Imogene Pass - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

There are plenty of activities to keep you busy, no matter what your interests are. For outdoors enthusiasts, there are plenty of hiking and biking trails to explore, as well as opportunities for fishing, camping, and birdwatching. History buffs will enjoy visiting the Old Hundred Gold Mine and the Telluride Historic District. And if you're looking for a little bit of everything, be sure to check out the annual Imogene Pass Run, which features a 10-mile race from Ouray to Telluride. No matter what your interests are, you're sure to find something to do in Imogene Pass.

Imogene Pass is a high mountain pass that traverses the San Juan Mountains in southwestern Colorado. The pass is located in the northeastern part of San Miguel County, between the towns of Ouray and Telluride. It is one of the most popular routes for hikers, scenic drives, and four-wheel-driving in the region.

The pass takes its name from Imogene Hill, which was named after the daughter of prospector John C. Osgood. Osgood was one of the first settlers in the San Juans, and he built a cabin near present-day Ouray in 1875. In 1876, he discovered silver deposits in the area and became a wealthy man overnight. Imogene Hill was named after Osgood's daughter, who died at a young age.

The first road over Imogene Pass was built by miners in 1877 as a shortcut between Ouray and Silverton. The road quickly became popular with travelers and residents alike, as it provided easier access to the mining camps in the San Juans. Today, the road over Imogene Pass is still popular with motorists, although it has been closed to vehicles several times due to avalanches and other dangers.

The best time to visit Imogene Pass is in the summer. From late June to early September, the pass is open to vehicles, making it the perfect time to explore the area's stunning mountain scenery. In addition, the weather is warm and dry during this time of year, making it ideal for hiking and camping. 

1. Make sure you have a 4x4 vehicle - the road to Imogene Pass is unpaved and can be very rough.
2. Come prepared for all weather conditions - the weather can change very quickly in the mountains.
3. Be aware of your surroundings - there are plenty of opportunities to get lost if you're not paying attention.
4. Use caution when crossing streams - they can be deeper and faster-flowing than they look.
5. binoculars are a necessity if you want to spot wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for bighorn sheep, elk, and golden eagles.
6. If possible, avoid visiting during peak times like summer and winter break. The crowds can make it difficult to enjoy the area fully. 
7. Be prepared for some challenging hikes. Many of the trails in Imogene Pass are quite steep, so make sure you're in good shape before attempting them. 
8. Finally, take your time and savor every moment . Imogene Pass is a truly special place and it's worth taking your time to explore it fully. 

1. At 12,925 feet above sea level, Imogene Pass is one of the highest mountain passes in Colorado.
2. The first road over the pass was built by Mears in 1879, and it remained the only route through the area for nearly 50 years. 
3. An average of 200 inches of snowfall occurs at the summit each year. 
4. There are several hiking trails in the area, including the Bear Creek Trail and the Mt. Sneffels Trail. 
5. There are several ghost towns in the vicinity of Imogene Pass, including Animas Forks and Tombstone."
6. The pass provides stunning views of the 14,000-foot peaks of the San Juans.
7. In recent years, Imogene Pass has been used as a challenging racecourse for cyclists and runners alike.

Though the exact length of the hike depends on the trail you take, most hikers agree that it takes about six toeight hours to explore the entire pass. 

To reach the pass, take Highway 550 from Ouray to Ridgway. From Ridgway, follow the Dallas Divide Road (County Road 8) for about 12 miles. The pass will be on your right. 

There is no entrance fee to explore Imogene Pass, San Miguel County, Colorado. However, there may be fees for camping or other activities within the pass. Be sure to check with the local ranger station for more information.

The pass is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, with varying hours depending on the day of the week. On weekends, the pass is open from 8:00 AM. to 6:00 PM., while on weekdays it is open from 9:00 AM. to 5:00 PM. These hours give visitors plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and wildlife of the area, as well as to hike or camp overnight.