Rabbit Ears Pass
Steamboat Springs, CO
US-40 crosses the Continental Divide here, named after a twin rock formation visible north of the road. Summer meadows and small lakes line the top, followed by a long, steep grade down to Steamboat Springs.
Rabbit Ears Pass is a mountain pass in Colorado where U.S. Highway 40 crosses the Continental Divide between Steamboat Springs and Kremmling. The summit is at about 2,873 meters (9,426 feet). The name comes from Rabbit Ears Peak north of the road, whose two large basalt columns resemble rabbit ears. The pass lies at the southern end of the Park Range.
The road was built between 1911 and 1917. The old pass, marked by a stone monument, is now Grand County Road 199, reached via the turnoff toward Dumont Lake. To the west, toward Steamboat Springs, the road drops about 900 meters (3,000 feet) over seven miles (roughly eleven kilometers), with many sharp curves and only one truck escape ramp. The east side is much gentler.
Heavy snow falls in winter, and severe storms repeatedly cause short closures. In summer, the area offers car camping, hiking and cycling. In winter, check road conditions beforehand.
- Nearest town
- Steamboat Springs, CO
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 40.3856, -106.6117
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Dumont Lake CampgroundCampsite1 mi from Rabbit Ears Pass · 22 pitches
- Harding Spur CampgroundMotorhome stopover15 mi from Rabbit Ears PassMotorhomes
- Pinnacle CampgroundMotorhome stopover15 mi from Rabbit Ears PassMotorhomesElectricity
- Junction City CampgroundMotorhome stopover15 mi from Rabbit Ears PassMotorhomesElectricity
- Steamboat Springs KOAMotorhome stopover16 mi from Rabbit Ears PassTentsMotorhomesShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Eagle Soaring RV ParkMotorhome stopover19 mi from Rabbit Ears PassMotorhomes
All campsites in Colorado · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Rabbit Ears Pass?
Rabbit Ears Pass is in Steamboat Springs, CO, at GPS 40.3856, -106.6117. It is about 25 mi from Kremmling.
Can you camp near Rabbit Ears Pass?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Rabbit Ears Pass Camp, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 16 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Rabbit Ears Pass?
Rabbit Ears Pass is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Rocky Mountain’s west side to Steamboat Springs.
What is there to see near Rabbit Ears Pass?
Places worth a stop nearby: Fish Creek Falls (11 mi), Holzwarth Historic Site (40 mi), Adams Falls (44 mi) and Trail Ridge Road (49 mi).
When is the best time to visit Rabbit Ears Pass?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)