Imogene Pass
A legendary 17-mile high-altitude off-road trail connecting Telluride and Ouray, Colorado, offering stunning mountain views and historic mining sites.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light and fewer crowds
Imogene Pass
Best Time
Best light and fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A legendary 17-mile high-altitude off-road trail connecting Telluride and Ouray, Colorado, offering stunning mountain views and historic mining sites.
"The scenery along the drive to the top is amazing, waterfalls, huge flower fields above 10000ft."
🚗 Rent the Right Ride
Rent a Jeep in Ouray or Telluride if you don't have a high-clearance 4WD.
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Cell service is spotty. Google Maps works well with offline downloads.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Summit Views
Top of Imogene Pass
Panoramic vistas of the San Juan Mountains and surrounding valleys. Don't miss the overlooks!
Historic Mining Ruins
Along the pass
Explore remnants of old mining operations, offering a glimpse into the area's past.
Waterfalls and Wildflowers
Lower elevations of the pass
Stunning natural beauty, especially during wildflower season.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Vehicle Choice is Crucial
Timing and Weather Preparedness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Rent the Right Ride
Rent a Jeep in Ouray or Telluride if you don't have a high-clearance 4WD.
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Cell service is spotty. Google Maps works well with offline downloads.
⏰ Allow Ample Time
Plan for at least 4 hours round trip, more if you want to stop and explore.
🧥 Pack for All Weather
Be ready for sun, rain, and chilly winds, even in summer.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Rent the Right Ride
Rent a Jeep in Ouray or Telluride if you don't have a high-clearance 4WD.
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Cell service is spotty. Google Maps works well with offline downloads.
⏰ Allow Ample Time
Plan for at least 4 hours round trip, more if you want to stop and explore.
🧥 Pack for All Weather
Be ready for sun, rain, and chilly winds, even in summer.
⬆️ Scan Ahead for Traffic
The road is narrow; look for pull-offs to let oncoming traffic pass.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the incredible scenery and thrilling drive on Imogene Pass, often calling it a highlight of their Colorado trips. Renting a Jeep is highly recommended for those without a capable 4WD vehicle. While challenging, the experience is widely considered worth the effort, offering stunning views and a glimpse into mining history. Some find the drive intense, especially in wet conditions, and advise ample preparation.
"Incredible drive from Ouray, the scenery along the drive to the top is amazing, waterfalls, huge flower fields above 10000ft. We rented a jeep Rubicon from Ouray. We considered a side by side as well. The price for the jeep is lower, and it has a couple of advantages - it's more weather resilient as short summer rains are quite common. It also gets chilly up at elevation, and if a rain storm blows through it can get very windy.
The roof top of the jeep easily folds open and back closed while you drive at low speed - you don't need to exit the vehicle to operate it. It gives you amazing open view to the towering mountains around you. Yes it's quick to open and close as you drive when it rained on and off. If going with a side by side do carry a rain jacket, if it gets windy and you get wet it can get cold fast.
The other advantage of the jeep is that it's road legal! We went to imogene Pass in the morning, and took the million dollar highway to Silverton and back, all in one day! You could also go to other trails with the Jeep that require you to drive on the paved city roads.
In Regards to the driving experience, we had very little if any offroading experience, and never on a jeep on this type of trail. However, I do have mountain biking experience which teaches you a thing or two about line choice over rocks and when tires would slide off camber. If you are an experienced on road driver that is comfortable with vehicle clearance in tight spots, you should do fine. It's definitely a dangerous road. The adrenaline itself was a big part of the experience! We did drive it in the wet, which felt scary at first, but the Jeep still had a ton of traction on the rocks and the dirt and if you are smooth with the throttle and the break it felt sure footed.
Google maps works well from Ouray, just download offline maps and navigate directly to Imogene Pass. Plan on 4 hours round trip. Better allows even more time you will want to stop in many places along the drive to take pictures and rest a little. Cell phone coverage is poor and non existent until you get to the top. The trail sees plenty of traffic, so if you end up in trouble likely someone will help. Be prepared for narrow roads that don't allow for two vehicles to pass each other in many places. Scan the road ahead for places to make room if you need to let an oncoming vehicle through. The experience is thrilling and beautiful, I got a new appreciation for offroading! Highly highly recommend it!"
Stefan Vachev
"I was about to give up halfway up the mountain.. wife thought it wouldn't be possible to get it done.
Our rental UTV did well and boy, what a challenge for a beginner. Great adventure."
Thomas Peter
"Make sure you do both overlooks on the top. The red mountains on the overlook that isn’t looking towards Telluride are stunning. I’m glad we decided to check that one out!"
Devon Gorman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Imogene Pass is an off-road trail connecting Telluride and Ouray, Colorado. The most common way to access it is by driving a high-clearance 4WD vehicle. Many visitors rent Jeeps or UTVs in Ouray or Telluride. The road is approximately 17 miles long and reaches an elevation of over 13,000 feet.
No, a regular car is not suitable for Imogene Pass. The road is rough, rocky, and steep, requiring a high-clearance 4WD vehicle. Attempting it in a standard vehicle can lead to damage or getting stuck.
Imogene Pass is typically only open from late May or June through October, depending on snow conditions.
The drive typically takes about 4 hours round trip, but it's highly recommended to allow more time for stops to enjoy the scenery, take photos, and explore. Some visitors spend an entire day exploring the pass and surrounding areas.
Cell phone service is poor to non-existent for most of the pass. It's essential to download offline maps for Google Maps or use a dedicated GPS device before you start your journey.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no specific permits or tickets required to drive Imogene Pass. It is a public road, but you must have a capable vehicle.
Imogene Pass is an outdoor road and does not have set operating hours. However, it is only accessible when snow conditions permit, typically from late spring to fall.
No, there are no entrance fees to drive Imogene Pass. The cost is associated with renting a suitable vehicle if you don't own one.
Yes, Imogene Pass can be hiked or biked, but it's a challenging route due to the elevation and rough terrain. Hikers and bikers should be well-prepared and aware of vehicle traffic.
You can rent Jeeps or other 4WD vehicles in Ouray and Telluride. Ouray is often referred to as the 'Jeep Capital of America.'
🎫 ⛰️ Onsite Experience
Imogene Pass is considered a challenging off-road trail. While some beginners have successfully driven it in UTVs, it requires careful navigation, especially in a Jeep or truck. Experienced drivers will find it thrilling.
The summit offers incredible panoramic views. Don't miss the overlooks, especially the one with red mountains that isn't looking towards Telluride. The entire drive provides stunning scenery.
While not guaranteed, you might spot local wildlife such as deer, elk, or various bird species in their natural mountain habitat.
Yes, families can enjoy Imogene Pass, especially if renting a UTV or Jeep. It's an adventurous experience, but younger children might find the rough ride challenging.
The trail sees plenty of traffic, so if you encounter trouble, someone will likely stop to help. However, it's always best to be prepared with basic recovery gear and inform someone of your travel plans.
📸 📸 Photography
Every turn offers a photo opportunity! Capture the dramatic mountain landscapes, historic mining structures, waterfalls, and wildflowers. +1 The summit provides breathtaking panoramic shots.
Early mornings offer soft light and fewer crowds, while late afternoons provide a golden hour glow. Consider the changing light throughout the day for diverse shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. Consider a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions and a polarizing filter to enhance colors.
Drone usage is generally permitted, but always check current regulations and be mindful of other visitors and wildlife. Ensure you have the necessary permissions if required.
Include a person or your vehicle in the frame to give a sense of scale. Shooting from different elevations can also emphasize the vastness of the landscape.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Off-Road Enthusiasts
Many enthusiasts enjoy the thrill of navigating the pass in their own modified 4x4s, like Jeeps, Tacomas, or Broncos. +1 The pass offers opportunities for 'wheeling' and testing your rig's limits, especially near areas like Tomboy Mine. Remember to prioritize safety, carry recovery gear, and respect the environment. 📸 Photographers & Nature Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Imogene Pass: A Driver's Guide
Line choice is critical to avoid damage. Experienced drivers recommend smooth throttle and brake control, especially when the road is wet.
Safety is paramount. Always check weather forecasts before heading out, as conditions can change rapidly at high altitudes. Carry essential recovery gear, a first-aid kit, and plenty of water and snacks. Inform someone of your travel plans and expected return time. While cell service is unreliable, the pass does see traffic, and fellow travelers are often willing to help in emergencies.
The Rich History of Imogene Pass
Exploring the remnants of this and other mining operations, such as the old fort structures, offers a tangible connection to the rugged past of the San Juan Mountains.As you traverse the pass, you'll see scattered ruins of cabins, processing facilities, and mine shafts. These remnants serve as a stark reminder of the arduous labor and the boom-and-bust cycles that defined this region. Imagine the challenges faced by miners and their families living and working at such extreme altitudes. The Yankee Boy Basin, accessible from Imogene Pass, is another area steeped in mining history, known for its stunning wildflower displays in summer and its historical mining structures.
Today, Imogene Pass is a popular destination for off-road enthusiasts, photographers, and history buffs. It provides a unique opportunity to experience the dramatic landscapes shaped by both nature and human endeavor. The contrast between the rugged, wild beauty of the mountains and the ghostly echoes of its industrial past makes Imogene Pass a truly captivating destination.
Capturing the Majesty: Photography on Imogene Pass
The pass is particularly photogenic during the golden hours – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – when the light is soft and warm, casting long shadows and highlighting the textures of the mountains.
Consider using a polarizing filter to enhance the deep blues of the sky and the vibrant greens of the vegetation. Beyond the sweeping panoramas, look for opportunities to capture the historic mining ruins, the delicate beauty of wildflowers, and the powerful flow of waterfalls.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit