Poncha Pass
Elevation - 9,010ft
38°25'20''N 106°05'13''W
A low pass that connects the Arkansas Valley to the San Luis Valley at the northern end of the Sangre De Cristo Range and the southern end of the Sawatch Range. Nearest AWOS is Monarch Pass to the northwest (124.175 / 719-539-4436).
Remarks: A relatively tame, low pass that runs north and south, easily identified by Highway 285. A good alternative to Monarch Pass by crossing Poncha Pass and Marshall Pass to go east and west. Use caution for high winds through this pass, mechanical turbulence may exist. Use caution, Mount Ouray (13,971ft) 7.5NM to the west and Methodist Mountain (11,707ft) 4.3NM to east. Use caution, this is a high traffic area for north/south and east/west pilots.
Remarks: A relatively tame, low pass that runs north and south, easily identified by Highway 285. A good alternative to Monarch Pass by crossing Poncha Pass and Marshall Pass to go east and west. Use caution for high winds through this pass, mechanical turbulence may exist. Use caution, Mount Ouray (13,971ft) 7.5NM to the west and Methodist Mountain (11,707ft) 4.3NM to east. Use caution, this is a high traffic area for north/south and east/west pilots.
Other Local Passes: Marshall Pass, Monarch Pass, Hayden Pass.
