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Hagerman Pass: A Rocky Mountain Crossing

Drive through history on Hagerman Pass, a scenic 4WD route over the Continental Divide with stunning views and a glimpse into Colorado's mining past.

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Hagerman Pass, sitting at 11,925 feet, is a high mountain pass on the Continental Divide in central Colorado. Once a railway route, it now offers a scenic, though rugged, 4WD road connecting Leadville and Basalt. Expect stunning views and a glimpse into Colorado's mining past.

A brief summary to Hagerman Pass

  • Colorado, US

Local tips

  • Check the weather forecast and road conditions before you go. The pass is typically open from late May to late October, but snow can close it at any time.
  • A high-clearance 4WD vehicle is recommended due to the rough and rocky road.
  • Bring plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen. The elevation is high, and the sun can be intense.
  • Be prepared for stream crossings. Depending on the time of year, the water level can be high.
  • Take your time and enjoy the scenery. There are many opportunities for photos and exploring.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Leadville, head west on 6th Street, which becomes County Road 4/McWethy Drive. Follow County Road 4 for approximately 5 miles around Turquoise Lake. At a fork in the road, turn left onto Forest Service Road 105 (Hagerman Pass Road). This road is unpaved and requires a high-clearance 4WD vehicle. There are several parking areas along Hagerman Pass Road, including one for the Hagerman Tunnel trailhead. There are no fees or mandatory access costs.

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Discover more about Hagerman Pass

Hagerman Pass is a high-elevation mountain pass that crosses the Continental Divide in the Rocky Mountains of central Colorado. Located on the boundary between Pitkin and Lake counties, the pass sits at an elevation of 11,925 feet (3,635 meters). Originally known as Frying Pan Pass, it served as a foot trail between Leadville and Basalt. In the late 19th century, James J. Hagerman, for whom the pass is named, constructed a railroad to reach the mines of Aspen. The Colorado Midland Railroad initially crossed the Continental Divide through the Hagerman Tunnel and later through the Busk-Ivanhoe Tunnel. The Busk-Ivanhoe Tunnel now serves as a water diversion tunnel, draining Ivanhoe Lake on the west side of the pass into the Arkansas River basin. Today, Hagerman Pass Road (Forest Road 105) traverses much of the old railroad line. The unpaved road is passable by four-wheel-drive vehicles, bicycles, ATVs, or on foot. The road is rough and narrow, with some rocky sections and stream crossings. High-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended. The pass is typically open from late May through late October or early November, depending on snowfall. Hagerman Pass offers spectacular views of Turquoise Lake and the surrounding wilderness areas, including Mount Massive, Hunter-Fryingpan, and Holy Cross. Visitors can also see remnants of the Colorado Midland Railroad, including abandoned tunnels. The area is popular for scenic drives, camping, hiking, and viewing wildflowers and wildlife.

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