Hoosier Pass Road Conditions | Live Traffic Cams
Is Hoosier Pass Open or Closed Right Now?
Hoosier Pass (CO-9) Status: OPEN
Hoosier Pass Quick Facts:
| Summit | 11,541 ft (Continental Divide) |
| Length | ~10 miles (Breckenridge to Alma) |
| Grade | Up to 8% |
| Open | Year-round (weather permitting) |
| Route | CO-9 (State Highway 9) |
| Counties | Summit / Park County line |
Hoosier Pass (CO-9) crosses the Continental Divide at 11,541 feet, connecting Breckenridge in Summit County to Alma and Fairplay in Park County. Serving as the dividing line between the Tenmile and Mosquito mountain ranges, this pass is one of the steepest paved mountain crossings in Colorado with grades up to 8%. While maintained year-round, the pass can experience temporary closures during severe winter storms. This page provides real-time data from the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) to support safe travel decisions.
Hoosier Pass Map
Hoosier Pass Area Cameras
North Side (Breckenridge)
This camera shows conditions on the north (Breckenridge) approach to Hoosier Pass, approximately 4 miles north of the summit.
South Side (Alma/Fairplay)
This camera shows conditions on the south (Alma/Fairplay) side, approximately 8 miles south of the summit in Park County.
Note: No CDOT camera exists directly at the Hoosier Pass summit. These cameras show approach conditions from both sides of the pass.
Hoosier Pass Travel Advisories & Alerts
Current Travel Advisories for Hoosier Pass (CO-9)
- Traction Law in effect (Sept 1 - May 31): Passenger vehicles require AWD/4WD with adequate tread OR chains.
- WARNING - Icy Roadway
Traction Law Reminder: Colorado’s Passenger Vehicle Traction Law and Commercial Vehicle Chain Law are in effect statewide September 1 through May 31. Passenger vehicles require snow tires (3/16″ tread minimum), all-season tires meeting specs, or 4WD/AWD. Commercial vehicles must carry and install chains when activated.
Current Road Surface & Weather Conditions
Real-Time Weather Data for Hoosier Pass (CO-9)
Note: No weather station exists at Hoosier Pass summit. Weather data is sourced from nearby stations at similar elevations to provide the most accurate conditions estimate.
Weather Forecast & Travel Impact
Weather Forecast for Hoosier Pass (CO-9)
National Weather Service forecasts partly cloudy for the next 5 hours (through 9:08 PM MST).
What to Expect for Hoosier Pass (CO-9):
Current Travel Conditions for Hoosier Pass (CO-9)
Traffic Conditions for Hoosier Pass (CO-9)
Why Does Hoosier Pass Close?
While Hoosier Pass is maintained year-round, it can close temporarily during severe conditions:
| Closure Reason | Threshold | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy Snow | Accumulation exceeds plowing capacity | 1-4 hours |
| Whiteout Conditions | Near-zero visibility at summit | 30 min – 2 hours |
| Vehicle Accidents | Road blockage on steep grade | 30 min – 2 hours |
| Avalanche Danger | Rare but possible on steep slopes | 1-3 hours |
| Icy Conditions | Black ice on steep 8% grade | Variable |
Closure Frequency: Hoosier Pass closes less frequently than higher-profile passes like Loveland or Berthoud, but intense winter storms can still make the steep grades treacherous. The south side (Alma approach) often experiences different conditions than the north side due to sun exposure patterns.
Alternative Routes When Hoosier Pass Is Closed
Breckenridge to Fairplay: When Hoosier Pass closes, the primary alternate routes traffic through I-70 and US-285. Take I-70 west to Copper Mountain, then CO-91 south to Leadville, then US-24 east to Fairplay. This adds approximately 50-60 miles and 1+ hour.
Denver to South Park: From Denver, US-285 south through Kenosha Pass (10,001 ft) provides direct access to Fairplay without using Hoosier Pass. This is often the preferred route for Front Range travelers heading to Park County.
Summit County Access: Hoosier Pass is the most direct route between Park County and Summit County ski areas (Breckenridge, Keystone, A-Basin). When closed, access to these areas requires routing through I-70.
Safely Driving Over Hoosier Pass
Winter Driving Tips:
- Steep Grade: The 8% grade is one of the steepest in Colorado—use low gear.
- Switchbacks: North side has several tight turns—reduce speed.
- Use Turnouts: Pull over for faster traffic at designated areas.
- Be Patient: Local drivers familiar with the road may drive faster—don’t feel pressured.
Vehicle Requirements
- Snow tires or M/S rated all-season tires
- AWD/4WD recommended for steep grades
- Chains for 2WD when chain law active
- Minimum 3/16″ tread depth required
High Altitude Advisory: At 11,541 feet, Hoosier Pass summit is high enough to affect visitors unaccustomed to altitude. Symptoms of altitude sickness can include headache, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Cell phone coverage is limited on the pass—carry emergency supplies and consider a satellite communication device for winter travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hoosier Pass open year-round?
Yes, Hoosier Pass is maintained and open year-round, though it can close temporarily during severe winter storms. It is one of the few high-altitude Continental Divide crossings that remains open all winter.
How steep is Hoosier Pass?
Hoosier Pass has grades up to 8%, making it one of the steepest paved mountain passes in Colorado. The north side (Breckenridge approach) features several switchbacks and is generally considered more challenging.
Is there a weather station at Hoosier Pass summit?
No, there is no CDOT weather station directly at Hoosier Pass summit. Weather data shown on this page comes from nearby stations at similar elevations to provide the best available conditions estimate.
What is the elevation at Hoosier Pass summit?
Hoosier Pass summit sits at 11,541 feet elevation on the Continental Divide, marking the boundary between Summit County and Park County. This is high enough that altitude effects may impact some travelers.
Is Hoosier Pass a good alternative to I-70?
Hoosier Pass connects Breckenridge to Fairplay and South Park, not the I-70 corridor. It is primarily useful for travel between Summit County and Park County, or as part of a scenic loop route. It is not an alternate to I-70 for east-west travel.
Status Reports for Other Colorado Mountain Routes & Passes
Blue Sky Limo provides real-time road condition reports using live CDOT COtrip data, refreshed every five minutes. Select a route below for current conditions, traffic cameras, and travel advisories before your mountain drive.
Additional CDOT Road Resources:
Visit COtrip.org for real-time road conditions, live webcams, and closure alerts for all Colorado highways. Download the CDOT mobile app (iOS | Android) to view traffic cameras, track snowplow locations, and receive push alerts for closures. Follow @ColoradoDOT on X for immediate updates on chain law activations and major incidents. For recorded Colorado road condition updates, call:
- 511 (within Colorado)
- 303-639-1111 (Denver metro)
- 877-315-7623 (toll-free statewide)
Mountain weather directly impacts road conditions and closure timing across Colorado. Check the National Weather Service forecast for storm warnings and precipitation timing before traveling. During winter months, the Colorado Avalanche Information Center posts forecasts that often signal upcoming closures for avalanche control on mountain passes and corridors.
Data Source: Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) COtrip API | Refreshed every 5 minutes
