16 of 17

By the time I returned from Colorado in August I had climbed 16 of the 17 highest paved passes in the state. Hoosier Pass on CO 9 between Breckenridge and Fairplay, 11,539 feet, has eluded me to this point. If I can get to Colorado again in the near future I'll try to make a point of completing this climb. If I get to ride the CRMBT next summer I would also add Cottonwood Pass, west of Buena Vista, 12,126 feet. Cottonwood is only paved on the east side, but it sounds as if the climb on hard-packed dirt up the west side would make for a great descent into Buena Vista.

There are other mountains to climb, passes to ride, and tours I would like to try, but I wouldn't mind revisiting some of the places I've been. There is a loop from Durango to Ouray to Telluride to Cortez to Durango which would be part old, part new, and all spectacular. If I can find the time and the money, I'm full of ideas.

In order of elevation, these are the passes I've ridden to date:

Trail Ridge Road- 12,180 feet

Independence Pass- 12,095 feet

 Loveland Pass- 11,990 feet

Slumgullion Pass- 11,530 feet

Fremont Pass- 11,318 feet

Berthoud Pass- 11,307 feet

Monarch Pass- 11,312 feet

Juniper Pass- 11,160 feet

Red Mountain Pass- 11,018 feet

Spring Creek Pass- 10,898 feet

Molas Pass- 10,910 feet

Wolf Creek Pass- 10,850 feet

Grand Mesa- 10,839 feet

Coal Bank Summit- 10,640 feet

Vail Pass- 10,554 feet

Tennessee Pass- 10,424 feet