Hagerman Pass - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

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About Hagerman Pass

Hagerman Pass is located in Pitkin County, Colorado. The pass is named for geologist Albert H. Hagerman, who surveyed the area in the late 19th century. Hagerman pass is situated at an elevation of 11,933 feet and it provides a crossing point for the Continental Divide. The pass is accessible by a 4x4 road and it offerst breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Although Hagerman pass is open all year round, it is recommended that visitors use caution when driving in winter conditions.

Hotels near Hagerman Pass

Hotels to stay near Hagerman Pass

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Things to Do at Hagerman Pass

Hagerman Pass is a high mountain pass in the Rockies that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It is also a great place for hiking, camping, and fishing. The pass is located in Pitkin County, Colorado, and is accessible via a scenic drive from Aspen. There are numerous trails in the area, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging hikes. Camping is allowed in designated areas, and there are also several lakes and streams in the area where anglers can cast their lines. Whether you're looking for a relaxing getaway or an adventurous escape, Hagerman Pass is sure to offer something for everyone.

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History of Hagerman Pass

Hagerman Pass is a high mountain pass in the Rocky Mountains of central Colorado. It is located in Pitkin County, within the White River National Forest. The pass is named for Jerome B. Hagerman, a businessman and investor who helped finance the Denver, South Park & Pacific Railroad's push through the Rockies in the late 1800s. Hagerman Pass summit sits at an elevation of 11,913 feet (3,634 meters) and provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The pass is popular with hikers and campers, and there are several trails that lead into the backcountry from here. In winter, the pass is popular with skiers and snowmobilers. With its close proximity to Aspen and other ski resorts, Hagerman Pass is a favorite playground for outdoor enthusiasts.

Best Time to Visit Hagerman Pass

The best time to visit is typically in September, when the weather is warm and dry and the leaves are beginning to change color. 

Tips for Visiting Hagerman Pass

  1. Hagerman Pass is located about 12 miles south of Aspen on Highway 82. The best time to visit is from June to October. 
  2. The pass is open to vehicles, but bicycling and hiking are also popular ways to enjoy the scenery. 
  3. There are several pull-offs along the route where you can stop to take photos or simply take in the view. 
  4. Remember that this is a high-altitude environment - drink plenty of water and take it easy if you're not used to the altitude. 
  5. Please respect private property and do not trespass onto any land that is not part of the pass road system. 
  6. Respect the rules of the road. Remember that Hagerman Pass is a remote location, so there are no gas station or convenience stores nearby. Be sure to obey all posted speed limits and yield to oncoming traffic when necessary.
  7. Don't attempt to hike alone. Hagerman Pass is home to some challenging hiking trails, so it's always best to hike with a partner or group. This will help you stay safe and enjoy the experience more fully. 

Interesting Facts and Trivias About Hagerman Pass

  1. Hagerman Pass is a high mountain pass that separates the San Gabriel and Sawatch ranges in the Rocky Mountains of central Colorado and it is one of the busiest mountain passes in Colorado, with an average of 250 vehicles per day during the summer months. 
  2. Hagerman Pass is the site of one of the largest mining booms in Colorado history, with over 3,000 mines operating in the area at the height of the mining boom. 
  3. Today, only a handful of these mines are still operating, but their legacy can be seen in the many abandoned mines and mill sites dotting the landscape around Hagerman Pass. 
  4. The pass is also home to several ghost towns, including Gothic, which was once a thriving mining town with a population of over 1,000 people. 
  5. Today, Gothic is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers, as it is surrounded by some of the most pristine wilderness in Colorado. 
  6. Hagerman Pass is also popular among recreational cyclists, as it offers challenging climbs and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. 

How Much Time Did Visitors Spend at Hagerman Pass

The maximum time required to explore Hagerman Pass, Pitkin county, colorado is approximately 3-4 hours.

How to Reach Hagerman Pass

To reach the pass, take Highway 82 east from Aspen for about 9 miles. Then, turn left onto Hagerman Road and follow it for 4 miles until you reach the pass. Please be aware that Hagerman Road is closed in winter months due to heavy snowfall. 

Entrance Fee of Hagerman Pass

There is no entrance fee to explore Hagerman Pass, Pitkin county, colorado. However, there is a small parking fee for those who wish to park their vehicles in the lot at the trailhead. 

Opening Hours of Hagerman Pass

The pass is open from June 1st through September 30th. During this time, the pass is open to vehicles from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. 

Attractions Near Hagerman Pass

Timberline Lake

Timberline Lake

3.74km from Hagerman Pass

Timberline Lake is in the midst of the Pinelands, a 650,000 acre wilderness area abounding with wildlife, meandering rivers and tranquil lakes. Fresh and saltwater fishing, swimming and boating are favorite area sports, along with crabbing and hunting. It offers peaceful, quiet, and relaxing camping right in the heart of the New Jersey Pinelands and Shore Region.

Leadville National Fish Hatchery

Leadville National Fish Hatchery

6.82km from Hagerman Pass

The Leadville National Fish Hatchery was established in 1889: at 117 years old, it is the second-oldest National Fish Hatchery in existence. It lies within the Mount Massive Wilderness, most of whose area lies within San Isabel National Forest and which is managed by the United States Forest Service. Leadville National Fish Hatchery was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

Galena Mountain

Galena Mountain

7.3km from Hagerman Pass

Galena Mountain rises to the west of the town of Leadville in the northern parts of the Sawatch Mountains of central Colorado.The range was extremely jagged and permanently topped with ice and snow. The mountains were rich in valuable minerals, and mining operations were among the most productive on Toril. Due to the extremely impassable terrain that constituted the majority of the mountain range.

Turquoise Lake Road

Turquoise Lake Road

7.52km from Hagerman Pass

Turquoise Lake is a beautiful lake lcoated in the heart of Lake county and is named for its blue waters, this fresh glacial lake of nearly 1,800 acres once hosted a turquoise mine. Two boat ramps let you launch your boat, canoe, kayak, or SUP onto nearly 1,800 acres of sparkling blue waters. Surrounding the reservoir, Turquoise Lake Road provides motorists with ample opportunity to reach the many popular recreational facilities controlled by the San Isabel National Forest.

Mount Massive Wilderness Area

Mount Massive Wilderness Area

8.18km from Hagerman Pass

The Mount Massive Wilderness is a federally designated wilderness area in the Sawatch Range. The wilderness now contains over 30,000 acres, and it is co-managed by the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The name comes from Mount Massive, the second highest peak in Colorado, located inside the wilderness. It is the only federally designated wilderness area within the National Fish Hatchery System.

Fryingpan Lakes

Fryingpan Lakes

8.38km from Hagerman Pass

Fryingpan Lakes is a chain of three Alpine lakes located in Pitkin County, Colorado. The lakes are situated at an elevation of over 11,000 feet, and offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The area is popular with hikers and campers, who come to enjoy the solitude and natural beauty of the lakes. Wildlife is abundant in the area, and visitors often spot moose, bears, and wildflowers. The Fryingpan Lakes are a perfect example of the pristine wilderness that can be found in Colorado.

Discover More Attractions in Pitkin County, Home of Hagerman Pass

Pitkin County

Pitkin County

45 attractions

Pitkin County is located in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, just southwest of Aspen. The county is home to several ski resorts, as well as the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness area. Tourism is a major industry in Pitkin County, and the area is popular for both winter and summer recreation. In the winter, visitors can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing, while in the summer they can hike, fish, and camp. The county is also home to a number of cultural attractions, including the

Location of Hagerman Pass

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