Slippery When Wet
photos by Todd Newcomer

For locals, its either a quick day trip to enjoy the historically endless amounts of snow or just the beginning of a long drive to the states northern half. For tourists, its often an awe-inspiring, jaw-dropping, white-knuckled adventure to get from one side of the pass to the other. No matter if youre a lifetime veteran or if its your first time on Colorado roads, a trip over Wolf Creek Pass encapsulates the beauty of the area. From ice falls to wind blown cornices to the top of the Continental Divide, Wolf Creek Pass is a winter wonderland for both outdoor enthusiasts and the vehicle bound, arm-chair traveler.

Tim Thomas, of Creede who is a ski instructor at Wolf Creek, calls it a day as the lifts close and the sun sets behind the hill. A pair of signs inform motorists of the potential dangers in the snowpack high above the roadway on the east side of Wolf Creek Pass. Tege Goodpaster, of Mancos, removes his boots and gets into more comfortable foot apparel. Clouds drift pass the uppermost portions of Wolf Creek Pass. A blanket of snow covers a runaway truck ramp on Wolf Creek Pass. Snow chains engulf a tire of a Volvo L150C used to keep the Wolf Creek Pass pavement clear of ice and snow. The eastbound pavement of Hwy 160 heads toward the lower portion of Wolf Creek Pass.