Kenosha Pass

Description

The Kenosha Pass ride is a 46 mile out and back ride from Bailey to Jefferson and back.  It features scenic mountain views, the North Fork section of the South Platte river, and unfortunately lots of fast moving traffic.

The Route

From Bailey ride west on US-285 up and over Kenosha Pass and down into the tiny town of Jefferson.  From Jefferson fuel up and ride on back.

Hazards

US-285 can have both wide and narrow shoulders.  On the wider areas you have to watch out for the rumble strips, some stray bob wire, and gravel.  On the narrow sections you have to watch our for the cars that zoom by at 55+ mph.

Difficulty

Although climbing about 2200 feet riding west from Bailey over Kenosha Pass the ascent is fairly gradual except for a difficult 3 mile stretch starting about 3 miles from the summit.  Riding back east there is a short 2 mile climb and then it is mostly down hill from there.

Overall Rating:

Although a very scenic ride especially towards the summit of Kenosha Pass, the road has too many hazards and too much exhaust for you to want to consider riding it too often.