Berthoud Pass Traffic Cameras: US-40 Winter Park Crossing
Monitor real-time traffic cameras on Berthoud Pass — US Highway 40's 11,307-foot Continental Divide crossing between Empire and Winter Park, Colorado. Track ski-season Friday/Sunday backups, chain-law activations, powder-day surges, and the steep 6.3% switchback descents on TrafficVision.Live.
VIEW BERTHOUD PASS CAMERAS →Berthoud Pass on US Highway 40 crosses the Continental Divide at 11,307 feet — the primary highway access to Winter Park Resort (Colorado's longest continuously operating ski area) per Wikipedia's Berthoud Pass entry. The pass features 6.3% sustained grades with numerous switchbacks on the southern approach — notoriously difficult for RVs, trailers, and inexperienced winter drivers. Per CDOT's Passenger Vehicle Traction and Chain Laws, Code 15 Traction Law is in effect September 1 through May 31 — passenger vehicles require AWD/4WD with adequate tread or chains. Berthoud Pass has no vehicle restrictions by default, but the pass closes periodically due to extreme weather. Real-time conditions are available at COtrip.
Berthoud Pass Coverage
Empire (US-40 south / I-70 Exit 232)
South approach gateway
Empire serves as the primary gateway from I-70 — departing the Interstate at Exit 232.
Georgetown / Idaho Springs Corridor
Pre-ascent I-70 segment
I-70 feeds Berthoud Pass traffic through Georgetown and Idaho Springs. See Eisenhower Tunnel guide and I-70 corridor guide.
Berthoud Pass Summit (11,307 ft)
Continental Divide crossing
Highest point on US-40 — Clear Creek / Grand County line.
Winter Park (US-40 north)
Ski resort destination
Winter Park Resort directly accessible from US-40 — primary driver of pass traffic.
Fraser / Granby
Grand County corridor
US-40 continues through Fraser and Granby toward Steamboat Springs.
Steep 6.3% Grades
South and north descents
Per Wikipedia, both sides feature 6.3% sustained grades and numerous switchbacks — high risk for RVs and inexperienced winter drivers.
When to Check Berthoud Pass Cameras
Berthoud Pass Peak Traffic Windows
- Ski season Fridays — Heavy northbound PM (Denver → Winter Park)
- Ski season Sundays — Heavy southbound PM (return to Denver) — 2-4 hour backups
- Powder days — Pre-dawn northbound to Winter Park
- Holiday weekends — Thanksgiving, Christmas-NYE, MLK, President's Day worst
- Backcountry ski season — Weekend skier traffic to the pass itself
- Summer weekends — Mountain biking, fly fishing, and Grand Lake-bound traffic
- Extreme weather closures — Episodic — monitor COtrip before committing
View Live Berthoud Pass Cameras
Track US-40 from Empire across 11,307-foot Berthoud Pass to Winter Park — free, 24/7, no sign-up required.
VIEW BERTHOUD PASS CAMERAS →Extreme-Grade Pass — Not for RVs or Inexperienced Winter Drivers
Per Wikipedia, Berthoud Pass is "one of the most notoriously difficult passes in Colorado for motorists, based on its height as well as the steep grades on both sides (6.3%) and the large number of switchbacks on the southern side." Winter driving demands chains or AWD/4WD with adequate tread. RVs, trailers, and large vehicles should strongly consider alternate routes. Check COtrip and CDOT's chain law page before traveling.
Pro Tip: Berthoud vs. I-70 to Winter Park
Winter Park Resort sits on US-40, not I-70. From Denver, the fastest route is I-70 west to Exit 232 (Empire), then US-40 north across Berthoud Pass. There is no I-70 alternative — Berthoud Pass is the only major highway access to Winter Park from the east. During major Berthoud storm closures, drivers face long detours via Loveland Pass (US-6) or I-70 to Kremmling. Use TrafficVision cameras on both Berthoud Pass AND I-70 before committing to ski-day travel.
For Colorado mountain travelers, see our Colorado traffic cameras guide, Denver mountain pass ski season guide, Eisenhower Tunnel guide, Vail Pass guide, ski season mountain passes guide, and I-70 corridor guide.
What is Berthoud Pass's elevation?
Berthoud Pass summit on US-40 is 11,307 feet per Wikipedia — crossing the Continental Divide at the Clear Creek / Grand County line in Colorado.
Is Berthoud Pass closed in winter?
How do I get to Winter Park from Denver?
I-70 west to Exit 232 (Empire), then US-40 north across Berthoud Pass. Winter Park Resort is about 11 miles north of the summit. There is no I-70 alternative — Berthoud Pass is the primary route from Denver.
Are Berthoud Pass cameras free to view?
Can RVs cross Berthoud Pass?
Technically yes, but it's strongly discouraged. Per Wikipedia, 6.3% sustained grades and multiple switchbacks make Berthoud one of Colorado's most difficult passes for large vehicles. RVs should consider alternate routes or travel only in dry summer conditions.
Ready to Monitor Berthoud Pass?
Track US-40 across 11,307-foot Berthoud Pass with live CDOT cameras — free, instant, no sign-up.
VIEW BERTHOUD PASS CAMERAS →