Poncha Pass (9,010 ft/2,745 m) is a
mountain pass in
South-Central Colorado (
USA). It lies between the
San Luis Valley to the south and the valley of the
Arkansas River to the north, and is one of the lowest mountain passes in the state. It is in the saddle between the
Sangre de Cristo Range, lying to the southeast, and the
Sawatch Range, lying to the west and northwest.
U.S. Highway 285 runs over the pass, linking the towns of
Alamosa to the south and
Salida to the northeast. The small town of
Poncha Springs lies about 6 miles (9 km) north of the pass. The pass has a mild approach on the northern side and a moderate 5% approach from the south, though it remains open all year round and does not normally cause problems for vehicles in winter.