Argentine Pass (13,207′), Front Range
Argentine Pass is the highest named vehicle-accessible pass in Colorado. Vehicle travel is only possible on the Georgetown side of the pass (during the summer months) by a four-wheel drive vehicle with high-clearance. The trail on the Horseshoe Basin side is only accessible by foot or by mountain bike. The pass is also the highest point on the American Discovery Trail, perched on the Continental Divide.
The pass has many great hiking destinations, and provides a ridgeline walk to Gray’s Peak (14,270′), a great alternative to busy Stevens Gulch if you have a 4×4.
Trail Stats
- Trailhead: Guanella Pass Road (County Road 381)
- Round trip: 15.8 miles / 25.4 km (moderate difficulty)
- Elevation: 9,514′- 13′207 / 2,900 m – 4,026 m
- County: Clear Creek
- National Forest: Arapaho
Trail Pictures
Aspen groves along the trail
Aspen groves along the trail
Waterfall along the trail
Waterfall along the trail
Early morning start
Early morning start
The narrow road popping out above treeline
The narrow road popping out above treeline
Through the tundra to the summit
Through the tundra to the summit
Beautiful drive to Argentine Pass
Beautiful drive to Argentine Pass
The road does require a high clearance vehicle
The road does require a high clearance vehicle
A few creek crossings along the route
A few creek crossings along the route
It’s about 8 miles to the pass from the turnoff
It’s about 8 miles to the pass from the turnoff
Temperatures as low as −59 °F (−50.6 °C) have been recorded on the pass.
Temperatures as low as −59 °F (−50.6 °C) have been recorded on the pass.
The route is very rocky throughout
The route is very rocky throughout
FSR 724.1 winding across the tundra
FSR 724.1 winding across the tundra
View of Gray’s and Torreys (right) from Argentine Pass
View of Gray’s and Torreys (right) from Argentine Pass
Grays Peak (in the Shade) with Torreys to the right and Ruby Mountain on the left
Grays Peak (in the Shade) with Torreys to the right and Ruby Mountain on the left
Ruby Mountain (13,228′)
Ruby Mountain (13,228′)
Grays Peak (right of center) is the highest point along the Continental Divide
Grays Peak (right of center) is the highest point along the Continental Divide
Survey marker at the top of Argentine Pass
Survey marker at the top of Argentine Pass
Ridgeline from Argentine Pass to Gray’s Peak
Ridgeline from Argentine Pass to Gray’s Peak
Horseshoe Basin below Grays Peak
Horseshoe Basin below Grays Peak
Argentine Pass view to the west
Argentine Pass view to the west
View of the Peru Creek drainage to the west
View of the Peru Creek drainage to the west
View of Argentine Peak (13,733′) from the pass
View of Argentine Peak (13,733′) from the pass
There is no motorized route down the west side of the pass
There is no motorized route down the west side of the pass
The peak wind speed recorded at the pass as of 1912 was 165 miles per hour (266 km/h), at which point the measuring equipment was blown away.
The peak wind speed recorded at the pass as of 1912 was 165 miles per hour (266 km/h), at which point the measuring equipment was blown away.
View northeast on the way down
View northeast on the way down
Bring a map as there are no signs to the pass
Bring a map as there are no signs to the pass
GPX with Elevation
Video Tour
Trail Directions
Take exit 228 from I-25W, go under the freeway and take a right (west) at the 4 way stop. Follow the signs to Guanella Pass through the historic downtown area of Georgetown.
About 2.5 miles out of Georgetown watch for a small parking lot on the right side of one of the switchbacks. This will begin the road to the pass, FR248.1. As of this writing, there are no signs to the pass, so bring a map.
Trailhead Directions