It is no secret that the Centennial State houses some of the most jaw-dropping drives in the country, but some are so extraordinary that they manage to stand out from the others. One of these drives/places is southwest Colorado’s Dallas Divide, which we happen to think is absolutely heaven on earth:

Nestled between Ridgway and Placerville, the Dallas Divide is an 8,970-foot pass that serves as a divider for the San Juan Mountains and Uncompahgre Plateau.

Wikimedia Commons/Jeffrey Beall

Named for the Dallas Creek (that drains the basin on the north side of Mount Sneffels into the Uncompahgre River), the Dallas Divide is a sight-to-see year-round with its vibrant fall colors, wildflowers in the spring and summer, and pristinely white snow in the winter.

Flickr/David Kingham

If you plan to drive the Divide, set aside extra time to get out and walk around, as this high-elevation jewel is truly heaven on earth!

Flickr/Chuckcars

In addition to the drive, the Dallas Divide boasts other opportunities a la hiking and biking, off-roading, and photography.

Flickr/Chuckcars

Keep your eyes peeled - you never know who or what you will see along the Dallas Divide!

TripAdvisor/DiscoveringParadise

Please note: If you do plan to drive the Dallas Divide during the winter months, use caution, as the road has been known to get icy.

Flickr/susanmf

The 23-mile-long Dallas Divide is accessible via State Highway 62 (12 miles west of Ridgway).

Google/Brenda Monosmith

Do you have a favorite attraction, event, or restaurant that you would like to see featured here on Only in Colorado? Remember to nominate it here! For even more of our favorite Colorado drives (that are just about as heavenly as the Dallas Divide!), click on Everyone In Colorado Needs To Take This Epic Drive At Least Once.

Wikimedia Commons/Jeffrey Beall

Flickr/David Kingham

Flickr/Chuckcars

TripAdvisor/DiscoveringParadise

Flickr/susanmf

Google/Brenda Monosmith

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Address: Dallas Divide, Colorado 81432, USA