- Shrine Pass
Infobox Mountain Pass
Name = Shrine Pass
Photo =
Caption =
Elevation = 11,089 ft. (3380m)
Location =Colorado , USA
Range =Sawatch Range
Coordinates =
Topographichttp://terraserver.microsoft.com/image.aspx?T=2&S=11&Z=13&X=983&Y=10944&W=1 Terraserver map]
Traversed by = Unpaved roadShrine Pass (el. 11,089 ft.) is a high
mountain pass in theRocky Mountains of centralColorado in theUnited States .The pass is located at the northern end of the
Sawatch Range , along the border of Eagle and Summit counties west of Frisco and just northwest ofVail Pass . It is traversed by a narrow unpaved road connecting the eastern side of Vail Pass nearInterstate 70 (east) with the town of Red Cliff in the upper valley of the Eagle River (west). Most of the time, it is a 4WD or jeep trail; however, in ideal weather the road is considered traversable by sturdy 2WD vehicles and light trucks.The pass was formerly the principal route between the upper valleys of the Blue and Eagle before the construction of
U.S. Highway 6 over nearbyVail Pass , which subsequently became the main route. The pass offers scenic view of wildflower meadows and pine woodlands during the summer and autumn months, as well as distant view ofMount of the Holy Cross to the north. It is especially popular as a sightseeing route during the autumn months.During the winter, it is a popular
snowmobile andcross-country skiing route. A car shuttle from the resort town of Vail in the Eagle Valley to the town of Red Cliff allows skiers to access the pass. After a one mile hike upwards, it is possible to descend a ten-mile course back down to the town of Red Cliff.See also
*
Ptarmigan Pass External links
* [http://terraserver.microsoft.com/image.aspx?T=2&S=11&Z=13&X=983&Y=10944&W=1 Topographic map]
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