Imogene Pass Feburary 2025 Update - San Juan Mountains, CO

[duel007]

Full disclosure, I posted this on the San Juan Mountains Trails Group on Facebook as well. I know it is near and dear to many Bronco6g folks as well, so I wanted to share some info on Imogene Pass that I got from a recent BOCC meeting recording.

I know we're all anxiously awaiting news on Imogene Pass (Telluride side). I watched the San Miguel Board of County Commissioners meeting from 2/19 and there is a bit of useful info that I thought I'd share. The next meeting does not feature Imogene Pass as a major topic but I will watch anyways and update if there are any developments.

Road contractor says:

1. Current rough ballpark estimate is $500,000 and a month of work (Lots of drilling to support rock fractures, both horizontal and vertical)
2. Significant implications due to water drainage and washouts
3. Not too bad because the road isn't gone. If repairs are not completed and the road gets worse, the cost will multiply signficantly.
4. More repairs will be needed soon up the road past the social tunnel, ongoing repairs needed to ensure road access. Ideally planning should begin now and repairs should proceed after fixing the current retaining wall failure.

USFS says:

1. Once quote and engineering plans are finished and approved by their engineers, fundraising will begin. Jeep groups like Mile High Jeep Club are extremely interested in helping as soon as the needs are identified.
2. Meetings to come soon with stakeholders in the road (mine companies, outfitters, tour guides, etc)

Community says:

1. Due to it being a low snow year, higher than normal traffic is expected on the 4x4 trails. Strong demand to start early on repairs and be ready for the prime 4x4 season. Strong desire to fundraise, the half million dollar amount is not insurmountable.
2. Potential for donations to be tax deductible (more to come, but sounds likely)
   
   
   
   Also, I can't resist sharing one of my pics from Imogene Pass
   
   
   
   
   

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[TrailDust]

Thanks for the info, I had no idea there was a wash out and it was going to be closed until repairs were made. This is/was a planned trip for this summer so guess I need to pay attention to progress and potential for a donation to help. Found an article on the Telluride Daily Planet describing the same, pic for reference.

 

[Climber]

Imogene is one of the best Jeep trails in Colorado. I like most hopes it gets repaired and stays open. Any word on Black Bear as it was closed for like reasons?

 

[duel007]

Imogene is one of the best Jeep trails in Colorado. I like most hopes it gets repaired and stays open. Any word on Black Bear as it was closed for like reasons?

Black Bear was actually mentioned in the meeting as well. They said that almost all of the debris from the rockslide has been cleared up. That doesn't mean it will open for sure, but it's a good sign.

Thanks for the info, I had no idea there was a wash out and it was going to be closed until repairs were made. This is/was a planned trip for this summer so guess I need to pay attention to progress and potential for a donation to help. Found an article on the Telluride Daily Planet describing the same, pic for reference.

Keep in mind that is the Telluride side. When I was there in September last year, I spoke with a gentleman who walked up Imogene Pass from Telluride and he said that the washout was far worse than the pictures show. I mentioned that it didn't look that bad, and he said it was sketchy even on foot.

Additionally, the Ouray side is also closed currently due to a rockslide on Camp Bird Road. No news on that yet from the Ouray county, hopefully soon. It is more likely that the Ouray side will be fixed first because the mine company on the Ouray side will need access.

 

[Hdscreens]

Thanks for posting. I’m in early stages of trip planning and was thinking of these trails.

 

[UNBROKN]

Thanks for the info. I know that there is little to no chance that I will be out there any time soon, if ever... but I do want to donate. It was the first real 4x4 trail that I have ever been on and I think that area is one of the most beautiful places I have been in this wonderful country of ours. Please keep us posted as I am sure there will be numerous donations from this forum and hopefully from its sponsors.

 

[gwp]

Following. We have a trip planned with a small group from VA in July.

 

[UNBROKN]

Following. We have a trip planned with a small group from VA in July.

I hope you have a blast!! How many are going and how long is the trip?

 

[gwp]

I hope you have a blast!! How many are going and how long is the trip?

Two Broncos and an FJ, 11 days

 

[Nate Train]

Managed to get there for the first time less than a week before the washout. Glad I did because it's a great trail.

 

[Dantastic]

Thanks for posting this. We got a group of 5 of us going week of July 13th. Planning on hitting a lot of trails (black bear and Imogene included). Already have our campsites booked. Looking forward to other trails in Colorado, regardless though!

 

[JediMcMuffin]

I don't know the geography there very well. Can you still make it to the peak from one side and just go right back down?

 

[duel007]

I don't know the geography there very well. Can you still make it to the peak from one side and just go right back down?

Currently the road is closed on both sides (washout on the Telluride side, rockfall on the Ouray side).

In August 2024 the Telluride side washed out and was closed at the peak, but you could still do an out-and-back from Ouray to reach the summit. (Still very fun and worth the trip, I took a few alternate routes on the way down which were fun)

We've all got our fingers crossed that at least one side will open up by the time 4x4 season is here.

 

[Fordified1]

Thanks for posting this. We got a group of 5 of us going week of July 13th. Planning on hitting a lot of trails (black bear and Imogene included). Already have our campsites booked. Looking forward to other trails in Colorado, regardless though!

Even if Imogene is closed. There are more passes there than anyone can do in 11 days. Black Bear is one that is closed more than it’s open. Gives reason to go back. When we went last Summer we had a guide who knew all the trails very well and did a lot of planning for us ahead of time. LOVE Colorado. Moab is our next friends trip from Texas.

 

[duel007]

Even if Imogene is closed. There are more passes there than anyone can do in 11 days. Black Bear is one that is closed more than it’s open. Gives reason to go back. When we went last Summer we had a guide who knew all the trails very well and did a lot of planning for us ahead of time. LOVE Colorado. Moab is our next friends trip from Texas.

Absolutely, there are tons of very worthwhile trails. I also really like Mineral Creek though it is a bit more challenging than Imogene (very worth it to see the mines along the way and Animas Falls).

If you like Moab, the Rimrocker Trail (https://rimrockertrail.org/) is also really fun. You can run on dirt/gravel from Montrose to Moab, and camp along the way (paid forest service campsites or free dispersed camping).

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