Berthoud Pass

Berthoud Pass is one of those mountain scenic drives that you just really need to do at least once in your lifetime. The pass goes through the Rocky Mountains, and is located directly on U.S. Highway 40, just north of the junction with I-70, so it's very accessible.  It's also the fastest route between Winter Park and Steamboat Springs from Denver, as well as the Colorado Front Range. It's important to note though that the pass has been known to be a bit difficult to traverse for some drivers. In fact, it's often referred to as a "white-knuckle drive." This is due to the fact that there are steep (6.3%) grades on both sides of the pass, and quite a few switchbacks. Not to mention there are roughly 55 avalanche paths throughout the Pass.  Berthoud Pass also cuts through the Continental Divide. Named after Edward Berthoud, a 19th century Colorado Central Railroad surveyor, the pass was discovered in 1861, at which point it was determined the pass would work only for wagons, and not for the railroad.