▲ 9,300 ft · Taylor Reservoir days left this seasonLast day of the seasonClosed for the season · see you in 2027Opening Est. 1940
Taylor Park Trading Post Almont, CO · Cabins · RV · RZRs · Cafe · Store (970) 641-2555 Front desk open today from 8 amFront desk opens at 8 am todayClosed for the season · 2027 dates not announced yetClosed until
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Mountain pass · trail guide

Taylor Pass

Explore Taylor Pass, a historic passage named after local mining pioneer Jim Taylor. Once a vital connection for the Ashcroft Mining District, it now offers a rugged and scenic route between Taylor Park & Aspen.

Not reported

No current report from the Trading Post — call the counter or check the Forest Service before you go.

Elevation
11,928 ft
Above the Trading Post
+2,628 ft
Difficulty
◆ Challenging
Distance
17 mistraight line · the drive is longer
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Taylor Pass, officially named in 1940, carries a rich history dating back to the days of gold mining in the area. Named after Jim Taylor, a local mining pioneer who searched for gold in 1860, the pass was one of the first to service the Ashcroft Mining District. Its significance as a transport route for wagons, and later as a telegraph passage, highlights the important role it played in the area's development.

In the early days, the treacherous terrain was so challenging that wagons had to be dismantled and lowered over the north side of the pass. In 1880, Stevens and Company, owned by H.B. Gillespie, built a wagon road over the pass and started a stage route, further solidifying its importance as a vital connection. However, by the 1890s, the pass had fallen out of use, and an idea to build a railroad over the pass never materialized.

Today, Taylor Pass connects Taylor Park and Aspen, and though it has been improved since 1969, it remains very rough on the south side. Its rugged charm and scenic vistas make it an appealing route for those seeking adventure off the beaten path.

Ride on from Taylor Pass

Where it is

1Mount Antero13,800 ft· Intermediate · not reported2Mount White13,667 ft· Intermediate · not reported3Flag Mountain12,713 ft· Intermediate · not reported4Hancock Pass12,208 ft· Intermediate · not reported5Tincup Pass12,154 ft· Challenging · not reported6Baldwin Lake Mine12,079 ft· Challenging · not reported7Napoleon Pass12,034 ft· Challenging · not reported8Cumberland Pass12,015 ft· Easy · not reported9Tomichi Pass11,962 ft· Intermediate · not reported10Taylor Pass11,928 ft· Challenging · not reported11Mirror Lake10,981 ft· Easy · not reported12Union Park10,070 ft· Easy · not reported13St. Elmo9,961 ft· Easy · not reported14Spring Creek Reservoir9,940 ft· Easy · not reportedTrading PostBase · 9,300 ft · fuel · food · RZRs
Pins at USGS positions; terrain USGS 3DEP; roads, rivers & lakes © OpenStreetMap contributors. Roads are shown for orientation and don’t mean a route is open to RZRs. Not for navigation: carry the USFS Motor Vehicle Use Map. OpenPartlySnowClosedNot reported

All trail conditions →

Base camp· 17 mi as the crow flies to Taylor Pass

Fuel, food, a RZR and a bed — at the bottom of the hill.

The Trading Post has been outfitting this valley since 1940. Fill up and ride out from your cabin door.

Call the Trading Post · (970) 641-2555 Front desk open today from 8 amFront desk opens at 8 am todayClosed for the season · 2027 dates not announced yetClosed until

We book by phone. Ask the counter about conditions before you ride.