Guides/Overland routes/Colorado
Overland route22 midifficulty: easy

Boreas Pass

RegionColoradoAgencyU.S. Forest ServiceLast verified—
Boreas Pass — overland route near Como, Colorado, Colorado
Photo by Randallm1 via Wikimedia Commons (public domain)
Trail vitals6 facts
Length
22mi
Technical difficulty
Easy
Direction
Point to point
Vehicle
Any high-clearance vehicle. The road is graded gravel and dirt on the historic narrow-gauge railroad grade. Stock crossovers handle it in dry conditions; AWD helpful after rain.
Best months
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Cell coverage
Spotty above Como; service in Breckenridge.
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Boreas Pass is a 22-mile graded gravel road over the former Denver, South Park & Pacific narrow-gauge railroad grade, connecting Como in South Park with Breckenridge on the Blue River. The pass crests at 11,481 feet on Pike-San Isabel National Forest. The Como rail yard at the eastern end is preserved as a National Historic District; the section house and water tank at the pass remain in place.

The road closes seasonally with snow, typically from late October to late May. Most drivers run the route in 90 minutes to two hours, longer with stops at the Como rail yard or the Section House at the pass. There are no technical obstacles; the gentle rail grade keeps the climb under 4 percent throughout.

Hazards

Read before you go

  • Seasonal closures. The road closes from late October through late May with snow.
  • Single-lane sections. Several stretches are one-lane with limited pullouts.
  • High elevation. The pass tops 11,481 feet. Watch for altitude effects and afternoon thunderstorms.
  • Wildlife. Elk and deer cross routinely.
  • Limited services. No fuel on the route between Como and Breckenridge.

Location

22 mi · Overland route

Approx. location 39.413, -105.968

Trail facts

5 fields
AgencyU.S. Forest Service
Nearest townComo, Colorado
Websitewww.fs.usda.gov/r02/psicc/recreation/boreas-pass-auto-tour
ClosedNov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
Approx. location39.413, -105.968

Getting there

Directions

From Como / Fairplay (east entrance). From US-285 at Como, turn west on Boreas Pass Road / FR 33.

From Breckenridge (west entrance). From Main Street in Breckenridge, take Boreas Pass Road south. Pavement runs about three miles before the road transitions to gravel.

Photos

2 photos

Photos · 2

Field notes

Getting Oriented

Boreas Pass runs north-south between the South Park valley (Como) and the Blue River valley (Breckenridge), crossing the Continental Divide at 11,481 feet. Pike-San Isabel National Forest's South Park Ranger District manages the corridor. The road follows the original 1880s railroad grade, with multiple railroad-era structures preserved along the route.

Trail Overview

Twenty-two miles, point-to-point, graded gravel on the railroad grade. The road grade rarely exceeds 4 percent because it follows the historic rail bed. The eastern climb out of Como gains about 2,000 feet to the pass; the western descent drops about 2,000 feet to Breckenridge. There are no off-road obstacles. AWD or 4WD is helpful in wet conditions but not required when dry.

Points of Interest

  • Boreas Pass summit (11,481 ft). The Section House (preserved), Ken's Cabin, and a water tank base remain at the pass. Pullouts and parking.
  • Como rail yard. National Historic District at the eastern end. The roundhouse and several railroad structures are preserved; the Como Hotel and Roundhouse Restaurant operate during summer.
  • Bakers Tank. Restored water tank along the road on the eastern climb.
  • Selkirk Campground. USFS developed campground at roughly 11,000 feet on the eastern side.
  • Breckenridge. Resort town at the western end with full services.

Where to Camp

Selkirk Campground (USFS) on the eastern side is the developed option on the route. Dispersed camping is allowed on FS land off side roads with the standard 16-day stay limit. Multiple FS campgrounds in the broader Como/Fairplay area; Breckenridge has private RV parks.

Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip

  • The road closes from late October through late May. The Forest Service maintains the gates; check status with the South Park Ranger District (719-836-2031).
  • Pair the drive with the historic Como rail yard tour at the eastern end.
  • The Section House at the pass is volunteer-staffed during summer; interpretive displays inside.
  • Top off in Breckenridge or Fairplay. Como has limited services.
  • The grade is gentle enough for trailers and small RVs in dry conditions.

Frequently asked

Common questions

How difficult is Boreas Pass?
Boreas Pass is rated easy. The route runs 22 miles.
What kind of vehicle do you need for Boreas Pass?
Any high-clearance vehicle. The road is graded gravel and dirt on the historic narrow-gauge railroad grade. Stock crossovers handle it in dry conditions; AWD helpful after rain.
When is the best time to visit Boreas Pass?
The best months are Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct. Avoid Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May.
Is there cell service at Boreas Pass?
Spotty above Como; service in Breckenridge.