mining industry declined, the railroad tracks were removed. In 1932 a new road was built that better accommodated automotive vehicles. Ute Pass is now along U.S. Highway 24, a four-lane highway, which partially obscured Rainbow Falls. Tourism began to be a major economic force in the late 19th century and towns along Ute Pass built cabins and hotels as a result. The pass at one time was used by stage coach and equestrian traffic. It is steep (7%) on the east side. Ecological system The climate is arid, so many plants that grow here are adapted to low water usage. Wildlife in the Ute Pass area includes wild turkey, mule deer, mountain lion, bighorn sheep, and especially during the summer and fall, black bear. Ute Pass History Park Ute Pass History Park is located at 231 E. Henrietta Avenue on the north side of Woodland Park. The Pikes Peak Museum comprises six buildings that tell the history of the pass, people who traversed it, and the communities founded along the pass. The buildings include the museum center, four cabins and a jailhouse, with exhibits that convey the lifestyle, industries, transportation, and communities along Ute Pass. Its exhibits includes information about the Ute people and early pioneers. See also Colorado mountain passes References External links Ute Pass History Pikes Peak Museum at Ute Pass History Park - Ute Pass Historical Society Mountain passes of Colorado U.S. Route 24 Landforms of El Paso County, Colorado Landforms of Teller County, Colorado Transportation in El Paso County, Colorado Transportation in Teller County, Colorado