Imogene Pass Road

Imogene Pass Road climbs from Ouray’s hot springs through the ruins of Camp Bird Mine before topping out at 13,114 feet—Colorado’s second-highest motorable pass. The route follows mining roads blasted from cliffsides in the 1870s, where pack trains hauled silver and gold ore between the box canyons of Ouray and Telluride. Savage Basin spreads below the summit in a moonscape of talus and 14,000-foot peaks, while the descent into Telluride drops through aspen groves and remnants of the Tomboy Mine.

Difficult trail demands experienced drivers with high-clearance 4WD and low range for steep, loose climbs above treeline. Stock vehicles can make it, but rock sliders and skid plates earn their keep on shelf roads with thousand-foot exposure. Weather changes fast above 12,000 feet—afternoon thunderstorms bring hail and snow even in summer. July through September offers the most reliable conditions, though early season snow possible into June. No permits required, but fuel up in Ouray or Telluride. This is proper high-country 4-wheeling that separates weekend warriors from serious mountain drivers.