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PARK RANGE | COLORADO | UNITED STATES
Summary | 500 inches a year
RABBIT EARS PASS
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The Park Range (elevation approximately 12,000 ft) is a mountain range in the Rocky Mountains of northwestern Colorado in the United States. The range forms a relatively isolated part of the continental divide, extending north-to-south for approximately 40 miles (64 km) along the boundary between Jackson (east) and Routt counties. It separates North Park in the upper basin of the North Platte River on the east from the Elk River basin in the watershed of the Yampa River the west. It rises steeply out of the Yampa River basin, forming a climatic barrier that receives much snowfall in winter. Steamboat Springs, a popular ski resort community, sits on the southwestern flank of the range, at the base of Mount Werner. Much of the range is located within the Routt National Forest, with the summit of the ridge located within the Mount Zirkel Wilderness, named for Mount Zirkel (elevation 12180 ft). The range is prominently visible from both sides and forms a picturesque skyline from much of North Park. It is traversed at its southern end by Rabbit Ears Pass which carries U.S. Highway 40. It is also traversed by Buffalo Pass which carries a gravel road between Steamboat Springs and Walden, and which is traversable by most vehicles in good weather in summer.
Snowpack
http://avalanche.state.co.us/pub_bc_avo.php?zone_id=0
Mountains
RABBIT EARS PASS (0) Elevation: 9,426 ft
The pass straddles the continental divide at the southern end of the Park Range along the boundary between Grand and Jackson counties. The pass is named for nearby Rabbit Ears Peak, a mountain in Park Range to the north that is prominently visible from the east side of the pass during good weather. It separates the upper basin of the Yampa River on the west with the North Park in the upper basin of the North Platte River on the east. The west summit, though steeper (7%), is lower (9400'), and the true high point is the east summit. Although lower in elevation than many of the high mountain passes farther to the south in the Colorado Rockies, the pass often receives a great deal of snow in winter and is subject to regular short closures during heavy winter storms. The meadows beneath it along U.S. Highway 40 allow for reliable cross country skiing. The pass provides the route of U.S. Highway 40 between Kremmling and Steamboat Springs. It is one of three crossings of the continental divide along the U.S. Highway, along with nearby Muddy Pass to the southeast and Berthoud Pass as it approaches Denver. The pass is significantly steeper on the western side (near Steamboat Springs) than the eastern side, where it descends along a slow incline towards Muddy Pass. There is a single runaway truck ramp on the west side for truckers whose brakes became hot while braking down the inclineNeed A Guide?
Alpine Ambitions
Alpine Ambitions leads educational, adventurous, ski experiences in some of the most quintessential ski locations on the planet. No matter where you are on the spectrum of skiers - from accomplished, expert skier ready to ski from the summits of big peaks, and in off-the-beaten-path locations to a novice skier with the desire to ski all-conditions and all-terrain, Alpine Ambitions creates the right environment for you....Hire this guide
Alpine Ambitions leads educational, adventurous, ski experiences in some of the most quintessential ski locations on the planet. No matter where you are on the spectrum of skiers - from accomplished, expert skier ready to ski from the summits of big peaks, and in off-the-beaten-path locations to a novice skier with the desire to ski all-conditions and all-terrain, Alpine Ambitions creates the right environment for you....Hire this guide
Alpine World Ascents
Alpine World Ascents is a professional ski and mountain guide outfit based out of Boulder, CO, offering instruction and guiding year round locally and around the world: Rock, Ice, Alpine, Ski, Avalanche Safety. AMGA and IFMGA certified guides only....Hire this guide
Alpine World Ascents is a professional ski and mountain guide outfit based out of Boulder, CO, offering instruction and guiding year round locally and around the world: Rock, Ice, Alpine, Ski, Avalanche Safety. AMGA and IFMGA certified guides only....Hire this guide
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