Cameron Pass on Highway 14 is the winter gateway into North Park

For most people, the paved way into North Park from the Front Range is Colorado Highway 14. It follows the Cache la Poudre River canyon out of the Fort Collins area, climbs to Cameron Pass, and drops into the basin near Walden. The same road is a designated scenic byway, which tells you it is beautiful but does not mean it is always an easy drive.

Cameron Pass is high country, and winter shows up early and stays late. Snow, ice, wind, and quick weather changes are normal up top. On Colorado mountain highways, the state can put a traction law in effect, which sets requirements for tires or chains so vehicles can keep moving safely. Cars without the right tires are part of what closes a road.

Plan around it rather than against it. Before a winter trip, check current road conditions and any closures, carry warm gear and water, and keep your tank from running low, since services are far apart out here. If a storm is moving through, the pass is the part to watch.

For the byway route and current conditions over Cameron Pass on Highway 14, check the Colorado Department of Transportation and COtrip.