Hagerman Pass

4.7/5 (29 reviews)
Leadville, Colorado (Lake County)
Last Updated: 09/04/2022

Trail Information

Highlights

Located in the Sawatch Range between Leadville and Basalt, Colorado, Hagerman Pass is an incredibly scenic trail that crosses the Continental Divide at 11,925 feet. This high clearance 4x4 trail offers views of majestic mountains, glittering mountain lakes, stunning campsites, and takes you back through the rich history of the areas' early railroad days. This off-road trail is part of section 5 of the Colorado Backcountry Discovery Route (COBDR), which is a mostly off-road route across the entire state of Colorado from New Mexico to Wyoming. There are many hiking trails that start off of Hagerman Pass, even a few used by anglers. Don't miss this high altitude gem if you are looking for some fairly easy trail therapy and a mountain get-a-way reset.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

4.7/5 (29)
Official Crew
32550
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 09/04/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Spent the day on the pass installing new kiosk signs. Beautiful day, but there was a lot of traffic for the holiday weekend.
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 08/22/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Great way to get from Leadville to Aspen if you have the right vehicle. If the first rocky section (on the east) has you questioning the ability of your vehicle, it's time to turn around. It doesn't get easier. The ruts were not too bad, but there is a section of road where the center is washed out and super deep...maybe at least 2 feet. The road on either side is not stable. It's possible to get over in a Jeep, but a bit more technical and risky than one might expect on this trail. I attempted the driver line and still ended up slipping into the middle section, probably worsening the problem... and I'm likely not the only one. The river crossing on the western side was at least two feet deep on a rainy day, but not a problem. Because of the washout section, this is currently at least a 4. Based on other comments, that section shouldn't be there. On that case, 2-3.
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 08/22/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Great way to get from Leadville to Aspen if you have the right vehicle. If the first rocky section (on the east) has you questioning the ability of your vehicle, it's time to turn around. It doesn't get easier. The ruts were not too bad, but there is a section of road where the center is washed out and super deep...maybe at least 2 feet. The road on either side is not stable. It's possible to get over in a Jeep, but a bit more technical and risky than one might expect on this trail. I attempted the driver line and still ended up slipping into the middle section, probably worsening the problem... and I'm likely not the only one. The river crossing on the western side was at least two feet deep on a rainy day, but not a problem. Because of the washout section, this is currently at least a 4. Based on other comments, that section shouldn't be there. On that case, 2-3.
Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 08/17/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Easier

I agree with the others saying 3 is generous for this trail. The ruts and the gate keeper on the west side are the only 2 points that get it a 3 except the giant wash out between 9 and 10 currently, that is not supposedto be there. The whole center of the trail is rutted 18-24 inches deep.
1200
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 08/06/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Very scenic trail. The only section that gave me pause were the ruts at waypoint 7, but I didn't have any difficulty. Only saw a couple of other vehicles.

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