Descend of Mosquito Pass

Descend of Mosquito Pass during the West Fest 2009.

Mosquito Pass is the highest open mountain pass in the United States. There are passes that are higher, but they are one way access; once you get there, you have to go back the same way you came. Mosquito Pass tops out at 13,185 feet above sea level. This is higher than many of the mountain peaks in Colorado and only 815 feet away from being on par with some of the 14,000 foot peaks that people climb within the state.

Back in the 1870's when Leadville was booming, the shortest way to get there was to cross over Mosquito Pass from Fairplay. Many people died doing this when attempting it in the late fall, anytime in the winter or spring. In those days, looking for Gold and Silver drove a lot of people to take risks that were very extreme. These days, we are a bit better equipped to take a ride over this road. Because of the altitude, its possible to get snow any time of year and Mosquito Pass is often only open late July thru Early September.

The Pass is 2 way, we started at Leadsville, here you'll find yourself among many old mining areas. Leadville has a lot of good Ore still in the ground and never really ever stopped being a mining town. We took a dirt/gravel road from East 7th Street past the railroad station and Harrison Avenue.

The name 'Mosquito' comes from the city that used to between Park City and the London Mine (the first set of ruins you'll see along the way). It seems that no one could decide on a name for that city, but during a meeting someone noticed a mosquito squashed between the pages of one of the city record books.

The climb was very steep and very rocky. Once you commit, you just have to move forward and don't get distratcted by the ledge. Not a lot of room to turn around or move to the side for any jeep that might be coming down.

Once on top it was chilly (is it July?) and some snow drifts around us. The Snow was pink in places - an algae that grows on snow. There is a memorial to Father Dyer at the summit of the pass - He brought religion into the area back in the late 1800's. He also delivered mail between Fairplay and Leadville, using snowshoes and long skis to make it thru 10 feet or more of snow on any given day of the year - he walked this pass year round.

The road down was not as steep and not as rocky. It was wider and allows for passing an ocassional jeep. This video covers the section of this descend.

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Tags: 2009, fest, mosquito, pass, west
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