Mosquito Pass in Colorado is the highway of the frozen death

# Mosquito Pass: Colorado's Thrilling High-altitude Adventure

Nestled at a breathtaking 4,026m (13,208ft) between Lake and Park counties in Colorado, Mosquito Pass ranks among the state's most spectacular—and challenging—mountain drives. Situated in the heart of the Mosquito Range within Pike National Forest, this isn't your average road trip.

The 29km (18-mile) unpaved route stretches east-west from Highway 9 near Alma to Leadville, technically split between Mosquito Pass Road (County Road 12) and County Road 3. Locals have earned it the nickname "the highway of the frozen death," a nod to treacherous ice patches that can materialize without warning. There's also a legendary mining road climbing north toward Mosquito Peak at 4,165m (13,664ft)—a peak worth exploring if you've got the skills and the stomach for it.

This is serious terrain. You're navigating a rough, narrow track carved along dramatic cliff faces with some genuinely hair-raising drop-offs. Multiple stream crossings, steep grades, and technically demanding sections demand respect and experience. The road occasionally pinches tight enough that passing oncoming traffic requires careful maneuvering—not ideal when you're perched above a steep ravine.

Only those driving high-clearance 4WD vehicles with solid off-road experience should attempt this drive. Stream crossings and rocky sections make 2WD vehicles a non-starter. Come prepared with proper equipment, sharp driving skills, and the kind of nerves you need for narrow ledges with airy views below. The scenery is genuinely stunning, but it comes with serious strings attached.