Fremont Pass

Fremont Pass is a mountain pass through the Rocky Mountains in central Colorado that spans several kilometers across high elevation terrain. It connects the areas around Copper Mountain and Leadville at approximately 3,450 meters and serves as a key transportation corridor through this rugged landscape.

The pass was named after explorer John C. Fremont, who documented the route during his travels through the territory in the 1840s. A narrow gauge railroad was constructed over it in 1884 to move freight, an operation that continued until abandonment in 1923.

The pass takes its name from John C. Fremont, an explorer who discovered this mountain route while surveying the region in the 1840s. His legacy remains visible throughout the area and connects visitors to the early days of westward exploration.

The pass can be accessed via State Highway 91, which remains open year-round with gentle grades suitable for most vehicles. Winter storms may cause temporary closures, so checking current road conditions before traveling is advisable.

At the summit sits the site of the Climax molybdenum mine, an operation that supplied a major portion of the world's molybdenum output during its peak years. This industrial operation shaped the region's economic history and left visible marks on the landscape.

Location: Colorado

Elevation above the sea: 3,450 m

GPS coordinates: 39.36640,-106.18700

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:03