State Highway 9
Beginning near Parkdale close to the Royal Gorge of the Arkansas River, Colorado State Highway 9 follows a north to south route through several valleys and plains between the ranges of the Rocky Mountains. Generally rural, the highway passes through smaller towns and avoids most larger communities. Upon reaching U.S. 285 and Fairplay, SH 9 heads up Hoosier Pass and descends into Breckenridge, Frisco, Dillon and Silverthorne before following the Blue River Valley en route to U.S. 40 at Kremmling.
North
Northbound SH 9 enters the town of Fairplay just beyond U.S. 285. Fairplay is considered to be the model town for the hit comedy Southpark seen on Comedy Central. The next two destinations along SH 9 are Alma and Breckenridge.
11/10/03
SH 9 confirming marker posted after Grand County Road 1 south of Kremmling. CR 1 travels west, following the railroad and Colorado River toward State Bridge and SH 131.
08/27/04
Northbound SH 9 intersects Grand County Road 33, which parallels the Colorado River east from the state highway. Demolished by 2007, the original span taking SH 9 over the Colorado River is visible in the distance.
08/27/04
South
SH 9 travels south through Silverthorne in Summit County. Advancing toward Interstate 70 and U.S. 6, motels and restaurants appear on either side of the road. Here, SH 9 passes by Milepost 102 just north of the exchange with I-70.
10/18/04
Southbound SH 9 at I-70/U.S. 6. Beyond the freeway, U.S. 6 continues east to Dillon and Loveland Pass. I-70 east travels northerly to Eisenhower Tunnel and Denver. West from Silverthorne, I-70, unsigned U.S. 6 and SH 9 south head toward Frisco. Once at Frisco, SH 9 separates toward Breckenridge, while I-70 and U.S. 6 advance west toward Vail and Grand Junction.
10/18/04
Heading south of Frisco, SH 9 connects with the ski resort town of Breckenridge and Hoosier Pass, then descends into the town of Fairplay. In this scene is a snow squall along SH 9 in the vicinity of Breckenridge. This kind of cold weather event is common in the Autumn, Winter and Spring in the mountains.
11/10/03
Main Street (old SH 9) south at Lincoln Avenue / Ski Hill Road in Downtown Breckenridge.
11/10/03
Breckenridge is a major ski resort that is considered to be on the same tier as Vail and Winter Park. SH 9 bypasses Downtown Breckenridge along N Park Avenue to the west. Main Street (former SH 9) proceeds south into the business district here.
11/10/03
Advancing toward Hoosier Pass, SH 9 uses switchbacks to ascend the mountain.
11/10/03
Even though it was November, winter weather has already taken hold on the high passes of the Rocky Mountains. Although Hoosier Pass along SH 9 is open year round, it can be affected by major storms and blowing winds.
11/10/03
The top of Hoosier Pass marks the county line between Summit County and Park County. Hoosier Pass, elevation 11,541 feet, is situated in the shadow of two fourteener peaks, Mt. Lincoln and Mt. Bross. This pass is part of the Continental Divide, which separates the flow of water to the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean. Snow that lands on this pass will either head west into the Colorado River watershed or east into the South Platte River watershed.
11/10/03
Southbound SH 9 as it descends from Hoosier Pass into Park County.
11/10/03
The first signed route found along southbound SH 9 in Park County is CR 4.
11/10/03
Southbound SH 9 reaches the intersection with Park County Road 6.
11/10/03
SH 9 continues south to Park County Road 12.
11/10/03
SH 9 south enters Alma a few miles north of Fairplay. Even after descending from Hoosier Pass, Alma is at a very high elevation (10,578 feet). It is said that Alma is the highest incorporated city in Colorado.
11/10/03
Leaving Alma, SH 9 south proceeds to Fairplay, U.S. 285 and Hartsel.
11/10/03
SH 9 descends a couple hundred feet from Alma into Fairplay.
11/10/03
Continuing south through Fairplay on SH 9. Fairplay is perhaps best known as the Colorado town that was the model for the Comedy Central TV show, South Park. A museum for the show is located in town.
11/10/03
SH 9 meets U.S. 285 after passing through the town of Fairplay.
11/10/03
U.S. 285 north heads to Kenosha Pass and Denver, while U.S. 285 south heads to Salida and Hartsel. Bike Route 76 turns to follow U.S. 285 south. The bike route is only shielded once along SH 9 from Frisco south to Fairplay.
11/10/03
SH 9 combines with U.S. 285 south for a few miles. Beyond their separation, SH 9 goes to Hartsel, and U.S. 285 goes to Salida, Monte Vista and Alamosa.
11/10/03
Photo Credits:
- Andy Field: 11/10/03, 08/27/04
- AARoads: 10/18/04
Connect with:
Page Updated Thursday May 04, 2017.