U.S. 160 Wolf Creek Pass to open to weekend travel Nov. 14 and 15

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) will open U.S. 160 Wolf Creek Pass between Pagosa Springs and South Fork to weekend travel, beginning Saturday, Nov. 14, at 7 a.m.

CDOT warns motorists to prepare for challenging driving conditions due to incoming winter weather, multiple work zones and construction delays. U.S. 160 will close again Monday, Nov. 16, at 6 a.m. to allow for contractors to complete week-long paving operations in anticipation of permanently opening the pass to travel ahead of Thanksgiving. 

“The opening of Wolf Creek Pass helps winter enthusiasts and visitors reach the region to support Colorado’s local economies and small businesses. Thank you to the Colorado Department of Transportation workers, first responders, and local communities and volunteers in the area for working hard to help fellow Coloradans and to open up important transportation corridors,” said Gov. Jared Polis. 

“This weekend’s opening gives the Pagosa Springs community a welcome reprieve from detours and provides winter enthusiasts access to early-season snow," said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew. "While next week's full closure will cause temporary disruptions, keeping the roadway clear allows our crews to work uninterrupted to finish paving before Thanksgiving."

Motorists should prepare for trips over Wolf Creek Pass to feel very different. The mountainous highway terrain, known for steep grades, sharp curves and adverse weather conditions now has added driving challenges. Roadwork crews will be actively repairing extensive flood damage at multiple locations along the 26-mile mountain corridor. Motorists are urged to slow down and watch for changing lane configurations, sudden stops and construction vehicles entering the roadway. 

For driver safety and the safety of highway workers, there is no stopping, parking or standing outside of vehicles along the highway shoulder on U.S. 160 and reduced speed limits will be strictly enforced. 

A weekend storm is anticipated to bring significant snow accumulations to the high-country with potential for safety closures, if conditions warrant. Icy, slick and snow-packed road conditions are expected Friday evening through Sunday morning. If you plan to travel, check the latest weather conditions and visit COtrip.org for real-time road conditions and travel impacts. 

Travel:

U.S. 160 Wolf Creek Pass (MP 157 to 184)  is scheduled to open Saturday, Nov. 14, at 7 a.m. and will fully close Monday, Nov. 16, at 6 a.m.

U.S. 160 South Fork to Wolf Creek Summit: Motorists should allow for up to 40 minutes of additional travel time between South Fork and the Wolf Creek Ski Area. Plan for 24/7 full stops, alternating traffic and up to 20 minute delays at two separate work zones through The Narrows (Mile Point 183 and 176). Single lane traffic will be guided by temporary traffic signals at each location. Motorists are urged to slow down and use caution navigating narrow travel lanes. 

U.S. 160 Pagosa Springs to Wolf Creek Summit: Eastbound and westbound travel between Pagosa Springs and the Wolf Creek Ski Area will be limited to one-lane traffic in both directions and reduced speeds. Motorists are urged to slow down and be alert while navigating approximately 10-miles of shifting traffic patterns and narrow or reduced lanes. Concrete barriers and signage will guide motorists though multiple damaged areas and work zones.