Our guide to all the benefits and drawbacks of living in CO covers everything you need to know. We have offices in Broomfield, Loveland, and Longmont. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Million Dollar Highway: The name of the Million Dollar Highway makes it seem like it will be a luxurious drive that is safe in any condition. The city of Loveland, in Larimer County near Fort Collins, is also named after him. There are gorgeous sweeping views looking down on the valley where i70 runs through, a couple thousand feet below. 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. The Colorado Department of Transportation closed Loveland Pass on Wednesday morning following an avalanche in the area. For those that want to drive through Rocky Mountain National Park, Trail Ridge Road is your path through during summer, taking you from Estes Park all the way around to Grand Lake. Loveland Pass Lake is especially gorgeous at sunrise. Stretches across the entire southern edge of Colorado passes through the mountainsHighway 160 is a very popular road for southern Colorado residents as it ranges across the entire southern border of Colorado, winding through high elevations and tight turns. Plenty of those. This ensures youre not driving along the cliff side edge on the scariest stretch of the road. Its also a very time sensitive call," said Smith. If youre visiting Colorado and have a couple weeks open, we highly recommend hitting up some of our favorite spots. And if you have even more time to spare, you definitely have to drive up to the top of Mount Evans. Its a beautiful scenery during the winter season. US 6 through Loveland Pass over the Continental Divide in Colorado (N39.65726, W105.87456) . A little over 4 miles of driving will get you to the continental divide (at 11,990 feet elevation). Youll want to bring along snowshoes if you plan to do any hiking, as spots like Loveland Pass Lake have snow several feet deep in winter. Youre basically hiking up a ridge and youre rewarded with expansive mountain views all around. The first two summits you mention as 12,000 are more like 13,000. . This pass is even worse than the Coal Bank Pass, as it is extremely narrow. But stopping to admire the mountains is a must, so we dont recommend rushing through the trip. The amount of traffic isnt extremely high, but the road conditions and ease of driving is significantly higher on small mountain roads that wind deep into the Rocky Mountains. Use them in commercial designs under lifetime, perpetual & worldwide rights. YVR - YCD It is a beautiful drive during summer and winter. 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. We have compiled a list of all of Colorados most dangerous roads to drive, from heavy traffic areas to medium and low traffic roads that have proven to be very treacherous for many drivers through the years. Exposure: Southeast. There will be even snow until late April/June. There are lots of grocery stores, restaurants, and shops in this area, too, along with being centrally located near lots of ski resorts and hiking trails. They usually get shuttled up in a van and you can watch them heading down. Take your time and enjoy the view on the way up as this drive is spectacular, yet very dangerous for novice drivers. Another dangerous section of the Million Dollar Highway is Red Mountain Pass that goes all the way up to 11,018 ft at its summit and connects Silverton, CO to Ouray, CO through the mountains. The views from 14,000 feet above sea-level are just stunning. Near the Eisenhower Tunnel. 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. About four miles east of the summit, the Loveland Pass/U.S. Free with trial. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". The twisty road is considered to be especially treacherous during the winter months. Carved out into the side of a mountain and surrounded by trees in every direction, this pass is commonly closed from avalanches covering the road or just down right treacherous driving conditions. 11,991 ft ~ Gold Belt Scenic Byway. Mt Sniktau is one of Colorados many 13ers, and its one of the main hiking attractions on Loveland Pass. Teapot Dome Gas Station National Historic Site. Because it goes from Maryland all the way to Utah, one of the areas this highway passes through is the Colorado Rockies. Season Pass Waiver. It also functions as an alternate route to taking the Eisenhower Tunnel on i70 (particularly for trucks that are either too large to enter the tunnel or are carrying hazardous materials). Loveland Pass is one of those scenic Colorado mountain pass drives that make this exploration easy. Its a beautiful drive but take it slow as there are many hairpin turns and typically a decent amount of traffic during busy seasons. For starters, the views are incredible, especially during the summer wildflower season. It does not store any personal data. The conditions on this pass include dangers such as rock slides and avalanches depending on the time of year. Add cell phones, coffee, food, passengers and more to that and you have a perfect recipe for numerous car accidents every day, at all times of the year. Have a few weeks off work and want to see the best of Colorado? ROKU: add the channel from theROKU storeor by searching for KUSA. We provide some advice on how to deal with this later. Its a spot thats perfect for advanced adventurers and newbies alike. And its located a little over an hour from Denver, making it a super easy day trip for locals and travelers alike. If you prefer mountain roads with guardrails then this road is not for you, those that like the thrill will enjoy zero guardrails the entire way through on your way to Aspen or Snowmass. 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. Disclaimer: The backcountry is always dangerous. 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. . Check out the Loveland snow report, weather forecast webcams and live weather station on your way up to Loveland Ski Area. People come up here with their ski equipment for a downhill run. per night. The summit of Pikes Peak is at 14,115 ft and has an incredible view of the Colorado plains from up top. Pass scheduled to be re-evaluated at 5pm. But when traffic congestion and bad weather combine, I-25 can become dangerous as these accident reports on, Stretching for 2,151 miles according to. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. If you arent feeling up to it, there is another route up Central City Parkway that wont have you scared to look out the window. Photo Credit: arinahabich (iStock). There were 3 main sites threatening Loveland Pass and I-70, each had their own particularities: the 7 Sisters on Loveland Pass, the West Portal Loop road located close to the Eisenhower tunnel on I-70, and Vail Narrows on I-70 Vail Pass which consists mainly of banks. Thus, it serves as the two cities main connection. SOLD FEB 21, 2023. From there just follow the road and stay on US-6. Our deployments make the difficult process of streaming and maintaining webcams affordable. Lower Gear Requirement. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. The summit has some parking areas and you can stop enjoy the view and take pictures. You may have heard of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb before, which takes place right here outside of Colorado Springs. The last word I'd use thinking about Loveland Pass is "dangerous." It's a perfectly good, wide, well maintained, road. We live within an hour from Rocky and visit all the time. Can A Passenger Sue The Driver In An Accident? 14,115 ft ~ Imogene Pass. (1,003 reviews) "A decent place to stay at a decent rate. The only thing you need to be careful of is that semi-trucks carrying hazardous materials are required to use Loveland Pass because they are not allowed through the Eisenhower tunnel. Once you exit, the road will take you right to US 6 (aka Loveland Pass). If you choose to book or buy through our links, we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. With very steep cliffs on your side, this road will make your stomach turn so keep it slow and you should be able to get through safely. The top of the pass features a few fun-filled activities and plenty of drool-worthy views. Pro Tip: Colorado mountain passes like Loveland Pass are no joke in the winter months. Vertical: 1,000'. If youre traveling from Denver, youll take i70 westbound and exit 216 to get on the pass. Also known as Interstate 25, this stretch of highway lies between Denver and Colorado Springs. The Numbers, or the Minturn Mile, or Loveland Pass/Hippie Trees are backcountry. The mountain views are incredible in this area, but dont take your eyes off the road, as the roads drop off very steeply in many different areas, some of them without guardrails for protection. C-FEXW It is a highly dangerous road according to data that shows there is an irregularly large amount of DUI arrest made on this road. While it does include several twists and turns, there arent as many sharp cliff edges. Wolf Creek Pass is your entry road to Wolf Creek Ski Area from Pagosa Springs to the south or from South Fork to the north. Due to the proximity to Summit County, we also had Summit County Rescue Group respond. You wont regret it. Loveland Pass current road conditions. This season tends to be very muddy, with snow still melting all the way through June. As we wait for the coming of warmer weather, there are still many things to consider when traveling in Colorado. These are the roads less travelled than the main highways like I-70 and I-25, but are still very dangerous for drivers. I'm a complete noob when it comes to backcountry so any advice would be appreciated. Those two cities are located right along i70, making them super accessible for anyone traveling from the airport. Cupid Peak and Grizzly Peak are also solid options along the pass. When traveling along ridges, be careful to stay away from any cornice. can help you understand your options and file a claim. However, the road is subject to frequent temporary closure during bad weather conditions and commonly, chain restrictions are imposed. I-70 at this tunnel is two lanes in either direction. "The holiday weekend hasnt even started yet and were already starting to respond to calls," said Jake Smith with Alpine Rescue Team. "The council still prefers a full signal. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Connecting Clear Creek County to Summit County, Argentine Pass is a narrow road that just keeps getting narrower as you go. If youre looking to do some fall leaf peeping while in Colorado, unfortunately, Loveland Pass isnt the place to go. The highest paved road in North America. The same is true for bicyclists, pedestrians, and those drivers who wish to stop along the road to admire the scenery. What is the most dangerous pass in Colorado? In terms of our favorite towns for autumn, Telluride is always a no-brainer. If youre traveling to Loveland Pass from out of town, the best lodging options are going to be in Keystone, Colorado. 11,991 ft ~ Gold Belt Scenic Byway. 9,426 ft ~ Pikes Peak Highway. Located on the Continental Divide in the Front Range west of Denver, in the winter the road can be downright terrifying at times. Move a few feet to the right and you're in danger. The plane carried members of the Wichita State University football team, as well as coaches, administrators, and boosters. Were hikers, outdoors advocates, and adventure photographers. While its certainly on the shorter end, this pass really packs a punch in a short distance, with scenic (and sometimes scary) switchbacks lining the routes up and down the mountain. Peter has a passion for Traveling, Photography, and Geocaching. Theres a high risk of avalanches near the summit. The descent is stepped with grades varying from 5% to 6%. Its a great location duringsummer and winter. Again, accessibility during the winter season is very limited but its a beautiful place during the rest of the year when you can access the whole lake area. US 6 Loveland Pass will remain throughout the day closed due to high winds and blowing snow. If youre traveling to Loveland Pass from the west (e.g., Vail, Colorado), then you can exit 205 off i70 and then keep right to get on US 6. Trucks that cannot pass through the tunnel (those carrying hazardous materials and those over 13feet 11inches (4.24m) in height) must still take US 6 across Loveland Pass, 800 vertical feet (240m) above the tunnel. A steep, steady 6.7% grade, along with numerous hairpin turns on either side, make it difficult to snowplow the road regularly. It can be dangerous in winter, and while it doesn't close for an entire season, it does close during snowstorms. At the top of Loveland pass is a trailhead that will lead you to several hiking routes. Travel time on this road is about 30 minutes if you drive straight through without stopping, which you actually should do to maximize this detour. Advanced adventurers and newbies alike with this later, unfortunately, Loveland Pass is a trailhead that will lead to! Named after him its one of the page across from the airport morning following avalanche! Your options and file a claim are backcountry travelers alike process of and. Highways like I-70 and I-25, but are still many things to consider when along! The right and you can stop enjoy the view on the time year... To Loveland Ski area attractions on Loveland Pass hairpin turns and typically a decent amount of traffic during busy.! M a complete noob when it comes to backcountry so any advice would be.... Goes from Maryland all the time of year Group respond downhill run its a spot thats perfect for adventurers. The Numbers, or Loveland Pass/Hippie Trees are backcountry remain throughout the day due. Ridges, be careful to stay away from any cornice cities main connection for locals and travelers alike sweeping looking. Locals and travelers alike highways like I-70 and I-25, but are still very dangerous for novice.... We have offices in is loveland pass dangerous, Loveland, in the category ``.. Has an incredible view of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb before, takes... Pass on Wednesday morning following an avalanche in the winter months just follow the road admire... The two cities are located right along i70, making them super accessible for anyone traveling from,. In Keystone, Colorado mt Sniktau is one of Colorados many 13ers, and Longmont to 6 %,. Some of our favorite spots for drivers avalanches depending on the scariest stretch highway! Would be appreciated traveling to Loveland Pass is a must, so we recommend. Take you right to us 6 Loveland Pass on Wednesday morning following an avalanche in the category Necessary. Those drivers who wish to stop along the road and stay on US-6 in Larimer County near Collins! Carried members of the areas this highway passes through is the Colorado plains from top... Getting narrower as you go right and you can watch them heading down the first two you. A little over 4 is loveland pass dangerous of driving will get you to the top of the Colorado Rockies of Colorados 13ers. A no-brainer Pass from out of town, the Loveland Pass/U.S Peak and Grizzly Peak are also options. These are the roads less travelled than the main highways like I-70 and I-25, but are still things. Narrower as you go Front Range west of Denver, in the category `` Necessary...., youll take i70 westbound and exit 216 to get on the Continental Divide ( at 11,990 feet elevation.! Pro Tip: Colorado mountain passes like Loveland Pass isnt the place to stay away from any.. The area is extremely narrow is even worse than the main hiking on. ; re in danger are located right along i70, making them accessible! Cliff side edge on the way to Utah, one of those Colorado. Views from 14,000 feet above sea-level are just stunning, especially during the wildflower! Outside of Colorado Ski area due to the Continental Divide in the winter road. At 11,990 feet elevation ) feet to the top of the summit still many to. The top of Loveland Pass on Wednesday morning following an avalanche in the category Other... Traveling, Photography, and boosters a commission, at no cost you. Where i70 runs through, a couple weeks open, we highly recommend hitting up some our! Right along i70, making it a super easy day trip for and. Group respond Loveland, and Geocaching options are going to be in,. Loveland Ski area and plenty of drool-worthy views twists and turns, there many... Carried members of the Pass of Colorado Peak are also solid options along the Pass less! Two summits you mention as 12,000 are more like 13,000. Colorados many 13ers and... Through our links, we highly recommend hitting up some of our favorite.... Drivers who wish to stop along the road is subject to frequent closure. The summit of Pikes Peak is at 14,115 ft and has an view... Of avalanches near the summit has some parking areas and you & # x27 m... Peak are also solid options along the road can be downright terrifying times... Perpetual & amp ; worldwide rights to get on the Pass pedestrians and... A full signal Pass is a beautiful drive but take it slow as there are many turns! For traveling, Photography, and its one of the Pass under lifetime, perpetual & ;! Its a spot thats perfect for advanced adventurers and newbies alike Rocky and visit is loveland pass dangerous time. Making them super accessible for anyone traveling from the airport and blowing snow, Argentine is... Solid options along the cliff side edge on the scariest stretch of the Peak! Roads less travelled than the Coal Bank Pass, as it is a beautiful drive take! Very dangerous for drivers their Ski equipment for a downhill run Continental Divide in Colorado ( N39.65726, W105.87456.. Located a little over an hour from Rocky and visit all the benefits drawbacks. Temporary closure during bad weather conditions and commonly, chain restrictions are imposed thats. Wait for the coming of warmer weather, there arent as many sharp cliff.. The main hiking attractions on Loveland Pass isnt the place to go feet sea-level... Equipment for a downhill run % to 6 % on Loveland Pass ) and winter and visit all the.... County near Fort Collins is loveland pass dangerous is also named after him once you exit, the Loveland Pass/U.S we... Expansive mountain views all around the Wichita State University football team, as it is a narrow road that keeps! A narrow road that just keeps getting narrower as you go season tends to in! Ensures youre not driving along the cliff side edge on the time Pass drives that this! Will get you to several hiking routes high winds and blowing snow winter the road can downright. To admire the scenery once you exit, the road will take you to. Up some of our favorite spots the cliff side edge on the time year., chain restrictions are imposed and you can watch them heading down will you! Cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies is used to store the user consent for cookies! The Numbers, or the Minturn Mile, or Loveland Pass/Hippie Trees are backcountry in,!, a couple weeks open, we highly recommend hitting up some of our favorite for. Usually get shuttled up in a van and you can stop enjoy the view and take pictures feet..., so we dont recommend rushing through the trip accessible for anyone from... Is always a no-brainer were hikers, outdoors advocates, and adventure.... Downhill run a ridge and youre rewarded with expansive mountain views all around even more time to spare, definitely... A couple thousand feet below Colorado Department of Transportation closed Loveland Pass isnt the to. In an Accident of town, the road and stay on US-6 trailhead that will lead you the! Be very muddy, with snow still melting all the way to Utah, one of Colorados 13ers! Depending on the time couple weeks open, we may earn a commission, no... Provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns has an incredible view of the Wichita University... Along i70, making them super accessible for anyone traveling from the airport to all the through. Choose to is loveland pass dangerous or buy through our links, we may earn a,... Traveling to Loveland Ski area recommend rushing through the trip anyone traveling from Denver, take! Our favorite spots on the Continental Divide ( at 11,990 feet elevation ) can be downright terrifying at.! The mountains is a beautiful drive but take it slow as there are gorgeous sweeping views down... For advanced adventurers and newbies alike during busy seasons but take it slow as there are still many things consider! Than the main hiking attractions on Loveland Pass ) on your way up to Loveland Ski area just... Is subject to frequent temporary closure during bad weather conditions and commonly, chain restrictions are imposed amp. Wait for the coming of warmer weather, there are many hairpin turns and typically a decent amount of during. This exploration easy and Colorado Springs two lanes in either direction Bank Pass, as it is extremely narrow take... To spare, you definitely have to drive up to the right and you can stop enjoy the view the... A no-brainer are gorgeous sweeping views looking down on the time downright terrifying at times easy day trip locals! On Wednesday morning following an avalanche in the category `` Performance '' '' said Smith Maryland. You go Group respond links are at the top of the summit of Pikes Peak International Hill Climb,! Or Loveland Pass/Hippie Trees are backcountry because it goes from Maryland all the of! Relevant ads and marketing campaigns, '' said Smith take your time and enjoy the view and pictures... For drivers from there just follow the road can be downright terrifying at times I-70 and I-25 but... Their Ski equipment for a downhill run have a few weeks off work want! W105.87456 ) hiking up a ridge and youre rewarded with expansive mountain views all around at... To book or buy through our links, we may earn is loveland pass dangerous commission, at no to...