Ouray and Telluride Area
Imogene Pass is one of the more difficult four-wheel drive roads between Ouray and Telluride. This road is recommended for four wheel drive, high clearance vehicles. Unlicensed vehicles (OHV’s) are allowed on this road except for the last 2.5 miles into Telluride. A signed turnaround point is located 1.75 miles beyond the old Tom Boy townsite.
From Ouray, take Highway 550 south just one-half mile, then turn right onto the Camp Bird Road. Proceed up the Camp Bird Road approximately 5 miles, then take a left onto Forest Road 869.0. The road crosses Canyon Creek, climbing along the cliffs and looking down over the famous Camp Bird Mine. The ascent up to Imogene Basin is rough and steep. There are spectacular wildflower displays in this basin during the mid-summer months.
The views from Imogene Pass, at 13,114 feet, are extremely impressive. Take time to stop and look, both to the west toward the mountains surrounding Telluride and to the east towards the beautiful Red Mountain area. You’ll need a jacket at the top; it can be cold and sometimes windy.
The descent into the Tomboy Mine area and Telluride is more gradual. Total distance from Ouray to Telluride is 18 miles and takes about three to four hours. This road is the route of the Imogene Pass Mountain Run held each year in September.
This pass is not for the inexperienced or "faint of heart". If you want to say you have done it, go with one of the local tour companies. This road is recommended for short wheel base, 4WD, high clearance vehicles.
Black Bear originates at the top of Red Mountain Pass turning west (right) off of Hwy 550 south of Ouray. Black Bear is a two-way trail from 550 to the top of the "Steps" a point that is approximately 1.2 miles beyond the pass summit. The ascent to the summit is easy, with spectacular views. If you change your mind about trying this trail when you arrive at the top, turn around and return the way you came.
If you're still feeling bold when you get to summit, continuing on you will soon find steps and sharp switchbacks. The road is extremely narrow at this point, thus the reason why a short wheel base vehicle is the preferred choice. Full-size vehicles and trucks make the trip more challenging, with broken plastic and bent metal always a possibility.
On the way down, plan a stop at the base of Bridal Veil Falls. The remaining distance is easy but watch for mountain bikers.
Unlicensed vehicles (OHV's) are prohibited in the Town of Telluride. Consequently, OHV's must either turn around at the top of the "Steps" (described above) OR have a shuttle vehicle parked at the Telluride end of the Black Bear Road. The turn around point at the top of the Steps is clearly signed.
This is another one of the easier passes in the area and one that will take you to the Telluride side of the mountains. It was originally a wagon road between the mines in Ophir, Telluride and Silverton.
This road is recommended for four wheel drive, high clearance vehicles. Unlicensed vehicles (OHV’s) are allowed on this road except on the section from Highway 145 through the Town of Ophir.
Drive south of Ouray on Hwy 550 for 18.1 miles to the “National Forest Access, Ophir Pass” turnoff on your right. The ascent is gradual, winding through aspen forests and past beautiful wildflowers, to an elevation of 11,789.
The descending trail is narrow with one sharp switchback just over the pass, followed by an easy road to the bottom.
Beyond Old Ophir is the intersection of CO Hwy 145. Turn right (north) onto 145 and follow the highway to a point where it turns right to Telluride or left to return to Ouray over Hwy 62. If you want to return to Ouray via a four-wheel drive road, your choices are Last Dollar Road or Imogene Pass.