Accessibility Tools

Skip to main content

ENGINEER PASS

12,800 feet / Rugged / Memorable


ENGINEER PASS. The Real Deal.

Engineer Pass makes the list as one of the most exciting, rugged and highest mountain passes in Colorado.  Located in the San Juan Mountains between Ouray and Silverton, this trail comprises one half of the well-known Alpine Loop. Engineer Pass features a summit of 12,800 feet with incredible examples of the area’s tumultuous geologic history of volcanic and glacier activity resulting in richly colored layers of emerald, amethyst, rust and blue shades of rock face lining the trail’s edge. Hold on to your seats as you crawl over 18″ – 32″ shelf rock, cross creek beds, stumble upon old boarding houses, tram cables, miner’s cabins and summit the unforgettable ‘Oh Point’ for stunning 360 degree views! And, if that were not enough, tour through the timeless ruins of the San Juan Chief and Mineral Point to the Hurricane and Corkscrew trail heads. Truly one of our favorite authentic 4 wheel drive Ouray Jeep tour experiences! 

Engineers Pass tour is a private trip which crosses some extreme terrain and lasts typically 6 hours. If you are interested in booking this trip please call our office or feel free to email us.

Highlights

  • Diverse Geology

  • Skilled 4×4 Drivers Only

  • Approximately 8 hours

  • Includes Animas Forks

  • Great for Wildlife Watching

$675 includes up to 4 guests

Additional guests $150 per person

Children under 5 years of age not recommended.

  • J. Kantor
  • colorado-wildlife-jeep-engineer

    Bear Creek Crossing

    photo by S. Brand
  • engineer-animas-jeep-adventure

    Engineer to Animas

    photo by M. Mora

Trip Details & Logistics

Engineer Pass
Depart from Ouray, Colorado. Travel 4 miles south on the Million Dollar Highway and cross Bear Creek Falls to the turn-off of Engineer Pass. Begin your rocky climb along Mineral Creek, over narrow trail bed carved into the canyon wall, past the ruins of the stoic Mickey Breen and entrance to the infamous Poughkeepsie Gulch. Continue up beyond treeline and follow the trail as it ascends the unforgettable  Oh Point summit to an elevation of 12,800 ft! Return to Ouray via Mineral Point, Hurricane and the sunset landscape of Corkscrew Gulch. Fantastic trip for rock collectors, photographers and view finders! Did we mention this tour stops on the trail for a picnic lunch? Bring your own, or order one with us ahead of time.

Due to the rugged nature of the trail, this trip operates as a private customized Safari and is hosted in a specially designed Jeep Rubicon that can seat up to 6. 


Available 6/15 –  9/15 (based on trail conditions)


“Absolutely our favorite experience in Ouray! Top notch customer service and great equipment. This was our Rocky Mountain high for sure!”

M. Hadley, Grapevine, TX