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Mosquito Pass

Breckenridge

Salida

An epic route incorporating the best 4x4 roads in the Mosquito Pass area.

Driving 4x4 Difficult

Distance
134 km
Ascent
3.4 km
Descent
3.4 km
Low Point
2.9 km
High Point
4.1 km
Gradient
12˚
Mosquito Pass Map

"Located just south of Breckenridge outside of Alma, the Mosquito Pass Road is a stellar alpine drive with a little bit of everything: forests, creeks, even alpine tundra near the top of the pass at 13,185 feet,” writes Phil Lindeman in the Summit Daily. That sky-scraping elevation gives Mosquito Pass the distinction of being on of the highest mountain passes in the nation.

Description

Mosquito Pass proper runs from Alma to Leadville, but along the way there are numerous side trips—both out-and-backs and small loop options. The route mapped here incorporates most of the optional side trips found in this area, but you can choose to drive them or not. Two of the most popular side trips include the South London Mine route or Birdseye Gulch trail, according to Lindeman.

If you’re a true offroader looking for a technical challenge, these various side routes will be more up your alley. However, if you’re just looking for a high altitude 4x4 pass with incredible views, it’s best to stick to the primary Mosquito Pass.

Like most 4x4 drives in Colorado, there are tons of historical sites along the road. "The North London Mine and the London Mill are on the main road,” according to JeepTheUSA. "The North London Mine was bored into London Mountain in 1875. The first aerial tramway in Colorado transported rich ore from this mine down to the London Mill."

Sources: https://www.summitdaily.com/news/sports/your-guide-to-summit-countys-best-ohv-and-jeep-trails/ https://www.jeeptheusa.com/mosquito-pass-25.html

Difficulty

Difficult

Extreme Exposure

4 out of 4

Some trail sections are extremely exposed where falling will almost certainly result in serious injury or death.

Remoteness

3 out of 4

Little chance of being seen or helped in case of an accident.

Best time to visit

between July and September

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