Corona Pass
Corona Pass is a beautiful scenic area that will take you along what was once the highest and most dangerous railroad routes in Colorado, if not the entire United States, to the top of the Continental Divide.
Whether you are driving, hiking, or biking on Corona Pass, you can view historic railroad trestles and even the abandoned town of Arrow, once a booming railway town. Along the way, there are also alpine lakes, streams, gorgeous wildflowers, and the occasional wildlife sightings. If you decide to take a scenic drive on Corona Pass, you may want a 4 wheel drive vehicle, as you will be driving along a fairly steep road.
Since Corona Pass is part of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, hikers can explore many different parts of the area in an extraordinary day hike. From Corona Pass, the CDNST connects hikers to Berthoud Pass, along Rogers Pass, James Peak, Mount Bancroft, Parry Peak, Mount Eva, Mount Flora, and Colorado Mines Peak. For a shorter haul, you can hike to the Deadman, Pumphouse, and Corona Lakes near the top of Corona Pass.
Bikers will also be pleased with what the pass offers. Once you reach the top, a blocked tunnel prevents cycling down the other side to Rollinsville, but more experienced riders can continue up the side of James Peak and Rogers Pass Trail, a 32 mile roundtrip ride. Regardless of how you decide to explore Corona Pass, afternoon thunderstorms are prevalent in the summer months, so it is best enjoyed in the morning.
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