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Berthoud Pass: US-40, Front Range, Colorado
Photo: Thomson M · CC BY 3.0 · cropped

Drives Colorado Denver, Boulder and the Front Range

Berthoud Pass: US-40

US 40 · Empire → Winter Park

Sweeping27 mi35 min3,400 ft climbHigh point ≈ 11,300 ftOne way
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The drive

Berthoud Pass takes US 40 over the Continental Divide from Empire, near I-70, to Winter Park. The drive heads north up the Clear Creek side, with switchbacks on the climb, and tops out above treeline at 11,307 feet. From there it descends into the Fraser valley.

The twisty stretch is in the second half, and the rest is mostly gentle. It's 27 miles and about 35 minutes.

Along the way

  1. Empire
  2. Berthoud Pass
  3. Winter Park
Elevation
3,400 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 11,300 ft
EmpireWinter Park
Curves
Mostly gentle, with one twisty stretch
EmpireWinter Park
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • US 40 is plowed all winter, but avalanches close it, sometimes for days.
  • If the pass is closed, CDOT has pointed drivers to US 40 west to Highway 9 and then I-70.
  • Chain and traction laws can apply in winter.

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

Questions about this drive

How long does Berthoud Pass take to drive?

Empire to Winter Park over Berthoud Pass on US 40 is 27 miles and takes about 35 min.

Is Berthoud Pass open in winter?

Yes. US 40 over Berthoud Pass is plowed and open in winter, but avalanche danger and storms close it at times.

How high is Berthoud Pass?

Berthoud Pass is 11,307 feet on the Continental Divide. The drive climbs about 3,400 feet from Empire.

What you get in the app

Turn by turn, on this roadSpoken directions along the exact route. Carve never reroutes you onto a faster one.
Preview it in 3DFly the whole drive over satellite and terrain before you go.
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More drives near here

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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 Berthoud Pass: US-40, from Empire to Winter Park