Kenosha Pass Road Conditions | Live Traffic Cams
Is Kenosha Pass Open or Closed Right Now?
Kenosha Pass (US-285) Status: OPEN
Kenosha Pass Quick Facts:
| Summit Elevation | 10,001 ft |
| Highway | US-285 |
| Connects | Jefferson and Grant (South Park gateway) |
| Open Pattern | Year-round with occasional storm closures |
| Main Winter Hazards | Snowpack, drifting, and sudden visibility drops |
| Travel Role | Major Front Range-to-South Park corridor |
Kenosha Pass Map
Kenosha Pass is a major US-285 corridor segment connecting the Front Range to South Park. Winter storm cycles frequently produce snow-packed pavement and reduced visibility, especially near the crest and in open meadows. This page renders location-specific CDOT status, weather, advisories, and forecast data for Kenosha Pass.
Kenosha Pass Live Traffic Cameras
Grant Area – Looking North
This camera shows conditions on the Grant-side approach to Kenosha Pass.
Fairplay Area – Looking South
This camera shows conditions on the Fairplay-side approach to Kenosha Pass.
Note: Cameras are placed on key approach segments and not directly at the summit crest.
Current Road Surface & Weather Conditions
Real-Time Weather Data for Kenosha Pass (US-285)
Weather data uses a local primary station with configured fallbacks for missing sensor fields.
Weather Forecast & Travel Impact
Weather Forecast for Kenosha Pass (US-285)
National Weather Service forecasts partly cloudy for the next 5 hours (through 11:13 PM MST).
What to Expect for Kenosha Pass (US-285):
Current Travel Conditions for Kenosha Pass (US-285)
Traffic Conditions for Kenosha Pass (US-285)
Current Travel Advisories & Alerts
Current Travel Advisories for Kenosha Pass (US-285)
- Traction Law in effect (Sept 1 - May 31): Passenger vehicles require AWD/4WD with adequate tread OR chains.
- CAUTION - Wet Pavement
Traction Law Reminder: Colorado’s Passenger Vehicle Traction Law and Commercial Vehicle Chain Law are in effect statewide September 1 through May 31. Passenger vehicles require snow tires (3/16″ tread minimum), all-season tires meeting specs, or 4WD/AWD. Commercial vehicles must carry and install chains when activated.
Why Does Kenosha Pass Close?
While Kenosha Pass is maintained year-round, it can close temporarily during severe conditions:
| Closure Reason | Threshold | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy Snow | Accumulation exceeds plowing capacity | 1-4 hours |
| Whiteout Conditions | Near-zero visibility at summit | 30 min – 2 hours |
| Vehicle Accidents | Road blockage on steep grade | 30 min – 2 hours |
| Avalanche Danger | Rare but possible on steep slopes | 1-3 hours |
| Icy Conditions | Black ice on steep 8% grade | Variable |
Closure Pattern: Kenosha Pass can remain open through many winter events, but severe storms may still trigger closures or long delays. Conditions can differ significantly between north and south approaches.
Alternative Routes When Kenosha Pass Is Closed
Primary Detours: If Kenosha Pass closes, detours typically use combinations of US-24, CO-9, or I-70 connectors depending on origin and destination. Expect longer travel times and weather exposure on alternate routes.
Route Planning: Kenosha Pass is the primary Front Range connection into South Park. When closed, verify alternate routing before departure rather than improvising in poor weather.
Important: Alternative mountain routes may be impacted by the same storm cycle. Confirm conditions for every segment on your full route.
Safely Driving Over Kenosha Pass
Winter Driving Tips:
- Steep Grade: The 8% grade is one of the steepest in use low gear.
- Switchbacks: The north side has several tight turns; reduce speed.
- Use Turnouts: Pull over to allow faster traffic to pass at designated areas.
- Be Patient: Local drivers familiar with the road may drive faster, so don’t feel pressured.
Vehicle Requirements
- Snow tires or M/S rated all-season tires
- AWD/4WD recommended for steep grades
- Chains for 2WD when chain law active
- Minimum 3/16″ tread depth required
High Altitude Advisory: At 11,541 feet, Kenosha Pass summit is high enough to affect visitors unaccustomed to altitude. Symptoms of altitude sickness can include headache, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Cell phone coverage is limited on the pass. Carry emergency supplies and consider a satellite communication device for winter travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kenosha Pass usually open in winter?
It is generally open year-round, but severe storms can still cause temporary closures or major delays.
How often is this page updated?
Conditions are pulled from CDOT systems on short intervals, typically every few minutes.
What should I verify before crossing Kenosha Pass?
Check live status, advisories, weather trend, and camera views immediately before departure.
Do chain/traction requirements apply on Kenosha Pass?
Yes. During winter events, traction or chain requirements may be activated, so carry compliant equipment.
If Kenosha closes, are alternates simple?
Not always. Alternate routes can also be weather-affected, so review full-route conditions before rerouting.
Status Reports for Other Colorado Mountain Routes & Passes
Blue Sky Limo provides real-time road condition reports using live CDOT COtrip data, refreshed every five minutes. Select a route below for current conditions, traffic cameras, and travel advisories before your mountain drive.
Additional CDOT Road Resources:
Visit COtrip.org for real-time road conditions, live webcams, and closure alerts for all Colorado highways. Download the CDOT mobile app (iOS | Android) to view traffic cameras, track snowplow locations, and receive push alerts for closures. Follow @ColoradoDOT on X for immediate updates on chain law activations and major incidents. For recorded Colorado road condition updates, call:
- 511 (within Colorado)
- 303-639-1111 (Denver metro)
- 877-315-7623 (toll-free statewide)
Mountain weather directly impacts road conditions and closure timing across Colorado. Check the National Weather Service forecast for storm warnings and precipitation timing before traveling. During winter months, the Colorado Avalanche Information Center posts forecasts that often signal upcoming closures for avalanche control on mountain passes and corridors.
Data Source: Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) COtrip API | Refreshed every 5 minutes
