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Hoosier Pass Drive
September 21 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
HOOSIER PASS DRIVE EVENT
WHEN: SEPTEMBER 21, 2024 (SATURDAY)
MEET-UP LOCATION: KING SOOPERS PARKING LOT, 3100 SO. SHERIDAN BLVD., DENVER, CO,
80227. (BEAR VALLEY SHOPPING CENTER–NEAR HOME DEPOT)
TIME: MEET AT 8:45AM AND DEPART AT 9:00AM
LUNCH: Casa Sanchez Mexican Restaurant, 706 Main Street, Fairplay.
https://www.casasanchez-mexicanrestaurant.com/menu
*Separate checks allowed only if waitstaff is notified before placing your order.
HOST: PATTY TROXELL
Summer is one of the most beautiful seasons to visit Hoosier Pass (pictures below). Our trip will begin in Denver, taking Hwy. 285 (Hampden) west to the town of Fairplay, elevation 9,953 ft. Travel time is 2 hrs. Lunch will be at Casa Sanchez Mexican Restaurant, see above link for menu and pricing. After lunch we will take State Hwy. 9 through the town of Alma and begin our ascent to the summit of Hoosier Pass (named after the settlers from Indiana).
On our way to the summit, we will drive past Montgomery Reservoir (picture below). The Reservoir has 95 acres of water which supplies Colorado Springs Utilities with water used for municipal purposes via Hoosier Tunnel. At the summit, we will stop at the pull-off area to take group pictures, read historical markers, and enjoy the view. Hoosier Pass is paved. The pull off is hard pack dirt/gravel.
(Montgomery Reservoir)
After spending time at the summit, we will descend Hoosier Pass and continue to Breckenridge. The descent becomes hairpin curves, some at 8% grade, which level out as we get close to Breckenridge. Spending time in Breckenridge is optional. You can shop, take a gondola ride, or stay overnight. If visiting Breckenridge is not on your schedule, at Hoosier summit, take State Highway 9 back to Fairplay, and your route of choice home. If you want to return to Denver from Breckenridge, take State Highway 9 to Frisco and I70 east to Denver.