Trail Overview

Imogene Pass is a challenging and rewarding off-roading trail and stands as the second-highest drivable mountain pass in Colorado, peaking at 13,114 feet. This route is nestled within the stunning San Juan Mountains, stretching between Ouray and Telluride in the Uncompahgre National Forest, and has a mix of steep, rocky, and narrow paths that require skilled maneuvering and appropriate vehicles.

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Difficulty

Don't take this trip lightly. Rated as difficult, Imogene Pass is not for the inexperienced. The trail demands vehicles with low-range gearing, 4-wheel drive, high clearance, and, ideally, skid plates. The rocky and steep segments with narrow paths where passing can become dangerous make this trail one for experienced drivers only.

History

Imogene Pass was first carved out in 1880 and has a rich history. Named after Imogene Richardson, the wife of a Camp Bird Mine owner, the pass was integral to the early 20th-century mining industry in the area. It also played a pivotal role during labor strikes when the Colorado National Guard established Fort Peabody at its summit in 1904.

Technical Rating

Jameson Mills

Jun 17, 2026

Open

The trail was open from the Ouray side to the peak. The Telluride side looked mostly open with some snow blocking the trail. Didn’t go down the Telluride side.

W johnson

Jun 03, 2026

Open

Made it almost to the summit on the ouray side. Crews are still clearing snow. Best guess is they’re complete by 6/6. I have no report on the telluride side

#Evolve Anyways

May 22, 2026

Open

Still closed, crews are still clearing snow.

Shawne Z

Nov 20, 2025

Open

Took Yankee Boy Basin trail out from Ouray to the Imogene Pass entrance. Yankee is maintained by the mine company, so snow/mud but easy traverse with 4WD. Once you get off Yankee to enter Imogene Pass, the snow had to be 6-8 inches deep. We started slipping a bit in 4WD so decided to turn around immediately. The trail up to it was fun/scenic/easy.

Ken Morris

Oct 18, 2025

Open

Accessed from Telluride side. Encountered slushy snow on top of ice above Tom Boy Mine. Had to turn around at about the 12000 foot level. Traffic was light. Trail was in good shape. Great day of wheeling.

Adam Mertz

Oct 18, 2025

Open

Coming from Ouray I was able to make it up to the rock outcropping in Imogene Basin. Shortly after that the snow completely covers the trail. It was a wet and icy snow. Having never done the pass nor those conditions I felt I was out of my depth and turned around.

Kevin spence

Oct 11, 2025

Open

It was wet and rainy on the bottom as we approach the top some snow and icy slush, but wasn’t bad for the day

ODB ODB

Oct 05, 2025

Open

Ran from Telluride to Ouray. Some snow on the last couple switchbacks leading up to the summit, but still an easy climb. Ouray side of the summit had more snow, easy going down - but would have been more challenging going up that side.

Jeff Tucker

Sep 30, 2025

Open

Parker knisely

Sep 27, 2025

Open

Did from Ouray to Telluride. Ouray side had more obstacles and a little more challenging. Was able to complete the whole trail in my 2011 Toyota Tundra with no scraping.

Tim Brown

Sep 21, 2025

Open

Ran the Trail Backwards from Ouray to Telluride. Last 2 pics are of Black Bear Pass from the Imogene Trail. Rough road and good obstacles. There are some bypasses for the less daring. A bit chilly once your out of the tree line.

Josh Glory

Sep 20, 2025

Open

We made this run this morning in my daughter's 2016 F150 that has a leveling kit and 33's. We started on the Telluride side. We aired down to 18 psi and didn't have any issues. Only bumped the rear bumper once coming off a small ledge. We probably could have picked a better line and avoided it. A beautiful drive for sure.

Adam brown

Sep 09, 2025

Open

A little busy. Nice conditions

Brad Allensworth

Sep 07, 2025

Open

James Buck

Sep 03, 2025

Open

Open for few days now. Ran it from Telluride to Ouray. Took about 3.5 hours with stops at Tomboy Mine and top of Pass. Not too technical, but shelf roads require focus. Need to remember how far back the last wide spot was in case you need to back up for traffic.