Berthoud Pass: The Mountain Road Colorado Kept Open for 80 Years and Then Quit

Berthoud Pass reaches 11,307 feet in Colorado, offering a look at a high-elevation route unchanged by CDOT plowing since 2002. U.S. Route 40 winds through this steep terrain, serving as a reminder of the engineering required to traverse the Continental Divide. While modern traffic relies on different infrastructure, this stretch remains a stark example of a mountain highway left to the elements. This footage documents the ascent, the tunnel, and the surrounding wintery landscapes that define the area. It is a look at what happens to Colorado mountain roads when regular maintenance is discontinued, preserving the pavement in a state of suspended animation high above the valley floor. Subscribe for weekly travel history breakdowns, and let me know in the comments if you prefer driving these high-altitude passes in winter or summer.