Highway 40 reaches an elevation of 11,307' atop Berthoud Pass as it winds from the town of Empire up and over the Continental Divide and back down to the Fraser Valley and beyond. On both sides of the pass, hiking trails lead to amazing views - both distant vistas as well as picture-perfect streams meandering down from the ridges and melting snows high above. First Creek, Second Creek, Current Creek, and Butler Gulch are just a few of my favorite places in this area, and the hikes along the Continental Divide are breathtaking - literally!