The Rocky Mountain Adventure Rally
(Adventure Rally Rides)
Note: Please do not try to navigate the mountain passes of this area without a good map book. We recommend Delorme or Benchmark maps. Each company makes backcountry map books on a "per state" basis.
This Rally is about "Passes" lots and lots of passes. The riding around this part of Colorado is not just "great", its SPECTACULAR ! High mountain meadows, the highest set of passes in the U.S. and really great August weather. Max temp is the mid 80's, and its comfortably chilly at nite.
Mosquito Pass
This is the big one, its legendary... simply the highest navigable road in North America. Its not terribly tough, a good "intermediate" rider can make it through. But prepare to be "astounded" You will ride up to elevations over 13,186 feet, and then ride down to the legendary mining town of "Fairplay".
Weston Pass
A great "return to camp" ride from Mosquito pass will be "Weston Pass" @ 11,900 ! After you come over Mosquito pass into Fairplay, simply go south on Hiway 285 to "5 rd." which will intersect with "22rd" and will take you over Weston Pass back to Hiway 24, just south of Leadville.
Fremont Pass
Now this is a great street ride, that could be combined with any of the other pass rides. Hiway 91 out of Leadville will take you up over the continental divide via Fremont pass (elev. 11,318) ride up to I-70 go west about 30 miles and return to Leadville via Hiway 24 which travels along the eagle river, and enters Leadville just after you cross Tennesee Pass at (elev. 10,424)
Independence Pass
If you want a moderate, fun round trip day ride you might consider riding to Aspen via Independence pass. (elev. 12,695) You can pick up Independence pass road about 20 miles south of Leadville, and it's a 70 mile backcountry ride to Aspen. You will have to return via the same route as it's a really long street ride to return to Leadville.
Hagerman Pass
This is really scenic relatively easy ride up 12,900 feet. Its just outside of Leadville and its paved the first few miles as you pass Turqoise lake, then it gets steep and somewhat rocky… but it can be driven by a passenger car so beginning adventure riders should not have a problem. A beautiful half day ride.
More Passes
Within a 60 mile radius of Leadville there are many more passes to explore as well as some great rides to many 14,000 foot mountain meadows that nestle at the base of many of what is locally known as the 14ers. These are the tallest mountain peaks in the Rockies. This is truly adventure riding territory at its alpine best!!
