Slumgullion Pass
Aliases: Spring Creek Pass
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.
Restrictions: The road is maintained year-round, but beware poor conditions in winter.
County: Hinsdale
Directions: Slumgullion Pass is along CO 149, 9.5 miles south of Lake City and 21 miles NW of the Hinsdale/Mineral County line.
Alternate Directions: Slumgullion Pass is along CO 149, 10 miles south of Lake City.
Habitat: Spruce-Fir Forest, Streamside Willow
Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: Any
Ownership: US Forest Service
Admission or Fees: Free
Parking: Roadside (in paved pullouts)
Lodging: Hotels in Lake City
Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Viewing from car (pull completely off the road).
Delorme: 77 A7
ROC: 116 A4
Latitude: 37.9897985
Longitude: -107.2004186