And we hope our guide helps you enjoy all the exciting adventures it has to offer. If youre planning on doing any hiking or snow sports while on the pass, a solid sunscreen is highly recommended. There are also plenty of easily accessible spots along Loveland Pass to have your elopement ceremony, which is perfect if youre bringing along friends or family who may not be avid hikers. You can get to them from down below by skinning up the drainage to get to the ridge, or you can start from the top of Loveland Pass, hiking Southwest from the parking area to get up on the saddle. If you can, avoid driving Loveland Pass Colorado during winter weather. It does not store any personal data. Cold: Which is More Damaging to Your Car Battery? 8.4/10 Very Good! This includes the terrain accessed through backcountry gates at ski resorts. With turns so tight that 10mph speed limits are introduced in some spots, you can be sure that this road is not for the amateur driver and should be traveled by only experienced drivers who are comfortable driving in snow and icy conditions. If you have a fear of heights, we highly recommend driving Loveland Pass from the Keystone, Colorado (southern) side and making your way north. Call Us 24/7 For A Free Legal Consultation. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. And make sure to take a peek at our guide to thebest times of year to be in the Rockies, because not all seasons here a great for visiting. CLEAR CREEK COUNTY, Colo. Two avalanches triggered by skiers within a matter of minutes of each other shut down Loveland Pass Thursday afternoon. From Loveland to the north to Colorado Springs to the south, you can find most of the four-million-odd drivers in the state in this region. Its a beautiful drive, but keep your eyes on the road as this route gets sketchy quickly. [2] Loveland held a railroad charter and was an advocate for a wagon road between Denver and Leadville. If you are driving up Loveland in the snow, its best to do so with a vehicle thats AWD or has tire chains. There also arent many towns nearby, with the largest nearby town being Arapahoe Basin ski area, so keep that in mind when gassing up or off-roading heavily. That said, most high alpine locations in Colorado, like Loveland Pass, experience high altitude thunderstorms that can be extremely dangerous. Aim to arrive before sunrise (and ideally on a weekday) to snag a spot. Similar to Sniktau, you get wide, expansive mountain views basically the entire way. More often than not, during winter weekends, too many people take this route and the icy razorback turns end up causing an even bigger traffic jam, so make sure your vehicle is prepared for winter driving to avoid accidents. L05 Backcountry Skiing. Our streams update up to 30 times per second for the most current Colorado weather. Thinking about getting married on LP? As you follow the road you will climb up to the summit of Loveland Pass which is at 11,990 ft above sea level. Starting just west of Denver, the elevation rises steeply and turns constantly through the mountains. US 6 through Loveland Pass over the Continental Divide in Colorado (N39.65726, W105.87456) . The worst season? Its an easy stroll-like hike, but you get great bank for your buck, with three little lakes making an appearance on the route. The tunnel averages 30,000 vehicles per day, with a high of over 50,000. Despite the risks involved with these dangerous roads, they can be safe to drive on as long as the right precautions are taken. The best way to steer clear of these large crowds is to aim for a weekday excursion, if possible. "Alpine itself had 24 members respond. For starters, the views are incredible, especially during the summer wildflower season. Can any of you guys comment on the safety aspect of Loveland Pass? . Contact us for questions or a consultation. Most Dangerous Medium Traffic Roads In Colorado Rabbit Ears Pass. Frankly, its the prettiest time of day there, and the golden hour morning light is truly something else. They have all the same danger as anything else in the backcountry, and terms like slackcountry and sidecountry downplay those risks in arguably dangerous ways. Situated near Denver it used to be a strategic route to the west before the opening of the Eisenhower Tunnel. A solid sunscreen is a must for this hiking trail. The road is not very forgiving though and in some parts is only wide enough for one car even though it is supposed to fit two. The roads in Colorado Springs have not grown at the same pace as the residents, so our main roads have become much more congested across many areas. You can only park in areas with signsallowing you to park. Get real-time Loveland Pass road conditions and status on US-6 between Loveland Ski Resort and Keystone Ski Resort including Arapahohe Basin Ski Resort. The LRT's downtown tunnel will be partially closed for the last weekend of April and the first weekend of May while crews assess the extent of repairs needed to prevent water leakage, OC Transpo says. Snow Report & Forecast: Time 24hr 48hr TOTAL; 8:00: 0" 3.5" . Weve included some awesome places to stay below, from budget-friendly spots to larger homes for groups: The Dillon/Silverthorne area also has plenty of options for places to stay. Thus, it serves as the two cities main connection. Parking at the summit of the pass can be an issue since this is a favorite stop for summer tourists. Many people get in car accidents everyday throughout Colorao, but most of them have no idea how a lawyer can help them with their case. This road loops around the Denver metro area, with c-470 starting near Golden, CO just off of I-70 and looping all the way down to Centennial, CO and then running north past DIA and ending near Lafayette, CO. CDOT will close the pass if weather becomes too treacherous, but we dont recommend waiting until this happens. This part of US 40 has steep drop offs and gets a lot of snow, so make sure to check the weather and prepare your vehicle before making the trip. If you plan to drive Loveland Pass Colorado in the winter (or even during parts of spring and fall), we highly recommend bringing an AWD vehicle or equipping your car with tire chains. Disclaimer: The backcountry is always dangerous. Honestly, when we have the time, we like to avoid the tunnel altogether and take Loveland Pass instead. Most areas dont have guardrails and the cliffs are so steep you cant see the edges. , Interstate 70 is one of the major highways in the United States. It is not only the highest mountain pass to regularly stay open, but also one of the highest mountain roads in the entire state of Colorado (dangerousroads). Generally speaking the time window between early July and late August gives you the most accessibility, as its the least likely time of year for winter storms at very high elevations. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. There are no guardrails in this area, making it particularly scary if youre driving during the winter. At least six different search and rescue teams and police departments responded to the avalanches near Loveland Pass as a Flight for Life helicopter helped search for any victims. Thus, it serves as the two cities main connection. Some notable features would be the one-way narrow tunnels through the mountains and the bright red curved bridge you go over. During the winter seasons, these areas are used to store snow. Many of the trails are loaded with snow during the winter season which makes them very hard to access. "Were in the awkward phase where the snowpack seems a little more stable and its harder for people to get those obvious signs of instability that they might expect to see," said Smith. LOVELAND PASS CARD. We recognize this is a serious issue, but an unwarranted signal in the guise of pedestrian safety isn't what they're made for," Loveland said. Loveland Ski Area is located north west of the pass, and Arapahoe Basin is on the south/southeast side. An avalanche has closed Loveland Pass. This area is known for its spongey, grass-like plant life that is extraordinarily delicate and can take decades to grow back if trampled. "Theyre out here with helicopters and snow mobiles and theyre making sure that were all safe," said Champalou. Lower Gear Requirement. It can be a little scary though, since most of the views are not blocked by a guard rail and it is easy to imagine yourself careening down the mountain. Near the Eisenhower Tunnel. For both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for "9NEWS" to find the free app to add to your account. "An avalanche is a very resource intensive call. The pass is closed between I-70 and Montezuma Road, according to CDOT. The pass was named for William A.H. Loveland, the president of the Colorado Central Railroad. . Its a loop trail located 0.6 miles south of the continental divide, and youll pass the road to the trailhead on the righthand side of the road on your way down LP towards Keystone. Its about 16 miles of driving before you get to the top of Loveland Pass from this end. To use information contained on this site is to do so at your own risk. We love the idea of making your drive up Loveland Pass a part of a bigger trip. Coal Bank Pass is a section of the Million Dollar Highway between Silverton, CO and Durango, CO passing by Engineer Mountain and Potato Hill along the way. Wendy Love and Jay Hamm had owned their 14-month-old Staffordshire terrier and boxer mix Herkimer for six months when a Loveland police officer shot him in June 2019. Ahh, the dreaded I-25 corridor. The twisty road is considered to be especially treacherous during the winter months. Carved out into the side of the mountains, avalanches and snow slides are common and can easily block off the road for hours. Nearby homes similar to 8032 Loveland Pass Dr have recently sold between $170K to $308K at an average of $170 per square foot. At the Loveland Pass parking lot, visitors can access trails to the summits of Mount Sniktau and other nearby mountain peaks.[5][6]. Many of the trails are loaded with snow during the winter season which makes them very hard to access. CLEAR CREEK COUNTY, Colo. Two avalanches triggered by skiers within a matter of minutes of each other shut down Loveland Pass Thursday afternoon. I'm a complete noob when it comes to backcountry so any advice would be appreciated. And if you have even more time to spare, you definitely have to drive up to the top of Mount Evans. for top stories from 9NEWS curated daily just for you. 13,207 ft ~ Loveland Pass - Highway 6. For this reason, its an incredibly risky pass to take due to heavy snowfall that can make driving difficult in addition to avalanches and the lack of oxygen further up. 11,991 ft ~ Gold Belt Scenic Byway. Can A Passenger Sue The Driver In An Accident? Do I Have To Pay A Red Light Camera Ticket? Occasionally during the winter, the pass road may be closed by a blizzard and all traffic must use the tunnel, even the normally forbidden vehicles carrying hazardous materials. Wichita State University football team plane crash, "Notion of tunnel under Divide predates reality by 100-plus years", "Five Snowboarders Dead in Colorado Avalanche", "2013/04/20 - Colorado - Sheep Creek, north of Loveland Pass", Loveland Pass Backcountry Skier Information, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Loveland_Pass&oldid=1133080122, Landforms of Clear Creek County, Colorado, Transportation in Clear Creek County, Colorado, Transportation in Summit County, Colorado, Pages using Sister project links with default search, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 12 January 2023, at 05:19. [] Did you like the drive and are ready for another scenic by-way? The views from 14,000 feet above sea-level are just stunning. Connecting Clear Creek County to Summit County, Argentine Pass is a narrow road that just keeps getting narrower as you go. Extreme Road for Truck Drivers. To get to the mountain town of Gunnison, one has to drive over Monarch Pass. Dont get scared though, many of the turns towards the top have steep cliffs and NO guardrails for safety. Then he decided to go back up and ride it as the search and rescue teams were up here and he triggered another avalanche right in front of all the ski patrol and everything.". At the very least, make sure to stop at the Loveland Pass overlook at the continental divide. Colorado is a pretty big state in terms of geography, but most of the population is centered around the greater Denver metropolitan area. 1 parent must have a valid 2023/24 season pass. To get to the mountain town of Gunnison, one has to drive over Monarch Pass. Loveland Pass is a high mountain pass in north-central Colorado, at an elevation of 11,990 feet above sea level in the Rocky Mountains of the Western United States. Fall there is iconic (the drive up to Alta Lakes alone makes a fall trip 100% worth it). There is a steep grade section 12.1 miles east of the summit, before the grade flattens in the area of Georgetown (the 228 milepost). Routes. So traffic jams and bad weather make this particular stretch dangerous, along with unpredictable elements like avalanches. Peter has a passion for Traveling, Photography, and Geocaching. Generally considered a challenging route. There are also several roadside pull-offs where you can stop to breathe in the fresh mountain air, have a snack, and soak in the Rockies. Places like Loveland Pass Colorado are super popular on holidays. The warnings of dangerous avalanche conditions arent keeping people out of the backcountry and rescue teams fear the holiday weekend could be deadly. 9,500 ft ~ Coal Bank Pass. The news was released this past Thursday. At the top of Loveland pass is a trailhead that will lead you to several hiking routes. Its called U.S. Highway 6 (Loveland Pass Road). About 1 hour east of Denver on I-70 you will drive through a tunnel which was bored through the massive rock formations of the Rocky Mountains. Denvers massive population throughout the metro area means tons of rush hour traffic every single day across the city. Can Your Lawyer Get Video Camera Footage of Your Car Accident. Do you know any spectacular road?Click here to send us all the info, and we'll publish it! Telluride is a beautiful place that is world famous for its skiing but getting there is not an easy task. During those times, all other traffic is held at the tunnel entrance. While it may not be as high as Loveland Pass, Red Mountain Pass is arguably more treacherous. Loveland Pass is a high mountain pass in north-central Colorado, at an elevation of 11,990 feet (3,655m) above sea level in the Rocky Mountains of the Western United States. Move a few feet to the right and you're in danger. With drastic elevation changes throughout many of these roads, weather can change very quickly and put drivers in unwanted dangerous situations. Children 5 and under ski FREE at Loveland Ski Area. This section of road goes through 3 mountain passes, all with elevations exceeding 10,000 ft with very tight turns and usually boasting snow/ice covered roads. As Colorado locals, we spend pretty much all of our free time exploring our state. ON ANY GIVEN SATURDAY you might find dozens upon dozens of skiers and snowboarders on Loveland Pass, home to some of the most accessible backcountry terrain in the country. Take Exit 205 in Silverthorne/Dillion and follow signs for US-6 towards Keystone. Its a beautiful drive but take it slow as there are many hairpin turns and typically a decent amount of traffic during busy seasons. It's tough to keep your eyes on the road with the surrounding mountain views, so make sure to take a break for pictures at the top of the pass. Take your time and enjoy the view on the way up as this drive is spectacular, yet very dangerous for novice drivers. What Is The Average Charging Time For An Electric Car? Traveling is fun, no matter if you stay in a luxury hotel or travel like a backpacker. Peter shares his experiences on his Blog www.gatetoadventures.com Some of Peters photos are published on corporate websites, in-flight magazines, travel guides, and much more. "It sets a dangerous precedent." Sullivan hopes the BOCC takes the council's words to heart if the resolution passes. Cessna, 2023-02-28 Truly stunning. While technically this trail is open year round, like all of Loveland Pass, the road to the trailhead and the parking lot for pass lake arent maintained in the winter (and the snow get several feet deep). " Much more scenic alternative to the tunnel " Hundreds of cars were parked dangerously along Berthoud and Loveland Pass as people tried to get outdoors, CSP said. As far as scenic fall locations in Colorado, Loveland Pass isnt really it. Many of the runs at Loveland Pass are hiked from the parking lot at the top. Paul Bates Another Maths Enthusiast Author has 85 answers and 179.9K answer views 8 y Related And weve crafted an epic CO road trip itinerary that covers all the details. The pass can be very treacherous but very beautiful also if you allow yourself to take your eyes off the road for 1 or 2 seconds at a time. Connects Kremmling and Steamboat Springs via highway 40Rabbit Ears Pass is a section of US 40 between Kremmling, CO and Steamboat Springs, CO that peaks around 9,400 ft of elevation. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. On a clear Friday in early October 1970, a plane crash occurred about two miles (3.2km) north of the summit, and only nine of the 40 on board survived. 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