Copper to Leadville over 11,318 feet, past the Climax mine. The quiet way south.
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Fremont Pass carries CO 91 from Copper Mountain south to Leadville, crossing at 11,318 feet past the Climax molybdenum mine. It sees far less traffic than the I-70 corridor and is often the better choice when Vail Pass or the tunnel is backed up — provided the weather is cooperating.
The stretch past Climax is wide open. Ground blizzards form here when the wind comes up, even without new snow.
Snow fences help but do not eliminate drifting across the road.
The north approach is shaded and stays icy.
Low traffic volume means longer response times when something does happen.
A good alternate when I-70 is backed up eastbound, but check it first — it is higher than Vail Pass and more exposed to wind. In a ground blizzard it can be worse than the interstate.
Hoosier Pass on CO 9 reaches Fairplay and US 285. For Leadville specifically there is no shorter route from Summit County.
Fremont Pass crosses at 11,318 feet on CO 91 between Copper Mountain in Summit County and Leadville in Lake County, passing the Climax molybdenum mine near the summit.
Fremont Pass is a reasonable alternate when the I-70 corridor is backed up, and it carries far less traffic. It is higher and more wind-exposed than Vail Pass, though, and the open basin past Climax produces ground blizzards, so check its status before committing.
Fremont Pass is maintained year-round and does not close seasonally. It closes intermittently in winter for blowing snow, drifting, and crashes.
I-70 · 11,158 ft · Silverthorne to Georgetown.
I-70 · 10,662 ft · Copper Mountain to Vail.
US 6 · 11,990 ft · Arapahoe Basin and Keystone to Georgetown.
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