Each year, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) closes certain high passes and rest areas, then reopens them in late spring, usually just in time for Memorial Day weekend. Get our free mobile appWhen Do Colorado Mountain Passes Close? Virginia Dale Rest Area (US 287) – Even rest stops feel the winter impact, with this one closing each September until spring. Colorado's Amazing Mountain Passes Ranked By Elevation Maintain a good grip on the steering wheel because we traveling to the top of the Rockies via Colorado's extreme mountain passes. Scroll on to learn more about mountain passes above 10,000 feet throughout the state.