Omayra Acevedo, Colorado Rocky Mountains. If it were not for getting lost, I’d probably miss out on a lot of things. I came to this conclusion as I sat at my desk wondering what else I could write about. Then, as I often do when I’m feeling this way, I began to scan through my millions of photos. I discovered a few recent adventures I had yet to share with you. So, here we are at 10,424 feet above sea level in Central Colorado; between Leadville and Red Cliff, on Tennessee Pass. What’s so cool about this pass? I’m about to tell you.

In 1881, a railroad over Tennessee Pass was built to bring prospectors to Leadville. Why? Can you say “mining boom”? The railroad line is still in operation today and can be accessible from Cañon City via the Royal Gorge. It separates the Mosquito and Sawatch mountain ranges, as well as parts of the Colorado and Arkansas river valleys over the continental divide. The surrounding areas are most famously known as the training grounds for the US Army’s Tenth Division - which I mentioned in last week’s edition of Discover Colorado. The pass is considered the home to Ski Cooper, the Continental Divide Trail, the Pike and San Isabel national forests, and the White River National Forest. I hear it is a must-see during our state’s colorful Autumn season. 

How do you get there? Travel north from Leadville (or south from Red Cliff) along Highway 24. No need to worry about steep grades or sharp turns. Considering it’s in the middle of the Rocky Mountains, it’s a fairly easy road to drive on. You can also access Tennessee pass year-round. Taking this into consideration, remember where you are. Weather can change anything at any given moment. Though there is a parking lot and public restrooms at the pass, they aren’t always open. I recommend you take care of your business before you jump in the vehicle. 

How did I find myself on Tennessee Pass? My dear companion took me there. I had no idea where I was headed or where I was once I got there. Luckily, I seldom leave home without my camera. Perhaps, the travel nerd in me is always craving adventure, knowledge and fun facts. I guess in the grand scheme of things, I don’t mind being lost. Just as long as I’m lost in the right direction.  

(Originally published in the December 17, 2020, edition of The Mountain-Ear.)