Loveland Pass - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

Loveland Pass is a popular destination for both skiers and hikers. In the winter, the area is covered in snow, making it a perfect spot for skiing and snowboarding. There are several trails to explore, and the views from the top of the pass are breathtaking. In the summer, the area is still covered in snow, but it also offers miles of hiking trails with stunning views of the Rockies. The Summit County Visitor's Bureau offers a variety of guided tours, including one that takes you to an abandoned mine. No matter what time of year you visit Loveland Pass, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy.

Loveland Pass is a high mountain pass that looms over Summit County, Colorado. The pass gets its name from the nearby town of Loveland, which was founded in 1866. The pass was originally used by Native Americans and trappers, but it didn't gain much popularity until the late 19th century. That's when prospectors began flocking to the area in search of gold and silver. To reach the mining camps, they had to traversed the treacherouspass, which often claimed lives. In 1893, the first road was built over the pass, making it easier for miners and other settlers to reach the area. Today, Loveland Pass is a popular destination for skiers, hikers, and nature lovers. Despite its dangers, the pass continues to be a key connection between Summit County and the rest of Colorado.

The best time to visit Loveland Pass is in the summer. The pass is open year-round, but it can be inaccessible in the winter due to heavy snowfall. In the summer, the weather is warm and sunny, making it ideal for hiking and camping.

1. Make sure to dress warmly! Even in the summer months, the temperature at Loveland Pass can stay below freezing.
2. Be prepared for crowds! During peak tourist season, the slopes can get pretty crowded.
3. Know your skill level! There are trails of all difficulty levels, so make sure you pick one that's appropriate for you.
4. Don't underestimate the altitude. Loveland Pass sits at an elevation of over 11,000 feet, so be sure to take it easy when you first arrive. Drink plenty of water and give yourself time to adjust to the thinner air before undertaking any strenuous activity.
5. Choose your activities wisely. There's a lot to do at Loveland Pass, but it's important not to bite off more than you can chew. Be realistic about your fitness level and choose hikes and ski runs that are within your abilities.
6. Start early. The earlier you start your day, the less crowded the trails will be. And if you're planning on doing any hiking, it's best to get an early start before the sun gets too high in the sky.
7. Respect closure signs . closures are put in place for a reason - they help to protect both people and wildlife . So if you see a sign saying that a trail is closed , please respect it and find another route.
8. Watch out for wildlife. While seeing wildlife is one of the highlights of a visit to Loveland Pass, it's important to remember that these animals can be dangerous. If you see any wildlife, do not approach it and keep a safe distance at all times.

1. Loveland Pass is the highest point on the Continental Divide in the United States.It's named after William Aaron Loveland, a 19th-century pioneer and surveyor.
2. In the winter, it's a popular spot for skiing and snowboarding. In the summer, it's a popular spot for hiking and mountain biking.
3. There are several lakes in the area, including Loveland Lake, Crater Lake, and Arapahoe Glacier Lake. 
4. The area around Loveland Pass is home to many different species of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, elk, deer, moose, and coyotes. 
5. The pass can be subject to dangerous weather conditions, including high winds and heavy snowfall. As a result, it is important to check conditions before heading out.
6. The pass has been featured in a number of Hollywood films, including “The Shining” and “National Lampoon’s Vacation”.
7. On average, around 400 inches of snowfall each year at Loveland Pass, making it one of the snowiest locations in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains.

While the pass can be explored in a single day, most visitors choose to spend at least a few days in the area in order to fully experience all that it has to offer. 

The pass is located on Highway 6, about two hours west of Denver. To reach Loveland Pass, take I-70 west from Denver and exit at Dillon. From Dillon, take Highway 6 south for about 12 miles. The road will wind its way up the mountainside, providing plenty of opportunities to enjoy the views. At the summit of Loveland Pass, there is a small parking area with a view of the Continental Divide. 

There is no entrance fee to explore Loveland Pass, summit county, colorado. However, there are some parking fees associated with driving up to and using the trailheads. The parking fees are typically $5 per day or an annual pass can be purchased for $30. Once you have paid the parking fee, you are free to explore the area at your own leisure.

However, due to its high elevation, Loveland Pass is only open during certain hours of the day. During the summer months, the pass is open from 6 AM to 8 PM. However, during the winter months, the hours are shortened to 9 AM to 4 PM. This is due to the fact that conditions on the pass can be very dangerous, and visibility can be poor during these times.