MOSQUITO PASS 4WD ROAD

BRAVE THE HIGHWAY OF FROZEN DEATH

Leadville, Colorado, is known for extremes, and the four-wheel-drive (4WD) road over Mosquito Pass is no exception. With a high point of 13,185’, it’s the fourth-highest road in Colorado—with mountain weather to boot. Known as “The Highway of Frozen Death,” it is open from July through September each year, depending on snowfall. The route requires a high-clearance 4WD vehicle, good off-road driving skills, and steely nerves for those narrow ledges and airy drop-offs.

PLANNING YOUR DRIVE

This two-way road connects Leadville to Alma, another former mining town. You’ll want to allow two to three hours for the drive, and check the weather first. Rain can make the road muddy and slippery, and snow can fall there any day of the year.


Pack extra layers for the summit, which is often windy and cold. Plan ahead, as there are no bathrooms or other services along the route. Bring a spare tire and plenty of gas to this high, remote area. Prepare what you’ll need for the drive.



The route is Park County Road 12/Lake County Road 3. See maps of the Leadville area and a Colorado OHV trail guide.

Don’t have an off-road vehicle? Rent an ATV or take a tour! Or learn more about off-road vehicle permits. Feeling more adventurous? Or try Mosquito Pass on a motorcycle.

HISTORY OF MOSQUITO PASS

As you might imagine, this desolate area once harbored its fair share of tough characters.


Perhaps the first famous traveler across Mosquito Pass was Father John Dyer, who crossed the frigid peaks on wooden skis in the mid-1800s. A preacher and mail carrier, Father Dyer ministered to the mining camps of Leadville and Alma. On one winter trip, his feet froze, and he nearly died. A memorial to him marks the top of the pass.


In 1874, the London Mine opened on the east side closer to Alma and churned out gold, silver, and lead. The mine’s ruins are still visible today. The road over the pass to Leadville was built during the height of the silver rush, by investors including the legendary Horace Tabor. They kept building the road even through the winter snows of 1878-79, as it was the shortest of the three roads across the mountain range. During those two years, Leadville mines are said to have produced $82,000,000 in silver.


When this dangerous toll road opened in 1879, it carried more than 100 wagons, freighters, and stagecoaches to Leadville each day. The crowds didn’t last long, though. The railroad came to Leadville in 1880, and the bustling road was abandoned. Ten years later, the building that had served as a stagecoach stop in Mosquito Gulch and fed cold and hungry travelers, was destroyed in an avalanche—testament to the rigors of this high mountain environment. Check out more history and photos of mining structures you’ll see.


The next journeys along the treacherous route didn’t come until 1949. But these travelers were perhaps better suited to it than the original ones: Sure-footed burros and their human companions began using the pass as part of burro races from Fairplay to Leadville.


Even now, the top of the pass is the turnaround point for the 21-mile course of the Western Pack Burro Ass-ociation’s burro races, held the first weekend of August each year and part of the Leadville Boom Days heritage festival.


Each June, hundreds of people run to the top of the pass in the Leadville Trail Marathon and Heavy Half Marathon, part of the Leadville Race Series. And of course off-road enthusiasts come up in their OHVs, jeeps and trucks, and motorcycles all summer long, to get a taste of travel in the original wild, wild west.

February 20, 2025
No matter when you visit Leadville and Twin Lakes, you’ll find yourself two miles above sea level (ok, technically 1.9 miles, but who’s counting?). When you visit in March, you’ll be even closer to the glorious Colorado sun because by this time of year, Leadville and Twin Lakes have typically received around two meters of snow! Yes, meters. Here are some great ways you can enjoy the abundant snow and sun! 1) HIT THE SLOPES AT SKI COOPER Like to ski or ride? Check out Ski Cooper for affordable access to uncrowded slopes. Cooper is open seven days a week through Sunday, April 13, 2025. To learn to ski or board or to improve your skills, sign up for lessons for the whole family. 2) RIDE THE TRAIN Hop aboard the Leadville Railroad Winter Express for a 2-hour train ride through some of the area’s most spectacular scenery. The Winter Express runs until April 13th, departing Thursdays through Saturdays at 1:00 p.m plus daily at 1:00pm during spring break from March 9th through March 29th. This is a popular attraction and reservations are required! Book your seats here . 3) GO SNOWMOBILING Snowmobile and ATV tours are a great way to explore Leadville’s historic East Side Mining District, Turquoise Lake Recreation Area and the surrounding hills. A variety of tour styles are available with options for experienced adventure seekers to beginners and families. Vroom, vroom! 4) GO DOGSLEDDING Want a spring break story that’ll make your friends jealous? Hop on a sled and let a team of energetic, tail-wagging huskies whisk you across the snow! You'll glide through stunning mountain scenery with your new four-legged crew leading the way. Dogsledding is a thrilling, unforgettable adventure—and fun for the whole family! 5) GO SNOW ZIPPING Have you ever wanted to zipline in the winter? Now’s your chance! Experience the thrill of our 2-hour Winter Mountain Zip Line Tour , where you’ll descend not one but six exhilarating zip lines, spanning over 8,000 feet of fun. Extend your adventure with the Zip Line and Snowmobile Combo Tour . Get the full scoop on rates, reservations, and restrictions here !
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