Hagerman Pass – FDR 104

Length: 22.5 miles (one way)   Trail Use: Heavy
Difficulty: Moderate    Open To: 4WD, OHV, Biking, Hiking
Beginning Elevation: 10,200 ft.   Ending Elevation: 9,000 ft.
Elevation Gain: -1,200 ft.    USGS Map(s): Leadville

Access from Vail: Travel west on I-70 to Exit #171 for Minturn, Leadville, and Hwy 24. Exit here and turn right onto Hwy 24. Proceed south into Leadville where Hwy 24 turns right and becomes Harrison Ave.  Turn left onto W. 6th St. and continue to County Road 4 where you will take a right.  Take this road 4 miles past the Sugar Loaf Dam to Hagerman Pass Road which is on the left or south side of County Road 9.  The summit of Hagerman pass is 7.3 miles and the entire road is 22.5 miles ending at the Fryingpan Lakes Road (State Hwy 104). 

Trail Highlights:  Hagerman Pass is one of the easier 4WD trails in the area, but is definitely one of the most scenic.  There are few stream crossing and rocky sections along the pass making it very difficult for non-4WD vehicles.  From the 12,075’ summit of the pass there are views of the Turquoise Lake area and the Fryingpan wilderness.  It is also a great trail for viewing wildflowers, wildlife, and remnants of the Colorado Midland Railroad that serviced Aspen in its silver mining heyday.  In fact, the pass was named for James J. Hagerman, the builder of the railroad section.  Hagerman Pass is also a popular destination in summer and winter by backcountry enthusiasts enjoying the 10th Mountain Division Hut System specifically the nearby Uncle Bud’s Hut, Skinner Hut, and Betty Bear Hut.