TRAIL MAPS & CONDITIONS
Trails Conditions Updated as of July 5, 2024
Welcome to summer. We are starting to experience monsoons which is certainly effecting trail conditions. We are seeing washouts on several trails.
We are seeing wildflowers blooming and we are predicting wildflowers will peak by mid-July.
STAY THE TRAIL
DO NOT DRIVE AROUND SNOWBANKS ON THE TUNDRA IT DAMAGES THE TUNDRA
SPECIAL ADVISORY:
Construction on Hwy 550:
- There are 3 construction zones between Ouray and Montrose so plan for delays
Hwy 50 from Montrose to Gunnison construction has resumed.
Hwy 50 between Montrose and Gunnison is closed due to bridge damage. A detour using the Lake City Cutoff can be used. Starting July 8th they will open the bridge with escorts for one way traffic at a time. Check CDOT for more info.
- Check CDOT for latest info.
TRAIL CONDITIONS
Trails are listed below by the COUNTY agencies responsible for clearing.
The snow is melting and we are seeing summer flowers in town and some in the high country. However, if you do encounter a batch of snow closing the road, do not drive on the tundra to bypass the snow. This damages the tundra and encourages others to follow in your path leading to damage and possible erosion. Please respect the San Juans as if you call them home and leave the area just as pristine as when you arrived.
Any updates will appear below under corresponding trails as we receive or experience them.
P.S. stay in the loop on our FB and Instagram pages!
EXTRA INFO
Updates
OURAY COUNTY (OURAY)
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YANKEE BOY BASIN
Open – this trail is experiencing washouts due to the rain. Past the upper outhouse be careful as the water crossing is affected by the amount of runoff from snow and rain making it difficult to pass at times. Rocks are very sharp and can slice sidewalls.
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GOVERNOR BASIN
Closed you can cross the lower bridge but cannot get much further up the trail
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IMOGENE
Open – there is still a lot of snow on the upper part of the trail so passing could be a challenge.
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OWL CREEK
Open
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MINERAL CREEK TO ENGINEER PASS
Open – Trail is rough expect some off camber conditions that could have you in a very uncomfortable position. This trail was not the easiest to begin with, and over the last several seasons we are seeing significant deterioration.
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CORKSCREW GULCH
Open – we have had a lot of rain and this trail is very soupy in places. Please drive slow through the large puddles to avoid making them bigger. There are also several wash outs so please be careful, and there is a large rut going up the switchbacks.
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BROWN MOUNTAIN GULCH
Open
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RED MOUNTAIN TOWN LOOP
Open when we get a lot of rain expect muddy conditions and watch out for washouts
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POUGHKEEPSIE
Open
See USFS site.
SAN MIGUEL (TELLURIDE)
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IMOGENE (TELLURIDE SIDE)
Open
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LAST DOLLAR PASS
Open expect some mud in some locations
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OPHIR (TELLURIDE SIDE)
Open
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AMES ROAD
OPEN year round. This is such a fun little trail between Ophir and Sawpit. But, the highlight is the very first AC plant (as in Tesla) built in the U.S. This electric plant serviced many of the mills between Telluride and Ouray in the early 1900’s.
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ALTA LAKES
Open
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BLACK BEAR
Closed – Reports are that San Miguel will move dozers up next week to work on this trail. Please be patient.
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ROARING FORK
This trail begins close to Dolores and exits near Purgatory. Out of our area, but worth the drive.
SAN JUAN (SILVERTON)
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ENGINEER
Open see comments in the Ouray section
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OPHIR
Open
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PICAYUNE / PLACER LOOP
Open, but expect it to be muddy with all the rain we have had the last several days
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LIME CREEK
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This trail begins about 20 miles north of Silverton and exits above the Cascade Creek Townhomes south of Purgatory. We have no update on this trail
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SOUTH MINERAL SPRINGS & CLEAR LAKE
Open
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BLACK BEAR
Closed – see comments in San Miguel section
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STONY PASS
Open from latest reports we have seen
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CUNNINGHAM GULCH
Open
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HURRICANE PASS
Open – watch for washouts and ruts there is snow on the Silverton side of the trail making this section basically wide enough for one vehicle
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CALIFORNIA GULCH
Open, the switch backs are soupy. Still a lot of snow next to the trail so it is narrow in places.
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MAGGIE, MINNIE AND MINNEHAHA
Open
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CINNAMON PASS
Open
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ANIMAS FORKS TOWNSITE
Open
Our information comes from being up on the trails ourselves or updates from County/USFS sources, and those that have been on particular trails in their own vehicles. So, as with any high mountain terrain, be CAUTIOUS! If you start up a trail and you are uncertain, don’t go any farther.
Remember, the adventure lies in exploring the beautiful scenery and seeing what’s around the next corner… not just a destination. Take water, layers of warm clothing, and maps. Allow plenty of time.
Jeep Trail Maps
See where our Jeep Tours go, or plan your route with your Jeep rental (except Black Bear Pass). Click on a trail map to the right for specific tour details, and it will take you directly to that tour for a full description and booking information.