Hagerman Pass is a beautiful, though not easy, drive in Colorado

# Hagerman Pass Road: Colorado's High-Altitude Adventure

Ready to tackle one of Colorado's most scenic high-altitude drives? Hagerman Pass sits pretty at 3,657 meters (11,998 feet) above sea level, right on the border between Pitkin and Lake counties. Named after James J. Hagerman, the railroad pioneer who built the Colorado Midland Railway, this mountain pass is legitimately one of the highest roads you can drive in Colorado.

Located near Leadville in the Pike and San Isabel National Forests, this isn't technically a difficult route—but here's the catch: you'll absolutely want a 4x4 vehicle. Seriously, don't attempt this in a two-wheel drive. The 18.82-kilometer (11.7-mile) stretch from Turquoise Lake Road to Frying Pan Road is totally unpaved and includes rocky terrain, multiple stream crossings, and occasional fallen trees that can block your path.

The road itself, Forest Road 105, is a rough-and-tumble adventure that partly follows the historic Colorado Midland Railroad line. You'll spot three abandoned railroad tunnels along the way, which is pretty cool. As you climb toward the summit, the road gets narrower with some gnarly rock ledges, muddy patches, and sandy sections—all navigable if you've got the right vehicle, but genuinely impassable for standard cars.

The real payoff? Absolutely stunning scenery. This high mountain route opens in late May and stays accessible until the first major snowfall (usually late October or November). You'll get sweeping views of Turquoise Lake to the east and the Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness to the southwest. There are tons of camping spots along the way and incredible photo opportunities—think panoramic vistas, alpine lakes, and brilliant fall colors. Block out plenty of time, bring your camera, and prepare yourself for an unforgettable Rocky Mountain experience.