Mosquito Pass info

Mosquito Pass sits at an elevation of 13,185 ft and is a high mountain pass in the Far North of the Mosquito Range of central Colorado.

Pavement Ends

The Pass lies between Leadville and the Arkansas river headwaters to the west and Alma and Fairplay to the east.

Mosquito Pass Summit Sign

  • Mosquito Pass is the highest pass that goes somewhere in North America.
  • It lies on the divide between the Arkansas and South Platte Rivers.
  • Mosquito Pass is the informal demarcation between the northern and southern parts of Colorado east of the Continental Divide.
Mosquito Pass is the highest pass
Mosquito Pass is the highest pass that goes somewhere in North America.

(All Photos Clickable)

Dual Sport on Mosquito Pass road
West side of Mosquito Pass. Notice the old Telegraph pole in the background.

 

Mosquito Pass map
Mosquito Pass from Alma to Leadville is a 16.2 mile moderately trafficked point-to-point trail.

 

Near the summit of Mosquito Pass
Near the summit of Mosquito Pass

 

East side of Mosquito Pass
East side of Mosquito Pass
  • Mosquito Pass was used to haul mining supplies and passengers from Alma to Leadville, Colorado.
  • The pass, built in 1870’s, was part of the toll road from Denver to the mines of Leadville.
  • Once it was called the “fast freight route” and the fare from Fairplay to Leadville was $6.
East side of Mosquito Pass
East side of Mosquito Pass above Treeline

In the late 1870s, Leadville’s silver mining district was legendary, and this pass was used as the fastest way to reach the mines.

  • However, it was a difficult route, and travelers eventually began using easier, though longer routes like Weston Pass.
Dual Sport Motorcycle on Mosquito Pass
Nearing the Summit from the East side

Mosquito Pass can be traversed on foot, on a Mule, an Adventure or Dual Sport motorcycle or with a 4WD vehicle.

  • Mosquito Pass is a Challenging ride on an Adventure Motorcycle.
Hero Loops
Mosquito Pass could be considered a ‘Hero’ Loop on an Adventure Motorcycle

 

London Mine on Mosquito Pass
The North London mine sits well above treeline

In 1874, the first London mine was opened, named for the mountain it burrowed into.

  • The North & South London mines became some of the most productive mines for gold, silver and lead in the area.
Dual Sport on Mosquito Pass road
The North London Mill along the Mosquito Pass

Due to the rugged environment and high altitude, transportation of ore between the mines and mill was difficult and costly.

  • Thus, the first rope cable-way in Colorado was built to span the 3300′ drop from the mine to the London mill.
  • Visitors can still see remnants of this tram way running up the mountain towards the mill.
North London Mill on Mosquito Pass
The North London Mill along the Mosquito Pass Road

The North London Mill is along the Mosquito Pass road, and is one of the most photographed in the area.

  • The remains are a neat look at a mining operation of the late 1800s.
Mosquito Pass wagon sign
Looking west from the summit of Mosquito Pass

The pioneering Methodist circuit rider and postal carrier John Lewis Dyer crossed over Mosquito Pass several times a week during the 1860s, using snowshoes in winter, in his mission to spread the gospel.

  • John Lewis Dyer (March 16, 1812 – June 16, 1901) preached for the Methodist Episcopal for four decades.
  • He is considered one of the sixteen principal 19th-century founders of Colorado, and is enshrined in the state Capitol rotunda.
  • Father Dyer Peak is named in his honor.
  • Beta Motorcycle on the top of Mosquito Pass

    Mosquito Pass Sign
    Mosquito Pass Sign
Mosquito Pass

West Side of Mosquito Pass above Leadville, CO.

West Side of Mosquito Pass
Leadville is in the valley below at over 10,000 feet

You could have the Opportunity to ride over Mosquito Pass at  X-Roads BV and 3 rides of the Great Divide Ride Series.

Great Divide Rides

Weston Pass

X Roads Buena Vista