La Veta Pass

La Veta Pass is a high mountain pass situated along US Highway 160 in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, serving as a scenic eastern gateway into Colorado's San Luis Valley. Reaching an elevation of over 9,400 feet, the paved drive features gentle highway grades and wide pullouts with beautiful mountain vistas. While located southeast of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve rather than inside park boundaries, it remains a popular highway route for visitors driving into the area.

Expert notes

• Bring plenty of water and snacks for your journey.
• Dress in layers as weather can change rapidly.
• Stay on marked trails to protect the natural environment.
• Be aware of altitude sickness and acclimatize accordingly.
• Check road conditions before traveling during winter months.
• Respect wildlife and keep a safe distance.
• Pack out what you pack in to keep the area clean.
• Use sunscreen and wear sunglasses to protect from UV rays at high elevation.
• Consider visiting during sunrise or sunset for stunning views.
• Take your time to enjoy the scenery and take photographs.

Features

• Accessible year-round
• Breathtaking viewpoints
• Hiking trails
• Parking areas
• Picnic areas
• Rest stops nearby
• Scenic overlooks
• Wildlife observation