Trail Overview

Red Mountain Pass is an easy Jeep trail that features old mining structures and great alpine scenery. You'll connect with Highway 550 near the middle of the trail, so it can be divided into two sections. The northern section is visible from the Red Mountain Mining History Viewpoint on Highway 550. There are numerous ruins for exploration. One of the most visited is the Yankee Girl headframe shown to the right. It is unusual in that it has a 1,200' vertical shaft under the headframe. There are numerous other structures in various stages of decomposition. The Longfellow Mine is located close to where the northern section intersects with US 550. Old ore cars are visible below the structures along US 550. The southern portion of the trail is much different than the northern. It is mostly above the timberline and offers great views of the surrounding area. There are only a few mines in the area.

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Difficulty

Uneven, rutted dirt trail with loose rocks, sand, erosion, and washes. Potential water crossings up to a foot deep, mud holes, and obstacles up to 18", including ledges and short, steep grades. Roads are typically one vehicle wide with places to pass.

Technical Rating

Jacob P

Sep 08, 2025

Open

Trail is back open. Love red mountain, very low traffic with views of almost the entire alpine loop. super underrated in the area

Chris Johnston

Aug 26, 2025

Open

Road closed coming from the north. Cannot make it all the way down to the intersection of Chattanooga Trail and US 550.

John P

Aug 13, 2025

Open

An easy going trail with a lot to offer. Ran it north to south and ended where it links up with 550 and Black Bear. The southern section of the trail was closed. Keep an eye on your map. Early on I missed a left turn and continued down 31A. Found a spot a short while later to turn around. After Yankee Girl the trail does become more difficult. For a stock 4Runner I could almost give it a 3 rating. Take it slow and easy in the forest so an oncoming vehicle or dirt bike doesn’t catch you off guard. There are several passing spots, but it can be tight for two highway vehicles. Luckily I was one of only a few out there.

Michael Castro

Aug 11, 2025

Open

We drove the trail from the Ouray side towards Silverton but only the first half. The trail is clear and in great condition to travel with any vehicle.

Thad Bessinger

Jul 30, 2025

Open

South entrance is closed for construction. We drove it from Black bear pass and were able to complete over 2/3 of it. They have construction signs closing it.

Reid Henry

Jul 13, 2025

Open

Monday through Friday, the trail is closed between the Brooklyn Mine and the southern entrance. There is a sign at the midpoint entrance letting drivers know the trail is closed at Brooklyn mine Monday-Friday. We went on a Sunday and completed both sections. We found a snow patch on the southern section right off the trail. Trail was in good condition, besides a few tight switchbacks and a few narrow spots, good trial for a full size capable truck.

Paul Cato

Jul 08, 2025

Open

North half of the trail was open on the north end and the midway point. Southern entrance was closed for construction of some sort. We took the north trail from the North to the South got back on 550 at the midpoint. Fun little easy to light moderate trail.

Aaron Martinez

Jul 03, 2025

Open

Construction company sign + cones indicating trail closed. No date for opening given. Work truck and trailer at trailhead.

Craig Harrington

Jun 29, 2025

Open

jerika fisher

Jun 22, 2025

Open

Deep snow 3.9 miles in from silverton

Ryan Wedel

Jun 17, 2025

Open

Deep snow on south half

Colt Clewley

May 16, 2025

Open

Travis Kulbeth

Oct 12, 2024

Open

Suzanne Roquemore

Sep 22, 2024

Open

This trail was so much fun- we ran it on our way back to Silverton to Ouray and then decided to run it again the next day. There was rain & snow so the south portion was a bit slippery on the trail due to mud. gorgeous views and lots of mining structures! lots of private property esp on the southern portion.

Jay Stokley

Sep 20, 2024

Open

No problems doing the entire trail. No obstructions seen.