Where is Kennebec Pass in Colorado?

The entrance to Kennebec Pass!

Kennebec Pass in Colorado is one of those hidden gems that is a must-drive when you visit this jaw-dropping state. Colorado is a place for many recreational activities, such as hiking, mountain biking, scenic driving (a must!), off-roading and much more. Kennebec Pass is located just west of Durango. This is a moderate trail, with about 6-14 miles to drive, depending on how much you want to do.

For this trail, plan for most of the day. Sometimes we do not realize how slow we go on the dirt and/or rocks. Here are some things to plan for:

• A 4wd vehicle is a must. There are those that say it is easy and you can take a car. Well, we do have a 4wd vehicle and I am glad we took it. Rocks on the road that require a high clearance vehicle. Plus, the weather over time changes these roads where more rock can be exposed. A 4wd vehicle would be the perfect choice on this road.

• Food! We tried this trail one time before and forgot our lunch. We were starving, so needless to say, we turned around and went to get food and didn't come back.

• A camera. There are waterfalls throughout the trail. Depending on how much recent rain or snow had fallen, you might see waterfalls coming down a mountain that normally doesn't have a waterfall.

• Patience as it takes time to drive on this trail.

The road we will be taking today is County Road 124. This is also called La Plata Canyon Road, about 10 miles west of Durango. Proceed north on this road. It will be paved for a while and enjoy the green countryside as you are driving.

An amazing waterfall!

Eventually, the dirt road will make its appearance, showing to be smooth and easy at first, but only at first! Rocks will come onto the scene as you are driving. Watch for unexpected waterfalls. That is one thing I love about Colorado - those beautiful waterfalls. Not only spectacular waterfalls, but you might catch a deer or some other wildlife, quietly munching on food. Colorado is known for its granite rock, unforgiving as you drive over it and feel every bit of it in your body! Take your time as you drive and really breathe in the scenery. Colorado is known for its beauty and this trail will not disappoint you.

Snow in July!

The road will open up to a range of breathtaking mountains surrounding you. Some people stop here and take a walk around. Colorado was rich in mining, hence these trails we get to go on with our 4x4's. The trail does continue to go on just a little further but enjoy the walk and the scenery. Doesn't it feel good to stretch your legs and explore what this trail has to offer? Don’t forget to check out the smelter left behind from Colorado’s history!

Leftover of Colorado’s mining history.

Proceed on the trail just a bit more. The trail does get a little narrow as you climb. Take precaution for your safety and anyone else you might meet. There is a little notch on top.

Stop!!

It was a foggy day on top when we made our 2nd attempt on this trail and we didn't know if we should continue to drive or not. We stopped and got out to see what was on the other side of this notch. It is basically a drop-off. There is an area to walk around and continue to explore. After we walked around a bit, we decided to have our lunch in the clouds, with a little sound of thunder in the background.

We actually had a delightful lunch in the clouds. There were large rocks around for our sitting pleasure. As the clouds bonded together to form a thunderous sound would come from the clouds and we just enjoyed the moment.

Our lunchtime view, at the edge of the mountains!

Have you eaten in the clouds?

It was peaceful as we watched the clouds float away and come back, eating our lunch on top of a mountain range. Finishing up our lunch, we walked around and explored this area, as much as we could with the cloud cover.

Soon enough, it was time to go and head down the mountain. Have you ever noticed when you go somewhere that you greatly anticipate seeing and it seems to take forever; then when you come home, it seems like a blink of the eyes you are there? Well, same thing here.

Here is a link for the detailed trail of Kennebec Pass trail. Kennebec Pass will give you the "wow" factor as you inhale the beauty, seek challenges and enjoy the peaceful feeling at the notch. If you are in nearby Durango, this is a must-do trail for the thrill-seeker in you! 

Colorado’s tapestry vibrant colors!