Imogene Pass - bill miller photography

Imogene Pass is the second-highest drivable pass in Colorado. We drove the 12-mile trail from Telluride (Tomboy Road) over the pass to Camp Bird Road (towards Ouray). The views from each side of the pass are stunning, with a lot of mining operations remnants from the Tomboy Mine Townsite seen before crossing the pass.

While the trail is rated by some as “Difficult”, we had no problem in our rented Jeep. The trail is narrow (one-way), rocky, and steep in some sections, but we found it to be fun. The most difficult part is probably beginning the descent after the pass on a narrow shelf road until reaching Imogene Basin. There, the July wildflowers were in full bloom. Once reaching the tree line again, the descent continues, following Imogene Creek, where a cascading waterfall can be seen.

Map of the Ouray-based trails.

Return to Backcounty

The Trail Up
To Imogene Pass starting in Telluride, CO

The switchbacks of the dangerous Black Bear Pass Trail. Also pictured, Bridal Veil Falls which plunge 365'. A power station, known as the Bridal Veil Powerhouse, was constructed in 1907 and was one of the first hydroelectric plants in the United States. It played a crucial role in continuing to provide electricity to the surrounding areas, including the mining operations in Telluride. From Imogene Pass Trail. — Head of the Telluride Box Canyon
The switchbacks of the dangerous Black Bear Pass Trail. Also pictured, Bridal Veil Falls which plunge 365′. A power station, known as the Bridal Veil Powerhouse, was constructed in 1907 and was one of the first hydroelectric plants in the United States. It played a crucial role in continuing to provide electricity to the surrounding areas, including the mining operations in Telluride. From Imogene Pass Trail.

Old mining operation high in the mountains.

Imogene Pass
2nd highest drivable pass in Colorado (can drive up one side of the range and all the way down the other side)

Imogene Pass - Elev 13,114' — Send Your Mail Here
Imogene Pass – Elev 13,114′

Heading Down the Pass
Looking out over Imogene Basin.

Summer Wild Flowers in Imogene Basin
Along Imogene Pass Trail (north of the pass)

Summer Wild Flowers
Along Imogene Pass Trail

Crossroads
The Imogene Pass road terminates at Camp Bird Road where a right turn takes you to Ouray. The left turn to Yankee Boy Basin is another incredible 4-wheel drive.

Backcountry