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

Kristen morris

Jul 10, 2026

Open

We ran Imogene Pass from Ouray to Telluride, leaving the Ouray side around 1:30 pm. The trail was beautiful, with a good mix of challenging terrain and scenic views. I’m relatively inexperienced and felt that a few of the obstacles were deserving of a 6 rating, but a majority of the trail in this specific direction was more like a 4. We intentionally chose harder lines to get practice in. I am in a ‘21 Tacoma on 35s.

Brian George

Jul 08, 2026

Open

Started from Telluride side. First couple miles fairly straight forward for Colorado. Single lane road, drop offs, amazong views. Last mile to the top fairly challenging. I didnt have any problems with my set up; 35" wheels, 2.5 inch lift. Shorter you may run into problems but certainly not impossible. Going down into Ouray no problems just busy. Saw 10+ SUV's and a few less side by sides. Highly recommend especially if you are new and looking to challange yourself

Bradford Engleking

Jul 07, 2026

Open

Gets pretty harrowing at the top of the climb: super narrow roads with moderate obstacles and 500+ foot dropoffs. GX handled it fine, I was a bit nervous towards the top coming from Telluride.

Mike

Jul 04, 2026

Open

Beautiful trail! Definitely not an "easy" trail as others have commented, it's definitely a 6/10.

Dawson C

Jul 03, 2026

Open

Not as busy as I’d expect. Great views and pretty straight forward with my JKU on 33s. Went up the Ouray side to Telluride

Damon Jewell

Jul 02, 2026

Open

Not many on the trail. Came from Ouray side to Telluride. Took our time and didn’t have any issues. 35 inch tires aired down to 17 disengaged the sway bar for most of the trail for a better ride

Kirill Kotlyarenko

Jul 01, 2026

Open

Went from Telluride towards Ouray. Trail was pretty easy, most in 4wd low. 35" tires aired down to 24psi. Scratched skid plates just few times on optional obstacles. Amazing views, strongly recommend. Lots of people going both ways on Wednesday.

Kaylie Arnwine

Jun 28, 2026

Open

Awesome trail. A little bit of everything. More technical on the Ouray side.

Dallon McKay

Jun 24, 2026

Open

Trails open all the way through now!

Zev Glassman

Jun 20, 2026

Open

Went up the pass from the Ouray side in a stock 100 series with tires. Had no problems getting up, but had to turn around shortly after going down the Telluride side due to snow blocking the first turn. Looks like it was done before and could be done, just too risky for me.

Kyle Leigh

Jun 19, 2026

Open

Closed gate at Tomboy mine.

Emmanuel lopez

Jun 18, 2026

Open

On the Telluride side of Imogene a snow drift is blocking trail and a 4runner tried to go through it. Ended up trying to back down and flipped off the side of the mountain.

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.