Hoosier Pass - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

 Hoosier Pass is a popular spot for hiking, picnicking, and scenic vistas. The 120-acre park includes a number of hiking trails that wind through forests and meadows. In addition, the park's elevated location provides stunning views of the South Park Valley and the Continental Divide. Picnic tables and grills are available for visitors who want to enjoy a meal surrounded by nature. Hoosier Pass is also a popular spot for photography, as the area's natural beauty is truly breathtaking. In addition, Hoosier Pass is home to a variety of wildlife, making it a great place to go birdwatching or simply enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. 

The history of Hoosier Pass in Park County, Colorado is a long and varied one. Hoosier Pass was originally used as a Native American trading route, and later became an important part of the Pony Express trail. In the early 20th century, the pass was used as a route for the Denver, South Park and Pacific Railroad. Today, Hoosier Pass is best known as a scenic highway that winds its way through some of Colorado's most beautiful scenery.

Hoosier Pass has been an important transportation corridor for centuries. The pass was originally used by Native Americans as a trade route between the Front Range and the Western Slope. Later, during the 1860s, the pass was used by the Pony Express to deliver mail between Saint Joseph, Missouri and Sacramento, California. In the early 20th century, the Denver, South Park and Pacific Railroad used Hoosier Pass to reach the mining boomtowns of Fairplay and Alma. Today, Hoosier Pass is best known as a scenic highway that provides stunning views of the Continental Divide.

The best time to visit Hoosier Pass is from mid-July to early September. During this time, the weather is warm and sunny, and the wildflowers are in bloom.

1.  If you're looking for an adventure, Hoosier Pass is the perfect place for you. There are plenty of hiking trails to explore, and the views are simply breathtaking.
2. Make sure to pack your patience- some of the trails can be quite challenging. But the effort is definitely worth it!
3. The air can be thin at high altitudes, so take it easy at first and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
4.  Bring a map. Although the area around Hoosier Pass is relatively small, it's easy to get lost if you don't know where you're going. A map will help you find your way back to the trailhead if you wander off course.
5. Stay on the trail. There are many beautiful places to explore near Hoosier Pass, but it's important to stay on the designated trails to avoid damaging the fragile ecosystems.
6. Be considerate of other visitors. Remember that you're sharing the space with other hikers, so be courteous and respectful of their experience as well.
7. Go whitewater rafting. The whitewater rafting in Park County is some of the best in the country.
    

1. Hoosier Pass is the highest point on the Continental Divide, at an elevation of 11,541 feet.
2. The pass gets its name from early settlers from Indiana who used it as a shortcut to California.
3. The flowers that bloom in the meadows near the pass are some of the most beautiful in Colorado.
4. Hoosier Pass is a great place for stargazing - on a clear night, you can see thousands of stars.
5. In the winter months, Hoosier Pass is popular with skiers and snowboarders - it's one of the best places in Colorado for powder skiing!
6. If you're lucky enough to visit Hoosier Pass in the fall, you'll be treated to a dazzling array of colors as the leaves change color.
7. The Denver, South Park & Pacific Railroad completed a rail line over Hoosier Pass in 1879, making it one of the highest railways in North America at the time.
    

While it is possible to drive to the top of Hoosier Pass, it is recommended that visitors allow at least a half day to explore the area. 

From Denver, take I-70 west for about 100 miles to exit 233 for US-40 east toward Empire. After about 33 miles, turn left at divides Rd, which is just before you reach the town of Empire. Follow Divide Rd for about 7 miles to the Hoosier Pass summit. There is a large parking area on the right side of the road. 

The entrance fee for Hoosier Pass, Park County, Colorado is $3 per person or $6 per vehicle. This pass allows you to access the hoosier pass trailhead and the parking lot at the base of the mountain. 

Hoosier Pass, Park County, Colorado is open all year round. However, the hours of operation vary depending on the season. In winter, the pass is open from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. In spring and fall, the hours are extended to 6:00 PM. And in summer, the pass is open 24 hours a day.