Stony Pass

Total Miles
38.6

Elevation

3,839.49 ft

Duration

3.75 Hours

Technical Rating

4

Moderate

Best Time

Summer, Fall

Trail Overview

Stony Pass is another way to get from Silverton to Highway 149, although it is not a great way. The Jeep trail is not very difficult, but it is 38 miles long and the section from Kite Lake to the Rio Grande Reservoir (10 miles) is bumpy and boring. From there Highway 149 is well graded. Unless you are simply looking for something to do, spend your time west of Kite Lake. One of the most interesting things about the descent on the east side of Stony Pass is the fact that you can see small streams along the trail. These are streams starting at the Continental Divide and they are the headwaters of the Rio Grande River. As you start up the west side, watch for what is left of the Buffalo Boy aerial tramway with a few tram buckets still attached. The Buffalo Boy trail will take you to the upper end of the tramway. Wildflowers are fantastic on the west side of the pass if you are there at the right time of the year - a bit later in the season than most of the San Juans. Sheep will be grazing all the high country at certain times through the summer. Stony Pass is 12,592' in elevation.

Photos of Stony Pass

Stony Pass
Stony Pass

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

4

Status Reports

Vic Blaufuss
Jun 26, 2024
SxS
Open
Normal
Dozer had been over the pass and repaired the spring washouts the day before and was still working on the back side during our ride to Kite Lake. Trail was dry during our ride but looks like it could be very muddy in spots after a rain. One of my favorite passes so far.
Rob Kirby
Jun 25, 2024
2023 Ford Bronco
Temporarily Closed
Trail Restoration
County bulldozer was working on the trail.
Steve Hull
Jun 07, 2024
2023 Jeep Wrangler
Open
Muddy/Wet
Washboard
Trail was great,right up to Pole creek, then the creek was impassable, too high , too fast, had to turn around and go back to 149 at night, still a great trail..
Overlanding Cactus
Oct 25, 2023
4x4
Open
Rough/Deteriorated

Popular Trails

Go Farther

Try onX Offroad Elite for free for a week — no strings attached. Get access to thousands of off-road dirt trails and snowmobile trails across the nation. View your favorite zones in 3D. Send trails to friends. Start planning the trip of a lifetime now.