Mayday from Durango

The US-160 rises 24.4km through alpine terrain above the treeline, gaining 707m to 2,663m. The average gradient of 2.9% disguises ramps of 6.6% — the kind of gradient that turns plans into prayers. This is a climb of endurance — the kind of effort measured in hours, where pacing matters more than power. The summit at 2,663m sits above the treeline, where the air thins and the views extend to distant peaks. Located in Colorado, United-states.