Imogene Pass Trail Guide - Telluride to Ouray Colorado (13,114 ft Shelf Road)

Imogene Pass is one of Colorado's most scenic and nerve-testing alpine trails, connecting Telluride to Ouray over a 13,114-foot mountain pass. This complete guide covers the entire 12.2-mile route with stunning drone footage, narrow shelf roads, steep drop-offs, and rich mining history. Imogene Pass also earns you a Jeep Badge of Honor.

IMOGENE PASS OVERVIEW:
Location: Telluride to Ouray, Colorado (or reverse)
Distance: 12.2 miles one-way
Elevation: 7,903 ft to 13,114 ft summit
Difficulty: Moderate (3/5 technical, 5/5 exposure)
Best Season: Late June through September
Vehicle Requirements: High clearance 4x4 recommended
Estimated Time: 2-4 hours depending on stops
Jeep Badge of Honor: Yes

WHAT MAKES IMOGENE PASS SPECIAL:
Imogene Pass isn't technically difficult, but the narrow shelf roads with steep drop-offs will test your nerves. The "pucker factor" is real. You'll drive past historic Tomboy Mine townsite, navigate exposed mountainside sections, and experience some of Colorado's most dramatic high-altitude scenery. This trail connects two iconic mountain towns and offers a journey through Colorado mining history.

TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS:
Narrow shelf roads with significant exposure
Steep drop-offs (not for those with height anxiety)
Historic Tomboy Mine townsite and buildings
13,114-foot summit with 360-degree views
Connects Telluride and Ouray
Jeep Badge of Honor checkpoint
Abandoned mining structures and equipment
Alpine tundra above treeline
Water cascades along route

TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 - Introduction and Trail Overview
0:57 - Blue Jeep Navigating Rocky Canyon
1:59 - Historic Miner's Town Views
2:53 - Water Cascade Cliffside
3:11 - Four-Low Required - Hugging Hillside
4:02 - Red Rubicon Rocky Shelf Climb
5:36 - Approaching Summit

TRIP PLANNING ESSENTIALS:
*Timing:* Late June through September is best. Snow lingers at high elevation into June.
*Direction:* Can be run from either Telluride or Ouray. Most prefer Telluride to Ouray for better views on descent.
*Exposure Warning:* Narrow shelf roads with steep drop-offs. Not recommended if you have anxiety about heights.
*Weather:* Above treeline weather changes rapidly. Afternoon thunderstorms common in summer. Start early.
*Communications:* Cell service is spotty. GMRS radios recommended for group travel.
*Permits:* No special permits required.

VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS:
High clearance 4x4 recommended (stock Jeep Wrangler capable)
All-terrain tires sufficient
Low range helpful for steep sections
Full-size spare tire
Basic recovery gear recommended

DIFFICULTY ASSESSMENT:
Imogene Pass is rated 3/5 for technical difficulty but 5/5 for exposure. The trail surface isn't particularly challenging, but the narrow shelf roads with steep drop-offs require confident driving and nerves of steel. Know your comfort level with exposure before attempting.

TOMBOY MINE HISTORY:
The Tomboy Mine was one of the highest and most productive gold mines in Colorado, operating from the 1880s through 1927. At its peak, the townsite had over 1,000 residents living at 11,500 feet elevation. Today, you can explore the remaining buildings and structures along the route.

JEEP BADGE OF HONOR:
Imogene Pass is an official Jeep Badge of Honor trail. Download the Jeep Badge of Honor app and check in at the summit to earn your digital badge.

BEST TIME TO VISIT:
*July:* Peak season, more traffic, stable weather
*August:* Good weather, moderate traffic
*September:* Autumn colors, cooler temps, less traffic
*Avoid:* June (too much snow), October (early winter storms)

Get the Trails Off-Road All Access Pass - Save 25% with this link:
https://www.trailsoffroad.com/all-acc...

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GEAR USED ON THIS TRIP:

Dirtbox Overland: http://dirtboxoverland.com

JEEP BUILD:
Bestop Trek Top: https://www.bestop.com/products/trekt...
Bestop Bumpers: https://bit.ly/bestopbumpers
Yukon Gears and Axles: https://www.yukongear.com/
RCV Axles: https://www.rcvperformance.com/
Baja Designs Lights: bit.ly/ttbajadesigns
Yankum Ropes & Recovery Gear (10% discount): https://bit.ly/yankumgear

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