mosquito pass

I've been to the summit of Mosquito Pass no less than half a dozen times while running the Leadville Marathon or Heavy Half. The run is wonderful and the peak is beautiful. Every time I've summited during June, it's been very windy and chilly, so a wind breaker makes it more comfortable. Splendid views!

Love the pass and surrounding history but tough in a stock SUV. Our old Cherokee did well but we moved pretty slowly.

Getting to the Pass at 13,182' will be an adventure whether it is done on foot or in a legitimate 4X4 vehicle. Mosquito Pass was the original very rough road into Leadville in the late 1800s, and provides a history lesson and incredible views in the middle of the Colorado Rockies. After going approximately four miles east of Leadville on Seventh Avenue to the inactive Diamond Mine (with a very visible modern metal head frame) at the bottom of the Pass. Pasenger cars can get to this area easily. The Pass is 3.2 miles east up the visible four wheel drive road after a 2000' climb. Note that is a true 4X4 road, not drivable by today's all-wheel drive relatively low clearance vehicles (don't laugh, I have seen two AWD sedans try it!). Two other rough roads turn off to the left from the Pass Road - stay on the road on the right to the top. The Pass road is relatively easy 4WD and safe with several pullouts for passing. ATVs are commonly on the road. Most hikers should allow a couple of hours to get up the Pass - they may get sidetracked by the views and the wildflowers! The road can be followed over the Pass to Alma and FairPlay, but the additional four four wheel drive section on the east side of the Pass is a bit rougher than the Leadville side. Note that the snow can be on the Pass until July, and trying to cross the snow fields with a 4X4 vehicle can be dangerous - yep, I saw someone in a jeep try to do this. He got stuck and almost rolled down the snowfield. He had to hike out to get help, and my guess is the towtruck needed to get him out was very expensive. Regular winches would not have worked. Finally, watch the weather! 13,182' can be interesting in a lightening storm!

We didn't make it all the way because it was a bit too rutted and rough for my comfort level but what we saw was worth every inch of bump and grind. Makes you wish you could go back in time and see how they accomplished the trek

Just one of those passes you should have on your bucket list if you own a high clearance four wheel drive vehicle. It's a bumpy bugger and fairly long. We went this time in late August and it was blowing mighty cold air at the summit. This is the highest non paved through pass in Colorado and the views are typical Colorado.

I have traveled over this pass going both directions on a large Adventure motorcycle... once with a small load and once fully loaded with all of my camping gear, etc. It is challenging on a really heavy big 990cc V-twin bike, but if you are a skilled rider, I highly recommend it! The scenery is gorgeous!

Went over from the Alma side. Left at 9am and got to Leadville around noon. Drove a stock 2007 FJ . Its a crawl from the mine to the pass. Pick your routes, take it slow and you will be fine. Didn't drag the bottom once..take it slow. One of the best passes in Colorado..in my humble opinion.Try It, You'll Like It!!!!!!

By far an extremely dangerous ride in a 4x4 truck or for any vehicle. Road is one lane with very little passable areas. The terrain/road has huge rocks and boulders that are very difficult to drive through. You have to hug the cliffs and one wring move can send you spiraling downward 13,000 feet. Save the 4 hours and your sanity.

The trail was pretty amazing. There was a weather front coming through as we were traveling to the top, so it was amazing watching the fresh snow. Well worth checking it out!

Mosquito Pass is both hike-able and drivable. If you drive, you will need a 4 wheel drive. If you hike, make sure you have hydration (and probably a snack).I hiked and loved it. I was passed by a few jeeps--make sure to watch the road. It is easier for a pedestrian to move out of the way than for the vehicle to drive around (the 'road' is narrow, with a steep fall off the side).Pikas are everywhere, chirping about your presence. The top has a nice sign with historical information. The view is fantastic and worth the visit.

This starts out as a nice 4x4 road above tree line. Soon it will turn into football sized rocks. Not hard to drive over, but the shaking of you and passengers side to side is terrible. After half a mile it was clear that it would be that way all up and not worth the pain. Later the visitor center told us that you have to want to be shaken to death to drive it. The passenger car Trail of the Silver Kings has great views on good gravel roads. One mine site is on top of a hill with great views of town and to the west.

Do not take your parent's Kia up this road!! It is for four-wheel drive vehicles only. The first part of the drive is deceiving like a country gravel road. But near the top you will discover why you've been warned. Driving over the big rocks (boulders?) will jar you back and forth. I nearly tore the running boards off my brother's pickup. But if you do go, you will see some remarkable views. And learn about Father Dyer. I'm not going to ruin the story for you. Take a jacket or a sweater - it's over 13,000 ft elevation and gets cold even in the summer. There are no facilities so take a bathroom break before beginning the trip. The bumpy ride will make you wish you did.

Either take a 4 wheel drive or rent a jeep. Start off just out side of Leadville. Take: lunch, binoc's, camera, drinks, table and chairs. Go to just before the pass goes straight up the side of the Mountain, where there are no tree's. Set up your picnic and enjoy the incredible silence and views!

Only accessible in high summer, this 4 wheel drive trail is NOT suitable for a car or even big truck if you go all the way over. Narrow, steep, rocky ( big rocks on trail) and no place to turn around at the top. The old mine ruins are very interesting and the scenery gorgeous. But definitely rated a "difficult" jeep trail.

This is a pass east of Leadville you don't want to miss. Be sure to have four wheel drive and a strong countenance as the ride is absolutely wild. Watch for snow as early as October...