Mosquito Pass Road

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Container Type: Lock & Lock
Code Location: Inside container
Access Info: This cache is located on USFS property.
Winter Access: Same, but may require special equipment.

As with most of the roads in South Park, the American Indians were the first people to use Mosquito Pass Road and when the fur trappers came to the area, they shared this route over the Mosquito Range. Despite the somewhat treacherous nature of the pass, it was a well accepted “shortcut” between Fairplay/Alma and Leadville that allowed travelers to avoid the longer journeys over Weston or Trout Creek Passes further south. Itinerant Methodist preacher John Lewis Dyer is perhaps the most well known person to cross the Pass; “Father” Dyer regularly followed the route on skis during winter to deliver mail and soon became a guide for other travelers. Today, a high clearance 4WD vehicle and a lot of courage are needed to cross the pass, which is often drifted over with snow even in summer.

Burro at the summit of Mosquito Pass, courtesy of the Park County Local History Archives

Take the Mosquito Pass Road (County Road 12) west from Highway 9 to Park City, then turn right on to County Road 10. Drive until you see Forest Service Road 10.A and park. Walk down the road until you reach an unmarked trail on your left that will lead you to the cache. This trail passes through private property so please stay on the trail. From the cache, enjoy views of Park City and the Mosquito Pass Road below.