Continental Divide Scenic Tour Frisco: Loveland Pass 11,990 ft

Stand on the Continental Divide, then descend through three viewpoints and a mining town

This small-group scenic tour from Frisco climbs to Loveland Pass at 11,990 feet on the Continental Divide, where you stand above the tree line for panoramic alpine views. The route includes a scenic drive along Dillon Dam Road, a stop at Sapphire Point Overlook for photos of the Tenmile and Gore Ranges, and a short walk through historic downtown Frisco while your guide explains the town's mining heritage. Bottled water is included. The tour runs about four hours with multiple photo stops and short walks.

Step-by-step itinerary

Scenic tour of Continental Divide

• Drive across Dillon Dam Road
• Stand atop Loveland Pass
• Stop at Sapphire Point Overlook
• Walk in historic downtown Frisco

The experience

The tour starts with a drive across Dillon Dam Road, where the landscape opens to views of Dillon Reservoir and the surrounding peaks. This stretch sets the geography of Summit County and gives you a sense of the elevation gain ahead. From there, the route climbs steadily to Loveland Pass, the high point of the day. At 11,990 feet, you step out above the tree line onto the Continental Divide itself: the ridge that splits water flow between the Atlantic and Pacific. The views sweep across the alpine tundra in all directions, and the air thins noticeably at that elevation.

On the return, the tour stops at Sapphire Point Overlook, one of the most photographed spots in the region. From this vantage, you see Dillon Reservoir spread below, with the Tenmile Range and Gore Range framing the distance. The overlook sits lower than Loveland Pass but captures a different angle of the same landscape, and most travelers spend time here with cameras. Bottled water is provided throughout the day.

The final stop is a short walk through downtown Frisco, the original mining town that anchors Summit County. Your guide shares the history of the silver and gold operations, the settlers who built the place, and how it transformed into the mountain community you see today. Main Street is walkable and gives you a chance to stretch your legs after the higher elevations. The tour ends with return transport to your starting point in Frisco.

What’s included

• Bottled water.
• professional local driver-guide sharing insights about the landscape and Frisco's mining history.
• multiple photo stops and short scenic walks at Loveland Pass, Sapphire Point Overlook, and downtown Frisco.
• convenient pickup and drop-off in Frisco.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday, Thursday and SaturdayDepartures at 08:00 and 13:00Last departure this season: 1 Apr 2027

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 to 55 years) · Senior (56 and older) · Youth (6 to 17 years) · Child (2 to 5 years) · Infant (under 2)

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Summit Tours

Is this one for you?Pickup and drop-off in Frisco means you don't need a car to reach the Continental Divide. The small-group format keeps the pace relaxed for photo stops and short walks, so the four hours work for travelers of varying fitness levels who want high-altitude views without a strenuous hike.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

1 verified traveler review

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 17 years); Child (2 to 5 years); Infant (under 2).

What elevation does Loveland Pass reach on this tour?

Loveland Pass sits at 11,990 feet, placing you on the Continental Divide above the tree line. The altitude is the defining feature of the tour. The panoramic views from that height are the highlight most travelers mention.

How long is the tour and what's included in the price?

The tour runs about four hours total. Bottled water is included. Your guide is a local driver who shares stories and context at each stop, and the route covers multiple photo stops and short scenic walks.

What is Sapphire Point and why stop there?

Sapphire Point Overlook is one of the most photographed viewpoints in Summit County, offering views of Dillon Reservoir, the Tenmile Range, and the Gore Range. It's a natural photo stop on the return from Loveland Pass and sits at a lower elevation where you can linger without altitude concerns.

Does the tour include time in Frisco itself?

Yes. The final stop is a short walk through historic downtown Frisco, where your guide explains the town's mining past and early settlement. It's a brief stretch-your-legs stop before the return to your starting point.

What's the drive like to Loveland Pass?

The route climbs steadily from Frisco across Dillon Dam Road, which offers views of Dillon Reservoir and the surrounding ranges as an introduction to the landscape. The drive to the pass is the main ascent of the day, and the road itself is part of the scenic experience.