South Pass, Mountain pass at Continental Divide in Fremont County, Wyoming, US.
South Pass is a mountain pass cutting through the Rocky Mountains at the Continental Divide, sitting at roughly 2,300 meters elevation. It provides a natural gateway through the mountains where wagons and travelers could find passage where the terrain otherwise blocks movement.
In the 1800s, this pass became the lifeline for westward movement as thousands of settlers, fur traders, and explorers relied on it to reach new territories. It played a crucial role in opening up the West during the era of expansion.
Indigenous peoples had traveled through here for generations before European settlers arrived seeking opportunities in the West. The pass became a meeting point where different ways of life crossed paths and left lasting marks on the land.
Access is straightforward via U.S. Route 287, which remains open year-round, though summer and fall offer the most comfortable conditions for exploration. The elevation and exposed location mean weather can change quickly, so visitors should prepare for shifting conditions regardless of season.
What made this pass special was its unusually gentle slope compared to other mountain crossings, making it the most practical route for wagon trains. This rare geographical advantage is why it became the highway of choice for so many westbound travelers during the settlement era.
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