Dunckley Pass Overlook Picnic Site


Just 19 miles outside of Yampa and approximately 35 miles from Steamboat Springs, this is a great place to stop off the Flat Tops Scenic Byway for a picnic or bathroom break. The panoramic view of the Flat Tops and Pyramid Peak from here is spectacular, especially during the fall months for viewing the colors. 

Dunckley Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 9,783ft above the sea level, located in the Routt National Forest in Rio Blanco County, in Northwest Colorado in the Flat Tops Wilderness.

The road getting here is unpaved but can accommodate regular passenger vehicles. Once parked, look for the little trail that meanders up to the top of the lookout where you will find one picnic table which offers a great opportunity for a picnic. The small hike into the lookout and picnic table is about a 3-5 minute walk. 

**This area is only accessible via snowmobile during the winter months.**

At a Glance

Operational Hours: Accessible by regular passenger vehicle mid-June through November (weather dependent and snowfall) **This area is only accessible via snowmobile during the winter months.**
Reservations: No reservations, first come basis only
Area Amenities: Toilets
Fees: Free
Open Season: Mid June - Early November
Usage: Light
Best Season: Fall Colors
Busiest Season: Big Game Hunting Season
Restrictions: Note: This picnic site is not accessible during the winter months as the road is not plowed or maintained during the winter. It is typically drivable from Mid June to early November depending on snowfall. 
Closest Towns: Yampa, CO
Water: No
Restroom: Vault Toilet
Information Center: Yampa Ranger District
300 Roselawn Ave
Yampa, CO 80483
(970) 638-4516

General Information

Directions:

FROM THE TOWN OF YAMPA: Go 5 miles on County Road 17 (also known as the Scenic Byway which goes from Yampa to the town of Meeker), Follow all signs pointing towards Dunckley Pass. From County Road 17 you will veer left onto a gravel road which is County Road 132/Forest Road 16. Proceed for 14 miles. Just before the top of Dunckley Pass you will make a right hand turn into a large parking lot, there is also a public vault toilet house in the parking lot. Note: The turn into the parking lot can be easily missed as it is surrounded in Pine trees and Aspen. Once parked, look for the little trail that meanders up to the top of the lookout and to the Picnic table. The small hike into the lookout and picnic table is about a 3-5 minute walk. 

FROM STEAMBOAT SPRINGS: Follow HWY 40 east to HWY 131 south passing through the town of Oak Creek. Proceed just a few more miles until reaching the small town Phippsburg where you will see a ranch feed store on the right, just past the store, take a right on CTY Rd 15 and follow to CTY Rd 132/Forest Road 16 (veering right onto the gravel road). Follow CTY Rd 132 for 14 miles. Just before the top of Dunckley Pass you will make a left hand turn into a large parking lot, where there is also a public vault toilet in the parking lot. Note: The turn into the parking lot can be easily missed as it is surrounded in Pine trees and Aspen. Once parked, look for the little trail that meanders up to the top of the lookout and to the Picnic table. The small hike into the lookout and picnic table is about a 3-5 minute walk. 

 

 


Accessibility:

Not accessible by wheelchair


Parking:

The picnic site has a large parking lot with ample parking.


Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Viewing Scenery

Picnicking

Amenities

Toilets: Vault toilet

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Location

 
  Latitude : 
40.2010074880001

  Longitude : 
-107.157349224

  Elevation : 
9,783ft