Hoosier Pass Colorado
Experience the majestic Continental Divide at Hoosier Pass, a stunning Colorado mountain pass offering panoramic vistas and vibrant fall colors.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak fall colors, crisp air
Hoosier Pass Colorado
Best Time
Peak fall colors, crisp air
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the majestic Continental Divide at Hoosier Pass, a stunning Colorado mountain pass offering panoramic vistas and vibrant fall colors.
"Beautiful scenic drive up Hoosier Pass! Stunning day on for a scenic drive in March!"
Check Road Conditions First
Winter storms can close Hoosier Pass. Always check COtrip.org before heading out! :warning:
Hydrate for Altitude
Drink plenty of water to combat altitude sickness. Take it easy if you're coming from sea level. :droplet:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Continental Divide Summit
Summit of Hoosier Pass
Stand atop the Continental Divide for panoramic mountain vistas. A truly iconic Colorado experience.
Fall Foliage Spectacle
Surrounding slopes
Witness a vibrant tapestry of gold and red as aspens transform the landscape. A photographer's dream.
Historic Mining Relics
Near North Star Mountain trail
Discover remnants of old mining equipment and dugouts, hinting at the area's rich past.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Views
Prepare for High Altitude
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Road Conditions First
Winter storms can close Hoosier Pass. Always check COtrip.org before heading out! :warning:
Hydrate for Altitude
Drink plenty of water to combat altitude sickness. Take it easy if you're coming from sea level. :droplet:
Capture the Views
Bring your camera! The panoramic views and fall colors are incredible. :camerawithflash:
Explore Nearby Towns
Alma and Breckenridge are charming towns nearby, perfect for a stop. :housewithgarden:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Road Conditions First
Winter storms can close Hoosier Pass. Always check COtrip.org before heading out! :warning:
Hydrate for Altitude
Drink plenty of water to combat altitude sickness. Take it easy if you're coming from sea level. :droplet:
Capture the Views
Bring your camera! The panoramic views and fall colors are incredible. :camerawithflash:
Explore Nearby Towns
Alma and Breckenridge are charming towns nearby, perfect for a stop. :housewithgarden:
Pot Holes in Parking
Be aware of large pot holes in the parking area. Drive carefully. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Hoosier Pass for its stunning scenic drives and breathtaking mountain vistas, especially highlighting the Continental Divide summit and vibrant fall colors. The accessibility from Denver and proximity to charming towns like Breckenridge make it a popular quick getaway. Some note that parking areas could use maintenance, and awareness of high altitude is crucial.
"Beautiful scenic drive up Hoosier Pass! As you drive up, you can see Quandary Peak and it you look to the North you can see the town of Breckenridge. Stunning day on for a scenic drive in March!"
Lukasz (Luke)
"Very cool place to pull off the side of the road and take pictures. This is the continental divide so it is the highest point along this particular road in Colorado."
Jake Hofmann
"Hoosier Pass is a fantastic loop drive from Denver and the perfect escape when you’re looking to beat the heat and get out of the city. The drive offers stunning mountain views, crisp fresh air, and just enough winding roads to keep things interesting without being stressful.
Whether you're stopping to snap photos, stretch your legs, or just enjoying the scenery from the car, it’s a refreshing change of pace. Definitely worth the trip for a quick mountain getaway that feels a world away from Denver’s hustle."
Kent Scantland
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
To reach Hoosier Pass from Denver, take US-6 W to I-70 W towards Grand Junction. Continue on I-70 W for about 50 miles, then take exit 216 for CO-9 S towards Fairplay/Breckenridge. Follow CO-9 S for approximately 20 miles, and you will ascend Hoosier Pass. The drive offers stunning mountain views and is a popular scenic route.
Hoosier Pass is generally open year-round, but it is subject to closures during severe winter weather. It's crucial to check road conditions on COtrip.org before your trip, especially between October and May, as snow and ice can make the pass impassable.
For the most scenic drive, consider taking CO-9 S from Breckenridge or CO-9 N from Fairplay. This route is known for its dramatic mountain vistas, especially during fall foliage season. Many travelers enjoy it as a loop from Denver, incorporating other scenic passes like Guanella or Kenosha. 
Hoosier Pass is located about a 30-minute drive south of Breckenridge, Colorado, along CO-9. This makes it an easily accessible destination for a quick scenic excursion from the popular ski town.
Besides potential winter weather closures, be mindful of winding roads and steep grades. The parking area at the summit can have large potholes, so drive cautiously when pulling over. Reviews
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Hoosier Pass is a public mountain pass and does not require an entrance ticket. It's a scenic drive and a point of interest accessible to everyone.
There are no fees to drive over or stop at Hoosier Pass. It's a free public road and a natural attraction.
Hoosier Pass is accessible 24/7, weather permitting. However, due to potential winter closures, it's essential to check current road conditions before planning your visit.
Early mornings often offer the best light for photography and fewer crowds. Late afternoons can also be beautiful, especially during fall. However, always be mindful of changing weather conditions at high altitudes.
Yes, a standard vehicle is suitable for driving Hoosier Pass, provided road conditions are clear. During winter, however, 4WD or AWD vehicles with appropriate tires are highly recommended, and chains may be required.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
At Hoosier Pass, you can enjoy stunning panoramic views from the Continental Divide summit, take photos of the majestic mountain scenery, and explore nearby hiking trails like the one up North Star Mountain, which features old mining equipment. It's also a popular spot for scenic drives and enjoying crisp mountain air.
Yes, there are hiking opportunities near Hoosier Pass. The trail up North Star Mountain is a notable option, offering spectacular views and remnants of old mining equipment. It's described as strenuous but rewarding.
You can expect breathtaking, 360-degree views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains. From the summit, you can see Quandary Peak and the town of Breckenridge to the north. The scenery is particularly spectacular during fall foliage.
Absolutely! Hoosier Pass is a prime location for photography, offering dramatic mountain landscapes, expansive skies, and vibrant fall colors. The Continental Divide summit provides an iconic backdrop.
Hoosier Pass sits at an elevation of 11,542 feet (3,518 meters) above sea level, making it one of the higher mountain passes in Colorado. Visitors should be mindful of the high altitude.
🚇 🚗 Getting Around
Yes, Hoosier Pass is renowned for its scenic beauty. It's a popular route for drivers looking to experience the Colorado Rockies, offering stunning mountain vistas and crisp, fresh air. It's often described as a fantastic loop drive from Denver.
Road conditions vary significantly by season. In summer and fall, the roads are generally good, though can be winding. In winter, expect snow and ice, and potential closures. Always check COtrip.org for real-time updates.
There are designated pull-off areas along Hoosier Pass, especially near the summit, where you can safely stop to take photos and enjoy the views. Be cautious of traffic and the condition of the pull-off areas, as some may have potholes. Reviews
While generally passable for RVs in good weather, the winding roads and potential for snow and ice in winter can make it challenging. Larger RVs should exercise caution, especially during inclement weather.
The drive over Hoosier Pass itself is relatively short, but the time it takes depends on your starting point and how often you stop for photos. From Breckenridge to Fairplay, it's about a 30-40 minute drive without significant stops.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families seeking a bit more adventure, the hiking trails near the pass, like the one up North Star Mountain, can be explored. While some trails are strenuous, shorter, more accessible sections might be suitable for younger children, offering a chance to see old mining relics and enjoy the fresh mountain air. Remember to pack plenty of snacks and water, and be mindful of the high altitude, taking breaks as needed.
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
+1Consider incorporating Hoosier Pass into a larger itinerary that includes other stunning mountain passes like Guanella or Kenosha for a comprehensive Colorado mountain driving experience. The accessibility from Denver and proximity to towns like Breckenridge and Alma make it an ideal stop for a day trip or a longer road adventure. Always check road conditions, especially in shoulder seasons, to ensure a smooth journey.
📸 Photographers & Nature Lovers
+1The fall foliage season is a prime time for photographers, with the golden aspens creating a stunning contrast against the blue sky and rugged mountains. Even in winter, the snow-covered landscapes offer a unique and serene beauty. Remember to pack extra batteries and memory cards, and be prepared for changing weather conditions that can add to the photographic drama.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Majesty of the Continental Divide
Many visitors find the experience of being at such a high elevation, on this iconic divide, to be awe-inspiring. The panoramic views from the summit are a major draw, showcasing the rugged beauty of the Colorado Rockies. It's a place where you can truly appreciate the scale and grandeur of the mountain landscape.
For those interested in geology and geography, Hoosier Pass provides a tangible connection to these concepts. It’s a reminder of the powerful forces that shaped the land and continue to influence its ecosystems. The clear signage at the summit often marks the divide, making it easy for visitors to identify and appreciate this natural wonder.
Seasonal Splendor: Fall Foliage and Winter Wonders
+1During winter, Hoosier Pass becomes a serene, snow-covered wonderland. The landscape is blanketed in white, offering stunning views of snow-capped peaks. However, winter travel requires caution. The pass can experience heavy snowfall and icy conditions, leading to temporary closures. It's essential to check road conditions before venturing out, and if the pass is open, a 4WD or AWD vehicle with appropriate tires is highly recommended.
+1Summer brings lush green landscapes and pleasant temperatures, making it ideal for scenic drives and hiking. The crisp mountain air is a welcome escape from the heat of the plains. Spring can be a transition period, with lingering snow in higher elevations and emerging greenery at lower altitudes. Regardless of the season, the dramatic mountain scenery remains a constant, captivating feature of Hoosier Pass.
Echoes of the Past: Mining History
These historical markers add another layer of interest to the natural beauty of Hoosier Pass. They serve as a reminder of the human endeavor and resilience that characterized the development of the American West. Exploring these sites can be a fascinating experience for history buffs and curious travelers alike.
While the mining operations are long gone, the legacy remains. The landscape itself bears the marks of this history, and discovering these remnants can make a visit to Hoosier Pass even more engaging. It’s a chance to connect with the past while surrounded by the stunning present-day scenery.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit