Facility Overview

The Last Chance Parking Lot is an essential, high-alpine open-air surface parking facility situated along US Highway 6 within the renowned Arapahoe Basin (A-Basin) Ski Area in Dillon, Colorado. Tucked into the rugged landscape of the White River National Forest near the Continental Divide, this lot serves as a vital staging ground for outdoor enthusiasts, skiers, and snowboarders heading to the mountain. As an uncovered, expansive mountain lot, it offers completely unobstructed vertical clearance, making it extraordinarily accommodating for tall 4x4 trucks, full-size SUVs with roof boxes and ski racks, high-roof camper vans, and standard passenger cars equipped for winter driving.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Located on the eastern edge of Summit County, the Last Chance Lot provides immediate logistical access to premier mountain recreation:

• Arapahoe Basin Base Area & Lifts: Approximately a 5 to 8-minute walk or a brief ride on the resort shuttle to Mountain Goat Plaza, the Black Mountain Express, and the legendary Pallavicini chairlift.
• Loveland Pass: Just a 5-minute drive (approx. 2.5 miles east) up US Highway 6, renowned for Continental Divide vistas, backcountry skiing, and high-altitude hiking trails.
• Keystone Resort & River Run Village: Located roughly 10 minutes (approx. 5.5 miles west) down the canyon, offering extensive dining, lodging, retail, and four-season resort activities.
• White River National Forest Trailheads: Directly adjacent to scenic summer trails, including the Argentine North Fork Trail and Loveland Pass Ridge.
• Town of Dillon & Lake Dillon: Situated approximately 12 miles west, featuring the Dillon Amphitheater, marina, and town center amenities.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Access to the lot is directly off US Highway 6, a scenic mountain highway connecting Keystone with I-70 via Loveland Pass. During ski season, traffic can peak early in the morning and immediately after the lifts close at 4:00 PM. High-altitude mountain passes are subject to rapid weather shifts; Colorado Passenger Vehicle Traction Laws (Code 15 or 16) are frequently enforced along this stretch, requiring AWD/4WD or winter-rated snow tires. For public transit, the Summit Stage ski bus (Swan Mountain Flyer connection) and complimentary A-Basin resort shuttle vans routinely circulate between the outlying lots and the mountain base, providing effortless lift access without a long walk in ski boots.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

• Open-Air Surface Parking: Generous outdoor footprint with no height clearance limits, ideal for rooftop gear, overhead cargo boxes, and oversized vehicles.
• Complimentary Mountain Shuttle: Regular resort shuttles transport visitors directly between the parking area and the Mountain Goat Plaza ticket windows.
• Stunning Alpine Setting: Surrounded by iconic 13,000-foot peaks, offering dramatic panoramic views of the Continental Divide.
• Designated Accessible Spaces: ADA-accessible parking spaces positioned near shuttle pick-up points for streamlined base access.
• Winter Maintenance: Regularly plowed and sanded by resort operations after Continental Divide snowfall events.

Ideal For

• Skiers and Snowboarders: Day visitors accessing Arapahoe Basin\'s varied terrain, from beginner slopes to extreme hike-to powder bowls.
• Backcountry & High-Alpine Hikers: Summer and autumn adventurers exploring Loveland Pass, Mount Sniktau, and surrounding national forest trails.
• Carpoolers and Groups: Large parties traveling in full-size SUVs, trucks, and vans requiring generous headroom and flexible parking.
• Scenic Travelers: Drivers journeying across Loveland Pass seeking an accessible place to stage gear or catch mountain transit.

Visitor & Driver Tips

• Arrive Early on Powder Days: The lot fills up quickly on weekend mornings, holiday periods, and following fresh snowfall; aim to pull in before 8:00 AM.
• Check Winter Parking Regulations: Arapahoe Basin may implement weekend parking reservation systems or carpool-incentive programs during peak winter months; verify current parking rules on the official A-Basin website before departure.
• Inspect Vehicle Traction: Ensure your vehicle meets Colorado traction laws with dedicated snow tires, chains, or certified winter-rated rubber before ascending US-6.
• Pack Layers for the Walk: Sitting at over 10,700 feet above sea level, temperatures and wind speeds can be extreme; bundle up before heading toward the shuttles or base area.