The pass is a broad open saddle with prairie and sagebrush, allowing a broad and nearly level route between the Atlantic and Pacific watersheds. The Sweetwater River flows past the east side of the pass, and Pacific Creek rises on the west side. Historic South Pass is the lower of the two passes (elevation ), and was the easy crossing point used by emigrants. Wyoming Highway 28 crosses the Continental Divide to the northwest at elevation , and its crossing is also named South Pass. The Lander Cutoff Route crosses the Continental Divide at the far northwest end of the broad South Pass region, about to the northwest of the South Passes, at an elevation of .