Hagerman Pass
Hagerman Pass offers spectacular views of Turquoise Lake and three surrounding Wilderness areas: Mount Massive, Hunter-Fryingpan and Holy Cross.The road is very rough and high clearance four wheel drive vehicles are recomended.
In the 1880’s, the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad and Colorado Midland Railroad competed to see which railroad would reach Aspen from Leadville first. The Colorado Midland railroad crossed the Continental Divide initially through the Hagerman Tunnel and then later the Busk-Ivanhoe Tunnel which now is used as a water diversion tunnel from Ivanhoe Lake on the west side of the pass into the Arkansas River basin.
At a Glance
Current Conditions: | Closed for the winter season. |
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Usage: | Light-Medium |
Busiest Season: | June-September |
Restrictions: |
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Closest Towns: | Leadville, CO |
Information Center: | Leadville Ranger District |
General Information
Directions:From Leadville: Travel west on Lake County Road 4 for about 5 miles then turn left on to Forest Service Road 105 for about 5.5 miles to the summit. Road continues on to the White River National Forest, past Ruedi Reservoir onto State Highway 82 at Basalt.
Activities
Viewing Scenery
General Info:
Overview/BackgroundHigh clearance recommended, not necessarily 4WD. Look for a few rocky places and ruts. At the top of the pass, 12,075 feet, there are good views of the Turquoise Lake Valley to the east and the Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness to the southwest.
Good scenic drive for viewing wildflowers, pika and marmot. Just before the pass, look to the south over Hagerman Lake to see remnants of the Colorado Midland Railroad, which has one of the most interesting histories of railroads still today, and has accomplished some of the most incredible feats along the Hagerman Pass Road.
Permits & Regulations
Forest Service roads open to motorized vehicles are posted with white arrows. Wilderness areas such as Collegiate Peaks and Mount Massive are by regulation permanently closed to motorized and mechanized vehicles, including mountain bikes.
Safety Information
Storms are common in this area, and can make driving difficult. Please consult the weather forecast of the area you will be traveling before departure.
Seasonal Information
Storms are frequent in this area, especially during summer months. Winter brings icy conditions, and will close down the pass from November until late June.