Above: The steep pitch of Polychrome Pass becomes evident when the horizon is set against the slope. May 2, 2014.

Polychrome Pass is a mountain pass named for Polychrome Mountain on the Denali Park Road, the 83-mile out and back road that takes visitors inside Denali National Park. The narrow, steep, winding pass is breathtaking, and steep. 

“Poly” is latin for many and “chrome” is latin for color, so polychrome pass means “many colors.” It’s an appropriate name. Reds, greens, blues, violets, ambers, yellows and browns are just some of the spectrums seen at any given time.  With the addition of sweeping vistas, it’s one of my favorite places in the park. 

According to National Park Service geological information, Polychrome Pass features basalts and rhyolites deposited by volcanic activity 56 million years ago. 

This post will feature some of the many colors and the swirling, striated patterns they create, mixed with grand vistas. 

Dall sheep, masters of rocky slopes, forage in Polychrome Pass.

Abstract detail shot of colorful rocks.

Polychrome Pass looking southwest.

Polychrome pass looking southwest, the road winds through to upper left of the image.

Complementary reds and greens are just some of the many vibrant colors that give Polychrome Pass its name.

Shadows and striations make stark patterns.

Polychrome pass looking northeast.

All images were shot during a bicycle trip into Denali National Park on May 2. More to follow.