French Pass

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Container Type: Ammo
Code Location: Inside container
Access Info: This cache is located on USFS property.
Winter Access: Not recommended

Many old wagon roads once crossed the Continental Divide along this mountain range, with each claiming a shorter route to bustling mining towns like Breckenridge. The former French Pass Toll Road dates back to the 1860s and brought wagons through the French Creek drainage over the Divide to French Gulch in neighboring Summit County. Mining activities along French Creek weren’t as popular as those in French Gulch, which may explain why French Pass was underused and soon became little more than a faint trail. The U.S. Forest Service has created a trail that follows a portion of the old toll road as well as mining roads that wind their way through this valley.

Miners hauling equipment in the early 1900s, courtesy of the Park County Local History Archives

From Highway 285, take county Road 35 north from Jefferson to County Road 54 (Michigan Creek Road) and continue toward Georgia Pass.  Drive just over two miles past Michigan Creek Campground to a point where the road crosses French Creek.  Park in a flat area just before reaching this crossing and follow the French Pass Trail to the cache.