Three southwest mountain passes set to close April 8 for helicopter operations

Motorists should plan for lengthy delays and full closures while the Colorado Department of Transportation completes winter maintenance and helicopter operations on Wednesday, April 8.

U.S. 160 Wolf Creek Pass between Pagosa Springs and South Fork is scheduled to close at 8 a.m. for approximately two hours. U.S. 550 Red Mountain and Colo. 145 Lizard Head Passes will have lengthy delays between 10 a.m. and noon. The closures are needed to allow for safety during critical helicopter operations. 

There is no exact time of reopening, and helicopter operations are weather-dependent. Please be aware that the delay times are approximate and may be extended should unusual circumstances arise. Travelers are advised to check www.COtrip.org for the most current information.

Wednesday, April 8, closure schedule

• 8 a.m. — U.S. 160 Wolf Creek Pass (between South Fork and Pagosa Springs):
  • Eastbound travelers will encounter a closure at Treasure Falls (mile point 157), 13 miles east of Pagosa Springs.
  • Westbound travelers will encounter a closure at the Wolf Creek Pass Ski Area (mile point 167), 19 miles west of South Fork.
• 10 a.m. — U.S. 550 Red Mountain Pass (between Ouray and Silverton):
  • Northbound travelers will encounter a closure north of Ironton (mile post 87).
  • Southbound travelers will encounter a closure at the Bear Creek Overlook, approximately 3 miles south of Ouray (mile point 90.6).

• 10:30 a.m.  — Colo. 145 Lizard Head Pass (between Telluride and Rico):
  • Northbound travelers will encounter a closure at Forest Service Road 423 (mile point 49), 2 miles north of Rico.
  • Southbound travelers may encounter two closures, one 3 miles north of Rico (mile point 50) or one near Trout Lake (mile point 61).