Getting in and out of Park County means driving mountain passes

Park County sits high, and most ways in or out climb over a pass. US 285 comes in over Kenosha Pass, and Colorado Highway 9 connects Alma and Fairplay to Summit County over Hoosier Pass, which tops the Continental Divide.

These roads stay open through the year, but mountain weather changes them fast. A clear valley in Fairplay can sit below a snow-packed, low-visibility crest. During winter storms, Colorado can activate its traction law or chain law — rules that can be put in place on any state highway when conditions call for it, including these passes. When active, they set requirements for tires, all-wheel drive, or chains. Crashes and storms can also close a pass for a while, sometimes with no quick detour.

What this means day to day: winter commuting, school runs, and getting to a hospital or airport all depend on pass conditions. Newcomers used to flatland driving often underestimate how much a single storm can change the trip. Good tires, a slow pace, and a habit of checking conditions before leaving go a long way.

Road status is volatile, so do not rely on a fixed schedule. Check current conditions and any active traction or chain law with CDOT and COtrip before you go.