Mosquito Pass facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mosquito Pass |
|
|---|---|
.jpg) |
|
| Elevation | 13,185 ft (4,019 m) |
| Traversed by | Unpaved road |
| Location | Lake / Park counties, Colorado, U.S. |
| Range | Mosquito Range |
| Coordinates | 39°16′53″N 106°11′10″W / 39.28139°N 106.18611°W |
| Topo map | USGS Climax |
Mosquito Pass is a very high mountain pass in the Mosquito Range of central Colorado, United States. It sits at an elevation of 13,185 ft (4,019 m). This makes it one of the highest mountain passes in the state!
The pass is located on the border between Lake and Park counties. It connects the towns of Leadville (to the west) and Fairplay (to the east). Mosquito Pass also marks a special spot: it's on the divide between the Arkansas and South Platte Rivers. This line is often seen as the unofficial border between northern and southern Colorado, east of the Continental Divide.
Traveling Mosquito Pass
Mosquito Pass is not an easy road to travel. Because it is so high and rugged, you can only cross it in certain ways.
A Challenging Road
You can cross Mosquito Pass on foot, on an off-road motorcycle, or with a special four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle. Regular cars (2WD vehicles) will find the road very difficult. This is because there are streams to cross and many rocky sections. Even with a 4WD vehicle, the pass is usually only open during the summer months. During other seasons, snow and ice make it impossible to cross.
A Pioneer's Journey
A long time ago, in the 1860s, a brave pioneer named John Lewis Dyer often crossed Mosquito Pass. He was a Methodist circuit rider. This means he was a preacher who traveled from town to town to share his message. He would cross the pass several times a week, even in winter! When it was snowy, he would use snowshoes to make his way. A mountain nearby, called Father Dyer Peak, is named in his honor.
