Colorado
Imogene Pass
Around here
Around Imogene Pass
Source: USDA Forest Service · Data Source: Recreation.gov · Source: USGS GNIS · Public land: USGS PAD-US · Forest roads: USDA Forest Service MVUM · BLM routes and areas: Bureau of Land Management (simplified for web display)
About this off-road route
Imogene is the second-highest drivable pass in Colorado and the classic connection between Ouray and Telluride. The climb out of Ouray runs through Camp Bird Mine and the old Tomboy townsite before the road tightens into shelf above treeline. The summit is exposed and the weather turns fast. Afternoon thunderstorms are the normal pattern in July and August, so the whole crossing is best done early in the day.
Colorado’s iconic alpine crossing, Ouray over the 13,114 ft pass down into Telluride.
Highlights
What earns the trip
- Tops out at 13,114 feet, one of the highest roads you can drive in North America
- Passes the Tomboy ghost town, a full mining settlement above 11,000 feet
- Drops into Telluride from directly above town
- Two very different valleys in a single crossing
Stops
- 1
Ouray
The eastern trailhead town, at 7,800 feet.
- 2
Imogene Pass (13,114 ft)
The summit saddle, above treeline and fully exposed.
- 3
Telluride
The descent ends in town via the Tomboy road.
When to go
Best time to go
Typically open from early July into late September, depending entirely on snowpack.
Planner estimate for the mapped line: 1h 8m
Before you go
Know before you go
- High clearance and 4WD are required. There are shelf sections with no room to turn around.
- Start early. Above treeline in an afternoon storm is the wrong place to be.
- Altitude is real at 13,000 feet. Acclimatize before attempting it.
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