An Epic Colorado Road Trip To Easily Conquer Loveland Pass

An Epic Colorado Road Trip To Easily Conquer Loveland Pass

 

Although Highway 6 is short, you can spend a full day exploring from Silverthorne to Eisenhower Tunnel. This twenty-mile drive is full of excitement and relaxation for a perfect road trip from Denver. Even though Loveland Pass, at 11,990 feet is the climax, you can easily make this a full-day adventure.  

 

Most people will first recognize it because of its three popular ski areas. Furthermore, we’re sharing with you more family-friendly ideas of what to do besides skiing. For instance, how to enjoy this scenic drive, take a walk on the wild side, and have lunch on the top of a skiing mountain. Whether just a scenic slow pace drive, relaxing, or active experiences, Loveland Pass has something for everyone to create lifelong memories.

 

We want you to discover a new favorite place to visit. For the most part, Loveland Pass easily gets overlooked by more famous Colorado destinations.  An Epic Colorado Road Trip To Easily Conquer Loveland Pass is your way to take advantage of Rocky Mountain natural beauty that’s easy to get to.

 

So, bypass Eisenhower tunnel for a more scenic view along the highest road in the United States kept open year-round.  

 

What To See On Your Loveland Pass Road Trip

Besides the main draw of the mountains look for opportunities to explore off of Highway 6. 

 

Besides, the top of the pass gets a lot of attention. You will find good pull-offs to view the ski areas and mountains. Better yet, bring your skis, hiking shoes, or mountain bike for a closer look.  

 

On Highway 6 you’ll come across three ski areas from Silverthorne to the Eisenhower Tunnel. These include Arapahoe Basin, Keystone, and Loveland.

 

You might call us crazy, but see why Crested Butte, Colorado is better without snow.

 

Naturally, chances are good you will see backcountry skiers start on the top of Loveland Pass then work their way down the mountain. Often, they will hitchhike back to the top.

 

On the top, amazing views at the Continental Divide invite you to park. Both sides of the road have fantastic views that you can see for miles. Take a minute to calmly breathe in pure mountain air. You’ll want to remember this moment when life gets stressful.  

Now that your senses are relaxed, look for marmots. You’ll enjoy watching these animals and they are just as curious about you.

 

By the way, weddings and elopements are popular at the top. So look for fancy-dressed people and photographers. What better place than Loveland Pass? 

 

Can you imagine yourself looking at the stars at night here? Put this on your bucket list!  

 

All in all, if you see something interesting then safely pull over and check it out.

 

Look for gravel forest roads to get away from crowds to explore more privately. You’ll also have a better chance of seeing wildlife on these roads. 

 

What To Do On Your Loveland Pass Road Trip

 

Even though driving to the top of Loveland Pass is mind-blowing in itself, you can find many ways to get a more personal experience. Including getting married.

You’ll find pleasant scenery the entire drive. Highway 6 follows along Dillon Reservoir at Silverthorne shadowing the North Fork Snake River up to Arapahoe Basin. From Silverthorne, the road grade is gradual until you arrive at the switchbacks with an abundance of trees and pull-offs. Without a doubt, Highway 6 is a fun road to just drive.  

 

In summer at Arapahoe Basin, ride the scenic chairlift to the top for only twenty bucks. In fact, for thirty bucks it includes lunch! While at the top see extraordinary vistas along the Continental Divide. Hike some trails then you can either hike back down or take the chairlift.   

 

You can mountain bike down too, but the A-Basin chairlift doesn’t have bike haulers. Although, Keystone does. However, drive the service road to the top of A-Basin with your bikes then choose your trails.

 

You can also road bike the length of Highway 6, but I can’t even imagine us doing that. Another way to bike is to get a ride to the top then ride down the mountain. However, best to use a professional service for this.

Also, check out the paved nature trail that runs from Silverthorne to Keystone.  For example, you can bike, walk, or run along Lake Dillon and through the scenic mountains.  You can access the trail off of Highway 6.

 

On Top Of Loveland Pass

On the top of the pass, some hiking trails include Grizzly Peak, Cupid Peak, and Mount Sniktau. Look for marmots, not the yellow-belly kind though. Another fun option to consider here is snowshoeing.

 

But, for an easy hike that also explodes with scenic views and wildflowers take the family-friendly Loveland Pass Lake Trail. This is a perfect place to let kids explore.

 

Yes, these trails are dog-friendly too as long as they are on a leash.

 

As a general rule, rattlesnakes don’t live above 9,000 feet so this is one less worry here. Follow these tips for Easy Ways That Will Keep You And Your Dog Safe When Hiking With Snakes.

 

Pack a lunch for a relaxing picnic. Tables are placed around the lake but you should get there early to get one. At the same time, pack sunblock and bug spray because you’ll burn much quicker at high altitudes and mosquitos can be heavy this high in the mountains. 

 

Please keep in mind the Leave No Trace Principles so that we can always enjoy natural areas. 

 

Naturally, skiing comes to mind first with three ski areas on the route. Backcountry skiing is also common, so keep an eye out because this is fun to watch. 

 

Wildlife And Wildflowers On Loveland Pass

 

Take your time driving this scenic road to Loveland Pass otherwise you could miss out on wildlife and wildflowers. Do stop at pull-offs to look around, but focus on one area at a time instead of a quick scan. Besides, it isn’t a race to the top for the magnificent view, but should be a relaxing day trip of discovery.  

 

Search For Wildlife On Loveland Pass

 

Along the way, look for wildlife that live in these mountains and around ski areas.  

Bighorn sheep  

Mountain lion, or cougar, is the largest of the wildcats

Lynx- A lynx is a little bigger than a bobcat

Bobcat- The bobcat is the smallest of the wildcats and the size of a small to medium size dog.

Moose- Although not very many live in this area of Colorado we did see one crossing the road in Keystone Village.

Elk

Deer

Foxes

Coyotes

Whitetailed Ptarmigan has brown feathers that turn to white in winter. They prefer walking instead of flying so look for tracks first. Obviously, it is extremely difficult to spot in the snow.

Snowshoe hares will also be difficult to spot in the snow with their white fur.

Pine marten

Pikas

Of course, plenty of chipmunks and squirrels.

 

Look For Wildflowers On Loveland Pass

 

Wildflowers introduce themselves on Loveland Pass in July then start to fade away in the last half of August. Don’t wait too long or you will miss some of nature’s best shows.

 

A short hike on Loveland Pass for wildflowers and excellent views is the Pass Lake Trail. Most people stay on top of the pass but few take this easy .8 mile trail. 

 

This is important. Please follow the Leave No Trace guidelines.

 

Look for these wildflowers here.

Colorado Blue Columbine – the Colorado state flower

White Marsh Marigold

Nodding Sunflower

Alpine Avens

Giant Red Paintbrush

Western Indian Paintbrush

Western Aster

King’s Crown

Rocky Mountain Phlox

Alpine Thistle

Elephant Head

Arctic Gentian

American Bistort

Alpine Yarrow

 

Final Thoughts

 

Loveland Pass is more than just a high-altitude mountain road. When you plan ahead you’ll have an adventurous road trip. This drive is easy for anyone to enjoy the beautiful scenery, and we like that a lot. We believe everyone should have natural places for a personal escape. When you take this Colorado road trip to Loveland Pass you will feel on top of the world.

 

It all happens because of the magnificent Rocky Mountains, so take it all in. In reality, we’re only visiting for a short time. Take your time and enjoy the natural beauty before heading back into your everyday life away from the mountains.

 

Here’s another favorite place that is overlooked but easily accessible. Snowy Range Scenic Byway: A Drive-Thru Adventure For Something New.

 

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Thanks for reading,

Tom and Kristi