 9,600 ftOne way
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The drive

US 40 leaves the south edge of Steamboat Springs and climbs through spruce and aspen to Rabbit Ears Pass, at about 9,426 feet on the Continental Divide in the Park Range. Rabbit Ears Peak, north of the summit, takes its name from two basalt columns that look like ears.

Dumont Lake is reached by turning north off US 40 near the old summit, which is marked by a stone monument. Routt National Forest manages the area. The highway then drops to Muddy Pass, another Divide crossing, and the CO 14 junction.

The drive is 32 miles and about 36 minutes, a wide two-lane with long sweeping curves.

Along the way

  1. Steamboat Springs (south edge)
  2. Muddy Pass (CO-14)
Elevation
3,900 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 9,600 ft
Steamboat SpringsMuddy Pass
Curves
Mostly gentle curves
Steamboat SpringsMuddy Pass
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • The pass gets heavy snow in winter and can close briefly during storms.
  • The snowpack on the pass is an important water source for nearby communities.
  • Check COtrip for conditions.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check COtrip (CDOT).

Questions about this drive

How long does Rabbit Ears Pass on US 40 take?

Rabbit Ears Pass on US 40 from Steamboat Springs to Muddy Pass is 32 miles and takes about 36 minutes.

How high is Rabbit Ears Pass?

Rabbit Ears Pass is about 9,426 feet and straddles the Continental Divide.

Does Rabbit Ears Pass close in winter?

The pass often gets heavy snow, which can close US 40 briefly during storms.

What you get in the app

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Rabbit Ears Pass: US-40, from Steamboat Springs to Muddy Pass