Hoosier Pass Loop

Dogs Unknown

Features Fall Colors · Geological Significance · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

11,542 Hoosier Pass is a part of the Continental Divide. Water towards Breckenridge and the north heads to the Pacific, to the south, it's off to the Atlantic (Gulf of Mexico). There are a number of (abandoned) mines surrounding the pass.

After parking at the Hoosier Pass head up the dirt / gravel road at the north end of the parking lot. You'll pass a few campsites, and in about 1/4 mile you'll come to a road junction. To the right is the Chrystal Lake trail (you can combine that by leaving this route at the upper junction) - you'll continue on and to the left up the gravel road that flanks the hill.

Continue on the road as it climbs gently up, providing sweeping views of Mt. Lincoln and Mt. Bross, the Montgomery Reservoir, and south towards Alma and Fairplay. Our fall hike was a full display of rusty bushes and bright yellow Aspens. There are a number of closed mines well up ahead across private ground that you can see in the distance.

After about 1.4 miles you'll reach the junction. You can head back down if the altitude (or maybe smaller children) have had enough. Otherwise turn hard right, heading up the hill following a less well defined road. At this point the ridge of Mt. Quandary is in full view to the north. At the peak of the road the path turns into a trail that winds straight ahead and down the hill. The last 200-300 meters is steeper and has lots of loose rocks. You'll rejoin the road you started on, turn left and head back to the parking lot.

This trail should remain fairly easy in winter.

You can connect to a number of other trails from the upper junction. At the junction head straight instead of turning right to hike downhill to Chrystal Lake - when you reach a road turn left to the lake, or right back to your original parking lot. Other trails lead uphill towards some of the decommissioned mines. It isn't clear what the property rights are uphill so check signs to be sure before continuing.

Most of the trail appears to be above tree line; keep an eye out for weather as you start and during the hike. You can encounter deer and elk (and probably the associated lions) and likely bear. Wildflowers should be plentiful in spring and early summer. In the fall the scrub turns reddish brown. Birds seem plentiful.