A Guide to Loveland Pass
I’m a Colorado local who’s all too familiar with I-70 traffic — and to break away from the gridlock, I love driving up Loveland Pass. Take in the scenery, pause for a hiking trail, and come across three of the state’s best ski resorts.
In this guide, I’ll cover seasonal attractions on and near Loveland Pass, and give you an overview of its interesting history. Don’t miss this detour on your next road trip!
Want to jump around?
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About Loveland Pass
History of Loveland Pass
Loveland Pass and the city of Loveland are both named after the president of the Colorado Central Railroad, William A.H. Loveland [source].
Loveland wanted a wagon road connecting Denver with the mining town of Leadville and in 1869, he opened the part of the road that is now Loveland Pass.
The pass was adopted by the U.S. Highway system in 1919 when it was connected to the town of Silver Plume. It was the main road from Denver to Georgetown until the engineering marvel that is the Eisenhower Tunnel opened in 1973.
The treacherous pass has seen many unfortunate events over the years. In 1970, a plane full of members of the Wichita State University football team, plus coaches and supporters, crashed two miles north of the summit [source]. Tragically, the thirty-one people on board were killed.
In 2013, an avalanche at the pass killed five snowboarders. It was the deadliest avalanche in Colorado since 1962 [source]. The pass has also been the site of many vehicle accidents as well.
Loveland Pass Information & Facts
- Loveland Pass is along the Continental Divide, about 70 miles east of Denver. It’s the last exit before the Eisenhower Tunnel in either direction on I-70.
- Trucks carrying hazardous materials or those that can’t fit through the Eisenhower Tunnel use Loveland Pass as an alternate route. It’s also a scenic route that many people take for the surrounding mountain views.
- At its very highest, Loveland Pass’ elevation is 11,991 feet above sea level.
- Loveland Pass has a 6.7% grade that holds steady for much of the drive.
- The pass is open year-round. It can be dangerous in winter, and while it doesn’t close for an entire season, it does close during snowstorms.
- Loveland Pass is the highest mountain pass in Colorado that does not close for the winter season.
📚 Related Reading: If you’re loving the Loveland Pass trivia, check out these other fun facts about Colorado!
Driving Loveland Pass
Loveland Pass in Summer
Summer is the ideal time to drive Loveland Pass Road! Drivers will want to watch for thunderstorms, especially in the afternoon, and be careful in heavy rain. However, a clear day is a beautiful time to drive the pass. Plan to pull over at overlooks to enjoy views of the Rocky Mountains — especially the overlook at the top of the Continental Divide.
If you’re driving slowly or are nervous, use pullouts to stop and allow cars behind you to go ahead before continuing.
Loveland Pass in Winter
Although the pass doesn’t close for the winter season, it does close often for bad weather or accidents. There are also chain restrictions during the winter, and 2WD drivers should carry chains regardless of the weather that day. You can check traction laws, and even sign up for text alerts on road conditions, on the Colorado Dept. of Transportation website.
Things to Do Near Loveland Pass
Nearby Ski Resorts
Check out locals’ favorite places to hit the slopes!
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 496-4386 | Website | Hours: 8:30 am – 4 pm daily, occasional night-skiing | Lift Tickets: $135 & up, adults, $71 & up under 13 | 👉 Book Ski Gear Rentals
Keystone Resort, Loveland Ski Area, and Arapahoe Basin are all near the pass. They’re some of the closest ski resorts to Denver, which makes them some of the most popular among locals as well!
Keystone also has summer activities, including a bike park and yoga on the mountain. Meanwhile, summer visitors to Arapahoe Basin can experience North America’s highest elevation via ferrata route.
Mount Sniktau
Get great views on a lung-busting hike up a 13er!
📍 Google Maps | Website
Sure, 14er hikes in Colorado get all the glory, but 13ers like Sniktau deserve some love, too! This is actually a great hike if you’re training for a 14er, and you can combine it with a few other hiking trails like Grizzly Peak and Cupid Peak.
If you do want to climb a 14er, you can hike to Grays and Torreys Peaks from Loveland Pass as well. Regardless, from all of these mountain summits, you’ll be treated to Continental Divide views.
👉 Pro Tip: The parking lot here can fill up quickly in summer — be sure to arrive early!
Backcountry Skiing
Ski off the beaten path (or the groomed resort path!)
Backcountry skiers experience Loveland Pass by bypassing the resorts and doing their own skiing. Some visit as a group, taking turns shuttling each other to the top of the mountain. Others trust their luck and hitchhike.
If you’re planning to backcountry ski in the area, you need to be able to assess tough weather conditions and know when to ski… and when to try another day. Also, for your safety, avalanche gear is an absolute must.
Pass Lake
Escape the city heat and picnic with an amazing view!
📍 Google Maps | Website
On the downhill descent from Loveland Pass, you’ll find Pass Lake just off the west side of the road. If you’re coming from the A-Basin Ski Area, it’s about three miles up the hill.
There is a parking lot for the Pass Lake Picnic Area, and it’s a great spot to stop. Have a snack or some lunch, then take a stroll around the lake. If you want a little more activity, take the 0.8-mile Loveland Lakes Trail, one of the best hikes near Denver!
Georgetown Loop Railroad
Travel back in time with a narrow gauge train ride through the Rockies!
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (888) 456-6777 | Website | Entrance: $38, adults, $32 under 16 | 👉 Browse Tours on Viator
Just a short distance from Loveland Pass lies one of the most scenic train rides in Colorado. The steam train winds through the mountains of Georgetown. It features open-air cars in the summer months, plus warmer options for holiday train rides and fall events.
You can also spend time wandering through Georgetown, one of Colorado’s best mountain towns. Do a little shopping in their quaint boutiques and enjoy the surrounding scenery.
Map of Loveland Pass
FAQs About Loveland Pass
Is Loveland Pass steep?
Loveland Pass is steep and has a 6.7% grade. It is a twisty road with lots of hairpin turns as the road gains and loses elevation.
Is Loveland Pass paved?
Loveland Pass is paved from one end to the other. However, even though it is paved, it can still be a treacherous drive, especially in the winter months.
Is Loveland Pass a scary drive?
Loveland Pass can be a scary drive. If you’re not used to winding mountain passes with sharp turns, it can be unnerving to drive this pass. Also, when it’s snowing in winter, the pass can be scary to drive at times. Be sure to obey all chain and traction laws, follow the speed limit signs, and pull off when you can to allow faster drivers to pass.
How long does it take to drive through Loveland Pass?
It takes about one hour to drive through Loveland Pass on a clear day. That time frame allows you to stop at overlooks and enjoy the scenic view. Without stopping, it takes between 30-45 minutes to drive straight through the pass.
What city is Loveland Pass in?
Loveland Pass is in the cities of Montezuma and Dillon. It connects the Loveland Ski Area next to I-70 to Silverthorne. It begins in Clear Creek County and ends in Summit County.
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The next time you’re in the area, bypass the Eisenhower Tunnel and rather, take a scenic drive up Loveland Pass. Stop for skiing, hiking, and opportunities to explore the surrounding area. Also, if you’re visiting more of Colorado, be sure to check out our Ultimate Colorado Travel Guide!
Thanks for the valuable info on Loveland Pass. My son and I are traveling there from Ohio in the beginning of February so he can backcountry snowboard. He’s been there a number of times. I’m not skilled enough for that but he has agreed to snowshoe and hike with me. I’m an avid backcountry camper and backpacker. Any suggestions on hikes in the area with moderate elevation climbs for hiking/snowshoeing? We’re staying in Dillon. Internet searches have only gotten me so far. I’d love to hear your suggestions.
Thanks!!
My mom and I are having an argument about the summit of Loveland Pass. She refers to road to go through Eisenhower tunnel as “new Loveland Pass” and the original pass as “the old Loveland Pass road.” The definition of a mountain pass: A mountain pass is a navigable route through a mountain range or over a ridge. My questions are: the road on I-70 between Silver Plume and Copper Mountain that goes through Eisenhower tunnel is a road that travels over a mountain ridge, correct? So, technically, shouldn’t there be a summit sign for the top of that road? Or does (old) Loveland pass have its own summit, and the road more often traveled, has no summit, even though it’s defined properly as a mountain pass? Should I really be calling this road (I-70 through Eisenhower tunnel) the approach to Loveland Pass. As in, we are going over the approach to Loveland Pass. Kind of a fun, friendly, food-for-thought argument. Looking forward to your response.