{"id":155,"date":"2020-01-12T09:27:31","date_gmt":"2020-01-12T16:27:31","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/165.227.29.244\/?p=155"},"modified":"2020-03-09T12:49:49","modified_gmt":"2020-03-09T18:49:49","slug":"loveland-pass","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/georgetown-colorado.org\/loveland-pass\/","title":{"rendered":"Loveland Pass: Taking the High Road"},"content":{"rendered":"
In north-central Colorado at 11,900 feet above sea level, you can begin a scenic, though somewhat challenging, journey along Hwy 6, commonly known as Loveland Pass Road. This mountain road will take you to the summit of Loveland Pass, the state\u2019s 5th highest mountain pass.<\/p>\n
The road is an alternative route to I-70, as well as to a tunnel built in 1973, and was once a traffic-choked route due to the road\u2019s numerous hairpin switchbacks. However, the construction of the Eisenhower Tunnel<\/a> allowed non-leisurely drivers to get from Point A to Point B more quickly and more safely. Today, the road allows visitors to experience some of the state\u2019s best backcountry scenery without the threat of a traffic jam.<\/p>\n Located on the Continental Divide, Loveland Pass is in the Front Range west of Denver, and Loveland Pass Road is considered treacherous during the winter months. A steep, steady 6.7% grade and numerous sharp turns make snow plowing difficult, and travel along the road was slow going for those needing to travel across the pass. However, the construction of the tunnel provided an alternate route to both Hwy 6 and I-70.<\/p>\n In rare cases, Loveland Pass Road will be closed due to weather conditions, but more commonly, chain restrictions are imposed. It\u2019s a good idea to check the weather conditions at the US Forest Service <\/a>website before embarking on your trip.<\/p>\n Loveland Pass was named for William A.H. Loveland, the president of the Colorado Central Railroad who gained his fortune as a businessman and railroad entrepreneur. He also founded Golden, CO and persuaded the Colorado Territorial Legislature to found the Colorado School of Mines.<\/p>\n Because Loveland was not able to extend the rail line over Loveland Pass, he instead built a wagon road over it in 1879. It was in the 1930s that Charles Vail, a state highway engineer, converted the road to an automobile highway, with the road being paved in 1950.<\/p>\n Before reaching the Eisenhower Tunnel, you\u2019ll experience breathtaking views of mountain vistas just waiting for backcountry skiers and hikers to find them. Bypassing the tunnel, you begin your drive across the pass, rising an extremely curvy 800 feet. This may leave you white knuckling the steering wheel, but at the same time, it will be difficult to keep your eyes on the road with so much natural beauty around you.<\/p>\n For this reason, it\u2019s good to stop for photo opportunities at the top of the pass or walk a trail or two, in order to really soak in the experience. The walking trails here offer amazing views, but many are loaded with snow in the winter, making them hard to access.<\/p>\n Frankly put, this road is not for sissies and has humbled many an ego. However, it\u2019s worth the trip, not only for the gorgeous backcountry views, but also to be near some other interesting destinations if you can make a longer trip of it.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re willing to stay awhile near Loveland Pass, there are both modest and luxurious accommodations in the historic mining town of nearby Georgetown<\/a>, where you can see some of the country\u2019s most well-preserved Victorian architecture or board the Georgetown Loop Railroad<\/a> at the Devil\u2019s Gate boarding area to experience the natural beauty surrounding Georgetown in comfort. However, you can have a more adventurous experience by opting to tour the Lebanon Silver Mine before completing your trip.<\/p>\nWhat to Do Near Loveland Pass<\/h2>\n