TOURING THE MOUNTAINS

Over the Mountains

Tremendous ways to tour the mountains

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xplore the rugged San Juan Mountains from the comfort of a jeep, or log some serious miles on winding mountain bike trails. Consider capturing a photo from a pristine view during a mountain hike or delving deep into the backcountry on horseback.

Ouray has a dirt trail in every direction, leading to somewhere spectacular in the middle of nowhere. For armchair adventurers and seasoned explorers alike, Ouray has earned its reputation as an ideal destination for people of all ages to enjoy.

DRIVING DIRT ROADS

Ouray is most famous as a Jeeping and off-highway vehicle destination in summer and fall seasons. The area attracts visitors on four wheels from around the world. Spend sunny days driving on the dirt roads around abandoned mountain settlements.

JEEP TOURS

For those unfamiliar or uncomfortable navigating four-wheel-drive mountain passes, don’t hesitate to hire a local guide. Numerous companies offer tours, and the local guides make these trips unforgettable. In addition to easy sight-seeing, tours offer a historical overview of the areas they explore.

Waterfalls flowing and wildflowers blooming in the lush basin makes this route a popular place to drive in the summer and fall seasons. The out-and-back road takes tourists through a historic mining district, past Twin Falls and to a beautiful meadow filled with wildlife at 10,000 feet in elevation.

Cole Davis Photography

ALPINE LOOP

65 miles There are many infamous passes in the area, so one of the best ways to experience the wild variety of mountain passes is to drive the Alpine Loop. This loop will take drivers up and over Engineer Pass at a towering 12,800 feet, and Cinnamon at 12,640 feet. Though it will take approximately 5-7 hours to complete, visitors may want to allow extra time to explore the beauty of the ghost towns and abandoned mines that still cling to the jagged landscape.

Kelly B Photography Brandon Mathis PASS 17.5 miles As the second highest drivable pass in Colorado, Imogene Pass offers a thrilling ride revealing incredible views. The three-hour route is steep and rocky. It includes views of Black Bear Pass and Savage Basin. Drivers can follow the road all the way to Telluride or return to Ouray by turning around at the historic Tomboy townsite and mining district.

Kelly B Photography

MORE ROUTES

There are dozens more dirt roads permitted for four-wheel-drive adventures. Using Ouray as a basecamp, head south to Silverton, where drivers will find over 40 additional passes and jeep roads twisting through the landscape, providing jeepers the opportunity for endless exploration. Get an official trail map, talk to a jeep company and educate yourself on the skill level of each trail ahead of time. Be sure to plan accordingly. See the map on page 30 to review trails in the region. For updated trail conditions see www.soajeep.com/trail-maps-conditions.

LOCATED IN THE HEART OF OURAY, COLORADO