Loveland Pass
Dillon, CO
The 3,655 m Continental Divide crossing on US-6, open year-round. Hazardous-material vehicles must use it instead of the Eisenhower Tunnel; parking lot at the summit.
Loveland Pass is a mountain pass in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, where U.S. Highway 6 crosses the Continental Divide. The road reaches about 11,990 feet (roughly 3,655 meters) and is paved; Wikipedia gives a steady grade of about 6.7 percent with many hairpin turns on both sides, while other sources say about 6 percent. From the west it passes Keystone toward Arapahoe Basin, and the east side begins just before the Eisenhower Tunnel. From Denver, take I-70 west to Exit 216 (Highway 6).
Trucks carrying hazardous materials may not use the Eisenhower Tunnel and therefore cross the pass; leave plenty of distance. According to Wikipedia, very tall vehicles (over 13 feet 11 inches, about 4.25 meters) must also use the pass. It also serves as a detour when the tunnel or I-70 is closed. Blizzards can close the pass road, and chain restrictions are common in storms; on the west side, driving in bad weather is dangerous.
At the summit there is a parking area on the Divide, from which hikers and, in winter, backcountry skiers set off. The surroundings are rugged; check weather and road conditions beforehand.
- Nearest town
- Dillon, CO
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 39.6639, -105.8792
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Jefferson Creek CampgroundCampsite16 mi from Loveland Pass · 17 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesDrinking waterDogs allowed
- Aspen CampgroundCampsite17 mi from Loveland Pass · 12 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesDrinking waterDogs allowed
- Lodgepole CampgroundCampsite17 mi from Loveland Pass · 34 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesDrinking waterDogs allowed
- Lostfork BasecampCampsite18 mi from Loveland Pass · 9 pitchesTentsCaravans
- Kenosha Pass CampgroundCampsite18 mi from Loveland Pass · 25 pitchesDrinking water
- Snow Mountain Ranch Guest CampgroundCampsite23 mi from Loveland PassTentsCaravans
All campsites in Colorado · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Loveland Pass?
Loveland Pass is in Dillon, CO, at GPS 39.6639, -105.8792. It is about 10 mi from Georgetown.
Can you camp near Loveland Pass?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Lowry Campground, about 9 mi away; within 25 mi there are 57 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Loveland Pass?
Loveland Pass is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Mount Blue Sky, Georgetown and Loveland Pass to Breckenridge.
What is there to see near Loveland Pass?
Places worth a stop nearby: Mount Blue Sky (14 mi), Echo Lake Park (15 mi), Red Rocks Amphitheatre (36 mi) and Adams Falls (40 mi).
When is the best time to visit Loveland Pass?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)