Traveling US 160 - Wolf Creek Pass
Beware the Wolf

Did you know?
From 2015 to 2019:
- 47 semi-truck drivers have crashed on the west side of Wolf Creek Pass (U.S. Highway 160)
- 3 truck drivers have been killed in crashes on the Pass
- Most crashes occur at the switchback curve near the Wolf Creek scenic outlook area
Wolf Creek Pass Map

Prepare for the Trip
![]() ![]() |
|
Using Runaway Truck Ramps
![]() ![]() |
|
With stretches as wide as four lanes, US 160/Wolf Creek Pass can deceive drivers into thinking there is ample room to navigate it. Adding high speeds to this miscalculation creates dangerous conditions—particularly for commercial vehicle drivers.
Arm Yourself With Knowledge
- Know the road
Take the time to familiarize yourself with this mountain pass. - Obey the speed limit
Westbound commercial vehicle drivers must maintain a speed of no faster than 25 mph downhill from the summit. - Understand the steepness of the Pass
The west side of the Pass is at a 7% downhill grade. - Anticipate curves
The Pass features a dangerous hairpin curve six-and-a-half miles from the summit. - Know how far you'll travel
Drivers will travel more than eight miles from the summit (near the Wolf Creek Ski Area) to the west base of the Pass (near Treasure Falls). - Identify public-access roads
Points of access along the Pass include a ski area, forest roads and a public scenic lookout. - Know where to find brake and chain-up stations
Inspect your brakes at the summit before descending the eight-mile trip. A wide shoulder area is available to eastbound and westbound motorists. This area can also be used as chain-up station. - Know where to find the runaway truck ramps
Two runaway escape ramps are available on the west side of the Pass for out-of-control trucks:- At mile point (MP) 162.5, about 4.5 miles from the summit.
- MP 161, about six miles from the summit.
- Note: This is your last chance to use a runaway ramp.