Solo Run on Imogene Pass?

[Eryan36]

Hi all, I'm looking for some feedback or pro tips on a trip I'm planning. I live in Oklahoma City and get to be in the Denver area for work for most of September. I'm thinking about taking the long way up. My thought is to drive to Silverton and then take Ophir pass to Telluride, and Imogene Pass to Ouray. From Ouray I'll up to Breckenridge and do the Peak 10 road, and then from Breck on into Denver.

This would be my first real off-road trail excursion. I have no doubt that my 4Runner (2014, 2" lift, Falken Wildpeaks) is up to the task, and I consider myself a competent driver. (Nothing can be as white-knuckle as driving a Yaris in a tropical downpour through the middle of Costa Rica on their mountain roads where the only other vehicles to be seen are old Samurais and FJs.) I'll also have recovery boards and a hi-lift. I've read all the trail reports I can find for Ophir and Imogene, and watched enough YouTube videos of the trails to have an idea of what I'd be dealing with, but I'd be doing it all solo. That's the only thing that gives me pause; if there was a group going I'd not be concerned about it being my first time up there.

So, good idea or bad idea?

 

[RonJR]

Imogene is straightforward, and going solo in a 4runner should be no problem. I've never done it any other way. I did the Telluride side once in the dark while getting set up for a runners race. Plus, it's well traveled, so even if you have a problem, you won't be alone for long.

 

[gm350reratliff]

Imogene is straightforward, and going solo in a 4runner should be no problem. I've never done it any other way. I did the Telluride side once in the dark while getting set up for a runners race. Plus, it's well traveled, so even if you have a problem, you won't be alone for long.

I agree with RonJR. Imogene is pretty straightforward as well as Ophir pass. Your 4runner shouldn't have any issues with either trail. You can always download a map to your phone to have as a backup. Both trails see quite a bit of traffic.

 

[Presa Canario]

Sent ya a PM.

 

[Eryan36]

Thanks for the info, guys!

 

[ajordan1975]

NEVER EVER wheel alone!! :fish:

 

[CO4running]

Solo Running

As the others have mentioned it is well traveled. My family traveled over Imogene from Telluride to Ouray last year and we meet up with a guided jeep tour. The tour driver and his passengers were a blast, we followed them a majority of the way and had a great time.

 

[Hltoppr]

In 20 years I've only traveled those roads with another vehicle once...you'll be fine. There's plenty of other traffic.

-H-

 

[iBison]

I did Ophir last September. Scraped a little in a couple spots on the way down but nothing bad. It was a great ride. Here's. 45 minute video of our trip over. Skip ahead as you like to save time. https://youtu.be/9vsi1L5X7po

 

[jpachard]

I've done Ophir, black bear, Imogene, California etc all solo on my BMW1200gs solo and was fine. The 4Runner will be a walk in the park. Just be careful and always have a backup plan. Watch the weather up there too...


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[Eryan36]

Did the pass, great fun. Actually started with Black Bear then went on to Imogene. Weather was perfect, really couldn't have asked for better conditions.

 

[Slimee]

Was out that way first week of June last year, was still too early for most of the trails to my dismay. Ophir was only happen to top of the pass from the Ouray side, Imogene was closed, and Engineer was blocked by an avalanche on the Ouray side, but I found it was accessible to the top from the Silverton side, and the last set of switchbacks hadn't TOTALLY been cleared yet. Great views of the Rockies in every direction, all still covered in so much snow.

 

[white19]

Would anyone have any reservations with driving a TRD-off road up to imogene pass completely stock? I am not new to the automotive world by any means or to driving in the back country parts of Colorado but new to "off-roading". Not sure if this will be clear by July 4th as they got so much snow this year but wouldn't mind trying it out.

 

[whiplashtx]

I wouldn't have any reservations in doing any of the local trails in a stock 4runner. Heck, I've done most of them in a nearly stock Subaru Crosstrek. Imogene is still closed, Ophir just opened today. They had a ton of snow this year and they are having troubles with 20ft plus drifts. Here's the latest info: Security Check Required

 

[white19]

Thanks for the info. I figured since they got dumped on this year. Do you recommend any others in the area that might be open?

 

[whiplashtx]

Yankee boy basin is open to the falls and a little above, probably one of the most scenic and iconic basins in the area. Last Dollar pass is open and while it's 2wd (unless wet) it's a beautiful drive. As mentioned earlier, Ophir is open. California, Corkscrew, and Cinnamon should be open soon. Many of the other trails will still be snowed in but you can still take them as far as possible. Last year I went up to the top of Black Bear when the Telluride side was closed. I would definitely go around to the Telluride side and go see Bridal veil falls, it should be spectacular with all the snow melt. The switch backs up to the falls are 2 way and aren't too bad of a hike if still snowed in. When you get there check with the jeep rental places, they will have the most up to date data.

 

[white19]

Ended up Ophir pass headed up the west side from Telluride and it was beautiful! Lots of avalanche damage from the winter but a clear trail. Being the holiday weekend we were glad to make it up early before the crowds hit. Completely stock T4R Off-road had no issues at all.

 

[MAST4R]

Ended up Ophir pass headed up the west side from Telluride and it was beautiful! Lots of avalanche damage from the winter but a clear trail. Being the holiday weekend we were glad to make it up early before the crowds hit. Completely stock T4R Off-road had no issues at all.

Ophir Pass is one of my favorites, especially the views from the top and the shelf section going down west. Still to get back there in the 4R (I did it in my Outback twice).

As for the original question, I don't think anyone got ever hurt by starting from little used, easier trails to get a feel for their vehicle before venturing out on tight, crowded trails.

 

[Red Dog Leader]

Love the San Juan's! Ophir, Black Bear, Imogene, Last Dollar, Yankee Boy Poughkeepsie Gulch...all awesome trails. Great views in the fall for pics too. We did Imogene in our 4th Gen a few years back from Ouray to Telluride and as mentioned, there are enough people on there as well as the guides out of Ouray that you're really never wheeling alone, even if you wanted to. Can't wait to get back....really need to make that happen.

Pic from the trip in the Gen 4.