Tennessee Pass, Rail mountain pass in Lake County, Colorado
Tennessee Pass is a mountain pass in Lake County, Colorado, standing at 3,117 meters elevation between Lake and Eagle counties. The terrain features gentle slopes without steep grades or sharp turns, making it navigable for road and rail traffic.
The Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad built a route over Tennessee Pass in 1881 to transport minerals and passengers to the mining town of Leadville. This rail connection became vital to the region's economic growth during the mining era.
The summit area holds a memorial honoring the 10th Mountain Division, which prepared here for alpine combat during World War II. This military legacy remains part of how locals and visitors understand the place today.
The pass is accessible year-round via U.S. Route 24, though winter storms occasionally cause temporary closures for safety reasons. Visitors should prepare for changing weather conditions at high elevation and check local road conditions before traveling.
Tennessee Pass Nordic Center offers winter recreation with sleeping yurts located above 3,000 meters elevation in the Rocky Mountains. This type of accommodation lets visitors stay overnight in mountain wilderness and enjoy cross-country skiing at extreme altitude.
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