The pass is located at the northern end of the Sawatch Range, along the border of Eagle and Summit counties west of Frisco and 2 miles (3.2 km) northwest of Vail Pass.

It is traversed by a narrow unpaved road connecting the eastern side of Vail Pass near Interstate 70 (east) with the town of Red Cliff in the upper valley of the Eagle River (west).

Most of the time, it is a 4WD or jeep trail; however, in ideal weather the road is considered traversable by sturdy 2WD vehicles and light trucks.

The pass offers scenic view of wildflower meadows and pine woodlands during the summer and autumn months, as well as distant view of Mount of the Holy Cross to the north.

After a one-mile hike upwards, it is possible to descend a ten-mile course back down to the town of Red Cliff.