Lonesome Highway — Ouray County Road 10 to Owl Creek Pass via Cimarron River Canyon
The San Juan pass the crowds forgot exists.
County Road 10 out of Montrose climbs into the Cimarron River drainage through a canyon that feels half a century removed from the Alpine Loop crowds. Owl Creek Pass at 10,114 feet sits between the Uncompahgre Wilderness and the West Elk Wilderness, and getting there means threading a narrow dirt shelf road with sheer drop-offs into the river below, aspen groves that go gold by mid-September, and virtually no traffic. The route runs from the Cimarron Ridge trailhead through Silver Jack Reservoir — one of the quietest fishing spots in the San Juans — then climbs through switchbacks to the pass before dropping toward Ridgway on the far side.
Moderate to difficult depending on conditions. The shelf sections are narrow enough to require careful attention to oncoming traffic, and the road surface deteriorates late in the season after significant use. A stock 4WD high-clearance vehicle handles it fine in dry summer and early fall conditions; after early October, snow can close the pass fast and without much notice. No permit required. Dispersed camping along the Cimarron River corridor is excellent and free. Fuel in Montrose or Ridgway before you head in — nothing on route. This is a legitimate alternative to the more famous San Juan passes, and on a September weekday you may have the entire road to yourself.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance, Overland Route, Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 26 mi / 41.8 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 10114 ft |
| Best season | June-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Ridgway, Colorado |
| Land manager | Uncompahgre National Forest / Gunnison National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | USFS Owl Creek Pass page |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or Tacoma handle this trail without any mods?
Yes — a stock 4WD with decent clearance is the minimum and it's enough. The road is dirt and gravel with some rougher sections through the canyon, but nothing that requires a lift or lockers under normal conditions.
When does Owl Creek Pass typically open and close for the season?
June through October is the reliable window. Snow can close the pass into late May and return by November — check with Uncompahgre or Gunnison National Forest before heading out early or late in the season.
Do I need a permit or is there a fee to run this route?
No permit required and no fee to drive the trail. Dispersed camping on National Forest land is free — standard 14-day stay limit applies, and fire restrictions change seasonally so check current conditions before you go.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The Cimarron River Canyon stretch is the most committing part — narrow shelf road, no guardrails, limited pullouts for passing. It's not technical, but it demands attention and isn't the place to meet an oncoming vehicle at speed.
Is there any water or gas along the 26-mile route, and what's the cell service situation?
Cell service is zero for the entire run — plan accordingly. The Cimarron River runs alongside much of the trail so water sources exist, but filter everything. Fuel up in Ridgway before you start; there's nothing between the trailhead and Hwy 50 on the east end.
Trail track
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