505 Offroad Colorado Trip: Ouray / Silverton / Telluride August 6th through 9th

This is an invite-only trip for 505 Offroad members.

We’re heading to the San Juan Mountains in southwest Colorado for four days of some of the most legendary off-road trails in the country. We’re talking high alpine passes, abandoned mines, cliff-edge shelf roads, wildflower-filled basins, and views that make you forget you’re white-knuckling the steering wheel.

The Trail Lineup

Engineer Pass, topping out at 12,800 feet with steep rocky climbs and narrow shelf roads. Poughkeepsie Gulch, one of the gnarliest trails in the San Juans with boulder fields, ledges, and “The Wall” if you’re feeling brave. Mineral Creek, a classic San Juan trail that sets the tone for the harder stuff. Black Bear Pass, peaking at 12,840 feet with the infamous one-way switchbacks dropping into Telluride above Bridal Veil Falls, the tallest waterfall in Colorado. And Imogene Pass, the second highest drivable pass in the state at 13,114 feet, winding through the historic Tomboy Mine ghost town.

What to Expect on the Trails

These trails are rated in the 5 to 7 range. You will encounter shelf roads with steep drop-offs, loose rock, off-camber sections, ledges, and obstacles up to 36 inches in height. If you’re uncomfortable with heights, exposure, or tight switchbacks with no guardrails and a long way down, this trip is not for you.

Vehicle Requirements

High clearance 4×4 with low range, 33 inch tires at minimum. Skid plates recommended. Make sure your rig is mechanically sound before you leave home. You do not want to break down above tree line at 12,000+ feet with no cell service.

Weather and What to Pack

August in the San Juans means daytime temps in the mid 60s to low 70s in town, but up on the passes above 12,000 feet expect it to drop into the 40s and 50s even during the day. Nights will get down into the low 40s and possibly upper 30s, especially while dispersed camping at elevation. Afternoon thunderstorms roll in almost daily so plan to be off the exposed passes by early afternoon if possible. Lightning above tree line is no joke. Pack layers, a solid rain jacket, warm sleeping gear for camp, sunscreen (the UV is intense at altitude), and plenty of water because the elevation will dehydrate you fast.

Lodging

We will be dispersed camping for 2 nights and staying in a hotel for 1 night. Reach out to Francisco for details on where we’re staying, campsite coordination, and any other logistics.

This trip is not open to the public. If you’re a 505 Offroad member and want in, hit up Francisco directly.