Three southwest mountain passes scheduled to close Nov. 25 for winter maintenance preparation

Travel Advisory

Nov. 21, 2025 - Southwestern Colorado - Lengthy morning delays on US 160 Wolf Creek, US 550 Red Mountain and CO 145 Lizard Head Passes

Southwest Colorado — On Tuesday, Nov. 25, motorists should plan for closures on US Highway 160 Wolf Creek Pass, US 550 Red Mountain Pass and Colorado Highway 145 Lizard Head Pass while the Colorado Department of Transportation performs safety-critical helicopter operations in preparation for the upcoming winter season. US 160 Wolf Creek Pass will close for approximately two hours from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. followed by mid-morning closures on US 550 and CO 145. The lengthy closures are needed to allow for motorist safety during helicopter operations and preparations of avalanche mitigation equipment above the highway.

Motorists will encounter full stops and a lengthy delay of up to two hours and are urged to allow for extra travel time or seek alternate routes. Visit COtrip.org for the most current closure times and traffic impacts.

Helicopter operations are dependent upon weather conditions. Delay times are approximate and may be extended should unusual circumstances arise.

Tuesday, Nov. 25 Closure Schedule:

  • 7:30 a.m. - US 160 Wolf Creek Pass (between South Fork and Pagosa Springs):
    • Eastbound travelers will encounter a closure at Treasure Falls (Mile Point 157), 13 miles east of Pagosa Springs
    • Westbound travelers will encounter a closure at the Wolf Creek Pass Ski Area (MP 167), 19 miles west of South Fork
  • 9 a.m. - US 550 Red Mountain Pass (between Ouray and Silverton):
    • Northbound travelers will encounter a closure north of Ironton (MP 87)
    • Southbound travelers will encounter a closure at the Bear Creek Overlook, approximately three miles south of Ouray (MP 90.6)
  • 10:30 a.m. - CO 145 Lizard Head Pass (between Telluride and Rico):
    • Northbound travelers will encounter a closure at Forest Service Road 423 (MP 49), two miles north of Rico
    • Southbound travelers may encounter two closures, one three miles north of Rico (MP 50) or one near Trout Lake (MP 61)
Colorado Department of Transportation Highway Closure Alert Map of scheduled closures for Tuesday, Nov. 25 on US 160 Wolf Creek Pass, US 550 Red Mountain Pass and CO 145 Lizard Head Pass. Motorists will encounter full stops and a lengthy delay of up to two hours to allow for safety-critical helicopter operations.
Colorado Department of Transportation Highway Closure Alert Map of scheduled closures for Tuesday, Nov. 25 on US 160 Wolf Creek Pass, US 550 Red Mountain Pass and CO 145 Lizard Head Pass. Motorists will encounter full stops and a lengthy delay of up to two hours to allow for safety-critical helicopter operations.

Know Before You Go

Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:

Remember: Slow For The Cone Zone

The following tips are to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones.

  • Do not speed in work zones. Obey the posted speed limits.
  • Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.
  • Watch for workers. Drive with caution.
  • Don't change lanes unnecessarily.
  • Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in work zones.
  • Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.
  • Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.
  • Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
  • Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
  • Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so.
  • Be patient!

Download the COtrip App!

The new free COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!