Google Earth satellite image of route

Click to enlarge (120 KB)

Rating: 3/10

Argentine Pass is the highest pass in Colorado that is accessible by vehicle at 13,207'. Note that the highest pass in the state is Electric Pass, at 13,500', near Castle Peak in the Elk Mountains. To get to Argentine Pass, take the Guanella Pass road about 2.5 miles out of Georgetown and turn off at the sign marking Waldorf, which is on a corner of a hairpin turn. From there the trail heads west to the summit. Argentine is not a through pass, so you must return the way you came. There are many side roads to explore along this way and I feel kind of lucky to have made it all the way to the pass on my first attempt by following my nose.

Most of this route is on a very well maintained dirt road with one exception of a brook crossing near the Waldorf Mine area, which has some small rocks. The first half of the trail is pretty much like traveling on a country road through a forest. The second half, after tree line, the road starts to make its gradual ascent to the top. Once at the top, the views are quite impressive, primarily to the western side. The beautiful Horseshoe Basin lies 2,100' below, while Grays and Torreys Peaks are right there off to the northwest. Even Mt. of the Holy Cross can be seen about 40 miles away on a clear day, just peaking above Ruby Mountain to the west.

Here is a 6.6 MB video panorama from the pass.