Hoosier Pass
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Hoosier Pass Colorado

4.8
·364 reviews·Breckenridge, United States

Experience the majestic Continental Divide at Hoosier Pass, a stunning Colorado mountain pass offering panoramic vistas and vibrant fall colors.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Fall mornings

Peak fall colors, crisp air

CrowdMedium
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Hoosier Pass

Hoosier Pass Colorado

Best Time

Fall mornings

Peak fall colors, crisp air

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience the majestic Continental Divide at Hoosier Pass, a stunning Colorado mountain pass offering panoramic vistas and vibrant fall colors.

4.8
(364 reviews)

"Beautiful scenic drive up Hoosier Pass! Stunning day on for a scenic drive in March!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Check Road Conditions First

Winter storms can close Hoosier Pass. Always check COtrip.org before heading out! ⚠️

Hydrate for Altitude

Drink plenty of water to combat altitude sickness. Take it easy if you're coming from sea level. :droplet:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.8 · 369 reviews

Type

Scenic Spot

🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Continental Divide Summit

Continental Divide Summit

Summit of Hoosier Pass

Stand atop the Continental Divide for panoramic mountain vistas. A truly iconic Colorado experience.

Fall Foliage Spectacle

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

Historic Mining Relics

Near North Star Mountain trail

Discover remnants of old mining equipment and dugouts, hinting at the area's rich past.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for Views

Hoosier Pass offers breathtaking scenery, especially during fall foliage or clear winter days. Be aware that winter storms can close the pass, so always check road conditions before you go. Early mornings often provide the best light for photos and fewer crowds.

Prepare for High Altitude

As a high mountain pass, Hoosier Pass sits at over 11,500 feet. Visitors from lower elevations should take it easy, stay hydrated, and be aware of altitude sickness symptoms. The drive itself is stunning, but the altitude is a significant factor for comfort and activity.

Best Times

When
Fall mornings
Why
Peak fall colors, crisp air
Crowd
Medium
When
Clear winter days
Why
Snowy mountain vistas
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Escape Denver heat
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

👻 Here's a little piece of Colorado history you might have missed. #colorado #ghosttowns #coloradohistory #history #denver #coloradosprings #hoosierpass #sopris
@outtherecolorado
32.1K likes • 276K views

Check Road Conditions First

Winter storms can close Hoosier Pass. Always check COtrip.org before heading out! ⚠️

Hydrate for Altitude

Drink plenty of water to combat altitude sickness. Take it easy if you're coming from sea level. :droplet:

Manejando desde alma hasta @Breckenridge Lifestyle en colorado que hermosa vista #denver #colorado #mountains #hoosierpass #fairplay #almacolorado #thingstodoindenver #skilife🎿 #roadtrip2023
@powervisionpools
1.2K likes • 10K views
Hoosier Pass, that is. Its remains closed at #headlighthouse and northbound traffic also seems nonexistent now. Hope everyone is okay, and highly suggest alternative route if that’s an option. #hoosierpass #colorado #breckenridge #mountainlife #mountainpass #icy #winterstorm #chainup
breckheadlighthouse
413 likes • 26.7K views

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:

🥳🥳 It's HERE! My newest listing in Alma, Colorado! A century-old soul, wrapped in logs and love. Just south of Hoosier Pass, where the trout cross the road and the Milky Way paints the ceiling at night. Moose wander by the door, and music flows through rooms designed with intention—feng shui meets Frank Lloyd Wright. A hand-dug basement, star-kissed floors, and a clawfoot tub that cradles tired b...
corealestateadrienne
25 likes • 463 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Road Conditions First

Winter storms can close Hoosier Pass. Always check COtrip.org before heading out! ⚠️

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. 🚗

What Travellers Say

4.8
(364 reviews)

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)

"Hoosier Pass is a 30 minute drive from Frisco, CO. and right off CO9. The trail starts gaining elevation immediately upon entering. There are spectacular views all throughout the trail and especially when you reach the peak of North Star Mountain. Even cooler you'll see old mining equipment and dug outs. Absolutely beautiful and an amazing and strenuous hike."

D. Pops

"The parking area could use some improvements. There are giant pot holes all over. The view is majestic. The sign was well maintained. There are trails to hike for even better views"

David Bullard

What People Like

Majestic mountain views
Scenic drive experience
Fall foliage beauty

What People Dislike

Parking area potholes
High altitude effects

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. TikTok

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. Instagram

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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram+1

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. Reddit 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. Instagram

There are no fees to drive over or stop at Hoosier Pass. It's a free public road and a natural attraction. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

🎫 🏞️ 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. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram+1

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. Reddit

🚇 🚗 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. TikTokInstagram

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. Instagram

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. Reddit 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. Instagram

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. TikTok

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