Running IMOGENE PASS Before They Closed It!
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- Опубликовано: 25 июл 2023
- The family and I drove two full days from West Michigan to the beautiful San Juan Mountains! This is shaping up to be our most epic trip yet! We set up camp at the Sultan camp area just outside of Silverton and set out exploring. Our first trail was the beautiful and iconic Imogene Pass, which we ran from Ouray to Telluride. We took our time and it took us approximately four hours to complete. We got here just in time to run this great trail as well because they will be closing it for the next several weeks to do bridge repair.
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Have run Imogene every year with family for 20 years. Way more traffic now but still awesome. It is the best in Colorado - awesome views and just enough of a challenge but not too much. A must do when you come to Colorado.
I totally agree! Poughkeepsie was technically a harder trail but Imogene was the most beautiful trail I’ve ever run. It has it all and well worth running it every year. Thanks for the comment!
Hey guys. We echo your appreciation and respect of our trails and passes. You mentioned that you liked the history associated with the areas you run. To help your appreciation of Imogene Pass, you both may want to read the book "Tomboy Bride" by Harriet Fish Backus, a true-life account of living life at the Tomboy Mine and later, in Leadville. 'Hope to meet your family on one of our Colorado trails! We really like your videos and are new subscribers!
Awesome and thank you very much! I’ll have to look into that book and hope to make it back out that way again sometime in the future!
Very nicely done video. Notice the classic rock glacier at 5:17 and at 5:30 to the right of the trail. That was the remains of the Tomboy Mine that you were exploring and, as Carolynbentley mentioned, you really should read the Tomboy Bride to get an appreciation of how the miners and family lived up her during winter months. Good photography.
Thank you very much! I need to look into that book.
As far as family life it looks like you are doing very well my friend. Thank you for the entertaining videos and thank you for your time.
I am a blessed man that is for sure. Thank you for the comment and support 💪🏻
I'll never cease to be amazed by the terrain out west!
You and me both! Simply breathtaking!
@@TrailExpedition I'm driving to Vegas for SEMA at the end of October, but I fear that'll be a bit too late in the year to be poking around the Colorado mountains!
@DefiantOffroad yeah, you’re probably right but maybe you’ll get lucky and some will be open!
Man looks like a lot of fun very beautiful scenery around there
Definitely the most scenic trail I’ve ever run and just enough obstacles to make it interesting.
Great video! Ironic timing here. Five years ago today, my wife and I did Imogene pass. Loved it! I'm not a stranger to 4x4 and basic off-road as I've lived in Wyoming since 1958 and have been driving 4x4 pickups since 1970 (hunting, fishing, camping) as well as a '91 YJ project for the past few years. However, we drove our car down to Ouray and rented a Jeep (didn't feel like driving my YJ down there) from Switzerland of America Jeep Rentals. Still, I found myself a bit anxious about doing this pass and had to mentally calm myself down and slow down a few times while doing the drive. Wow, you guys had more snow up there than we did! Agree with you about it being a beautiful drive. Loved looking at the old mining structures and marvelled at how they accomplished this given the time period. We've also done the Alpine Loop, Hurricane Pass, Engineer Pass, and Ophir Pass in past years. As I can't take rentals on Black Bear Pass, I'll probably never do it (hope you get to!). This Fall, we are going down to see the Fall colors and do the Last Dollar Road and Owl Creek Pass (very easy, but beautiful drives). You have a great looking family that seems to enjoy the adventure! Thanks for the video!
Thank you for the comment and kind words 🙏 it sounds like you have a rich history and appreciation for the San Juans. It is truly a remarkable area. We did Poughkeepsie a few days ago (video coming out soon), doing engineer pass today, then Ophir and hopefully black bear over the weekend. I used to have a 97 TJ and it was a very capable rig but it’s on road manners weren’t great for long road trips. I don’t blame you for not wanting to drive your YJ all the way out. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss the rest of the Colorado adventure!
Great video! Looks like everyone had fun. I did Imogene and Engineer Passes in July/August of '21 with my daughter as a HS graduation trip. We had a great time! There was a lot of traffic on Imogene and it got a bit dicey in a few places, but that is part of the adventure. Unfortunately heavy rain set in for several days and made camping impossible and the trails more treacherous, so the trip got cut short. I want to get back out there and do more of the Alpine loop. I don't think there are any more beautiful trails in America than the San Juan mountains. We have a 2000 4Runner that has been in the family since new. It performed like a champ.
That’s awesome! I love doing these kinds of adventures with my family as well. And I totally agree that the San Juan’s are absolutely stunning! Thanks for the comment and stay tuned for new Colorado content coming out soon!
Thanks for sharing your beautiful day. We are also from West Michigan and will be heading back to Ouray area in Sept. 2024.
That’s awesome and thank you! I’m sure we will find our way back out there again eventually.
Love that pass!
Great video.
Thank you! Definitely one of my favorites!
Some killer scenery! Great video! 🤘
Thank you much appreciated! That was my favorite trail there with Poughkeepsie Gulch a close second!
I'm from northern Indiana and love the San Juan mountains. I'll be out there in September. I didn't see a follow-up on which way you made it back to camp, but next time consider Last Dollar Road. It's not as majestic as the high passes, but the scenery is very nice and you will pass through one of the largest Aspen groves in Colorado. I don't think a lot of visitors are aware of its existence, so it is somewhat a hidden gem. You can jump on Last Dollar at the Telluride airport.
Aww dang! Another road I wish we had known about! We ended up just taking the highway back to Ouray then to Silverton. I’ll definitely eventually get back out there!
Best video yet Scott! I’m not sure I would have the nerve to do Black Bear. But I’m looking forward to the video!
Thanks bud! This place is pretty epic. As of now, Black Bear is the only trail that is snowed in on the Telluride ride. If anything, we’ll head up the Ouray side to the summit and retrace our steps down.
Some great camera and drone shots of the area and pass. Hope you enjoyed yourselves and are looking forward to your next adventure. How did you like Telluride?
Thank you very much! The camera never does it justice but we tried our best. Telluride was nice but our favorite small mountain town was Silverton.
New subscriber… awesome video! I definitely agree that Imogene Pass is one of the most picturesque trails around! Great videography and music choices as well.
Thank you very much! We work hard putting the videos together and it is very time consuming. However, totally worth it knowing people find them enjoyable!
We were through there a month ago. Black Bear Pass had just opened we went through it to Teluride then Imogene pass to Ouray 👍
That’s awesome and good to hear! I heard rumors it may not open at all this year.
1st time checking out your video-very nice job.
Thanks! Plenty more to come!
We have trekked from Ky to Ouray many times. staying at Riverside always. so many beautiful trails to run in the area. Imogene is one of our favorites. We haven’t done Black Bear and probably will never do it. We like going out in mid to late Sept and catch fall colors. Brown Dog Pizza in Telluride is a must stop. We usually head on to Moab for a few days too....
Very cool and we ate at Brown Dog while in telluride. Moab is on the slate for next year.
@@TrailExpedition Thats great. We love Moab too. Sedona was pretty good. We were planning on doing a few trails in Nevada then up thru S Utah around Hurricane then Moab and back thru Ouray. Covid knocked that in the head. The last time we were out was 2018 in the New JLUR with only 2,000 miles on it. Due to Covid and elderly sick mother we haven’t made it back to try our the lift and 37’s.... So I watch video’s.... Check out my buddy in Co. Outlaw923. He’s got some good vid’s and he’s got a friend that does some but I can’t remember his channel...
Just awesome! I ran it last year, and there was no snow up there. So cool!
Thanks! Apparently that had an abundance of snow this year. Was definitely cool to see!
@@TrailExpedition I bet! Happy Wheelin!
Right back at ya ✌🏻
I had a TJ Rubicon on 33s with 4.88 gears.
The low gearing plus the 4:1 low range made the engine overpower the brakes when I went down Black Bear Pass the first time (2009). Sounds crazy, but I went down the rock step portion in neutral the next time (2010) so I could creep along and not have the engine / gearing overpower the brakes..
Nice. I had a 97 TJ on 33s with 4.56 gears and that thing crawled amazingly!
I have a stock height Tacoma TRD OR, thinking of going on this trail next summer 🙈
You should be fine. The only badge trail in the San Juans that is remotely difficult is Poughkeepsie Gulch. I have a video on that trail as well.
great video!!
Thank you very much!
NICE
THANKS
Really good video
Thank you very much! Plenty more to come!
13:50 those ‘metal tie downs’ are actually anchors for climbing!
Interesting! I would’ve never thought that.
Love your video. I have lived here for a long time (also from Michigan) "Muskegon". And still when I get up in that high altitude, I get a little weak feeling. It's strange sometimes. But the mountains are great. I see a couple others also mentioned being from "Western Michigan". Where is everyone from? I'm coming back home for a couple of weeks in June. Any fun trails you recommend? I miss the thick wooded areas. Been home many of times with family and never had time to play. Was always chasing down family. Would love to hit some trails. Anyone from there coming this way want to bring me some good ole, Perch, Walleye, Bluegills? 😁
We loved Colorado and are hoping to do some more trails out west. We’re from Allendale so not far from Muskegon. As far as trails, the UP is the best Michigan has to offer. Moreso, Drummond island. It just takes five hours to drive up there. Good luck with the fish!
Imogene is a favorite of mine. Also check Stoney out if you havent done that one. Gorgeous.
I’ve heard good things about that one as well! Will have to wait for the next trip.
Great video just did Imogene today Aug 31. It was spot on with the info you provided. Your sticker is there and visible. I took a picture of it 😂
Ha! That’s awesome! Hope you enjoyed it! Did it still have all the snow buildup?
@@TrailExpedition it has some but the majority melted compared to your video. Definitely enjoyed it one of my favorites so far.
@alainalfaro2024 right on. Do you plan on running all the badge trails out there? Is black bear still closed?
@@TrailExpedition we’re going to try and run a few tomorrow as we have to start heading back to Georgia Saturday. Unfortunately it’s still closed. We were really wanting to do that one.
@alainalfaro2024 I would highly recommend Poughkeepsie Gulch as that was my second favorite trail in the San Juan’s. Holy Cross in Vail was my favorite in Colorado.
nothin better then a beautiful family ride- great jeep btw ;-)
Thanks! I love doing these kinds of trips with my wife and daughter. Memories that will last a lifetime!
Enjoyed the video! I don't drive trails, but curious about the protocol in those long narrow areas (like at the 8:5+ mark) if another vehicle is coming towards you?
So typically the vehicle traveling uphill has the right of way, however, the vehicle with room to pull over should do so.
Had never seen Black Bear Pass from that angle!
That’s the first time I’ve seen it with my own eyes. Not a bad view!
13:09 "like a whole bunch of Zs & Ws all strung together"
I’m assuming that’s in reference to the back side of black bear? We did see some ZJs and WJs while we were there.
Not gonna lie, I'm super jealous. I want to go out and do even a quarter of the stuff you've gone to in your JT... but it's hard to get to all that....
I hear ya man. Getting out west, especially to Colorado, has been on my bucket list for quite some time.
@@TrailExpedition I got things IN the state I still haven't even made it to... Maybe one day. Lol.
I’d like to see more of the UP!
So beautiful. As an eastern Canadian this is only a dream for me.
As a Michigander it is for me as well. It was a 24 hour drive for us to get out there but we’ll worth it! Be sure to stay tuned for the other Colorado videos!
@@TrailExpedition is there much overlanding/ off roading in Michigan?
Up in the upper peninsula there is some descent stuff but not much in the lower peninsula. Nothing compared to what they have out west.
@@TrailExpedition I hear ya. I’m in central Ontario. May as we’ll be the prairies. Ultra-boring.
Yeah, would be nice to live in a place where I didn’t have to drive hours to get off-road.
He said hopefully Black bear opens up..and she's like noooo. 🤣🤣 Awesome video!! I see you went for the gazelle instead of the rtt..keeping the weight off?
Haha! I didn’t notice her reaction until editing the video! And yes, we opted for the bigger tent, because all three of us were going, plus it’s less weight up top while on the trail.
@@TrailExpedition I seem to be doing the same thing lately, dump weight at camp and hit trails 🫣
Yup! I knew we would be base camping so it just made the most sense. The RTT will actually be going on my trailer build in the near future.
@TrailExpedition if you want to know more history of those roads find a book called "Goin Rail Roading" i believe the authors name is cole its a history of an engineer on the Denver Southpark and Pacific RR and it covers some of D&RGW grades and Colorado & Southern RR but it covers alot of the towns on the RR very interesting book
@roryreid3124 right on. I’ll have to look into it!
Is it better to run Imogene from Ouray to Telluride or Telluride to Ouray? I was going to run Black Bear to Telluride and then on up to Ouray but I don`t think they will (officially ) open Black Bear this year. I did Black Bear last year but at the falls there was a landslide and had to turn around and come all the way back up the steps and backtrack the whole trail.
Yeah last I heard Black Bear was closed. Regarding Imogene, you can take it either direction and it’s essentially the same difficulty either way. You can always take Ophir pass back as well.
I don't know if you tried Balck Bear or not but, stay off that. Silverton has a bunch of great trails and passes to run without black bear.
We actually did half of black bear from Ouray to the summit and back. It was closed due to snow just passed the summit.
Looking to do this trail in September of this year do you know how long they said they were gonna have the trail closed
It was just a temporary closure for a week or two while they repaired a bridge. It was such an amazing trail. You’ll love it!
what tonneau cover bed rack combo are you using?? I got a half rack and now trying to find the cover i can get to work with it
I’m running the RCI half rack and the BAK Revolver X4S tonneau cover. I have a few videos out on the setup.
@@TrailExpedition thanks! I’ll go find it.
please tell me about that tent. i want one 😍
That is the Gazelle T8 Instant tent. Link is in the description below.
Didn't need to air down at all?
We were aired down to about 18 psi. Moreso for comfort. No major obstacles on this trail.
Dude! I’m pretty sure we passed each other at Tomboy Mine on Imogene the same day.
Right on! Very well May have! We were out there on Sunday. Such an epic trail!
@@TrailExpedition I was in a Blue Gladiator and pretty sure we passed each other as we were leaving tomboy mine
I think you’re right! I have a few more video’s coming out so be sure to subscribe.
First time viewer...really great video, thanks!. I have a F350 crew cab w/ a flat bed Four Wheel Camper. Any thoughts on doing this trail?
Thank you and welcome to the channel! I think any standard four wheel drive can do this trail, however, you may run into problems just being so big. Mostly on the narrow shelf road areas when trying to pass oncoming traffic. When we were descending from the summit, we ran into oncoming traffic and had to back up 1/8 of a mile. Not a fun experience but doable.
Lol you can run this in a dually.
It can be done as there is no major obstacles.
Ok, so you ran a pass that thousands run every year. Have you done Blackbear?
We were only able to do half of black bear as it was snow covered just passed the summit. We have a video on that one as well.
Curious as to what date you filmed this? I am also from Michigan and headed there August 1. I assume Imogene will not be open when we are there.
We did this trail Sunday July 23rd. Hopefully it will be open for your trip! Epic trail!
Side note. I talked with some friends I made while here and they did Imogene yesterday, however, they could not do the full loop. Just went to the summit and came back the same way.
My wife just informed me that the bridge is repaired and Imogene is now fully open again. Have fun!
What map are you using? As reference? I see you have one printed out.
We picked that up at the fuel station in town prior to getting on the trail.
Awesome. I’m planning my trip. May reach out to that station to see if I can get a photo of it before arriving
@ffcreed right on. I would highly recommend Poughkeepsie Gulch as well. That was my second favorite trail in the area. I have a video on that one as well.
Able to take this pass alone with no issues?
Absolutely! We were by ourselves. It’s not a hard trail. More scenic than anything.
It’s just nice to hear someone making a video and pronouncing the trail name correctly.
I did a lot of research on how to say it correctly!
What is the incorrect way to pronounce it?
@davebten1 from what I found, the correct way to say it is Emma-Jean. A lot of people pronounce it Ima-Jean or Imo-Jean.
Trying to figure out when your video was taken.. county shows no closures pending for this pass and we're heading that way.
We ran it about three weeks ago. It was shut down for about a week while they repaired a bridge. It has since opened back up. Enjoy!
@@TrailExpedition We're all missing Black Bear too. Crazy snowpack this year but we need the water. Cheers.
We were there this past weekend. It's open and beautiful. If you're not used to the elevation, I would recommend grabbing one of the oxygen-in-a-can bottles they sell in the area.
@JoeAndHunterWorkForChina agreed. They said the snowpack this year was more than usual. We ended up just doing half of Black Bear.
@d.shanerose1729 we saw those in a lot of the stores and we thought it was gimmicky 😆 we only had issues on that first day on the highest peak. The rest of the trip was completely fine. Hope you had a good trip!
What was that other Pass you mentioned at the end?
Nvm, Ophir Pass
Yup, we did Ophir Pass later in the week. We have a video out for that one as well.
The wife looks terrified!!!
She got used to it! 😆
@@TrailExpedition My wife would have looked the same.
The views are definitely amazing but as the driver you need to watch the road more than the scenery. I loved it!
How long did it take to do this trail?
It took us four hours but we were filming and getting out to look at stuff.
I ran it once.
That’s impressive!
The annual race from Ouray to Telluride.
@timpoolsdad9281 it gets a little hard to breathe towards the top!
@@TrailExpedition I felt it about 12500 feet in my head.
@timpoolsdad9281 same!
What size tires are you using?
37x12.5x17 Falken Wildpeak ATs
@@TrailExpedition awesome thx! Just found your channel. Love your videos. 🤙🏻
@roadkingrider6532 thanks for the support 👊
I’m looking to go in the fall.
Thinking 16 days.
Care to share your route for the trip? I am also coming from the great state of Michigan.
Nice! We did our trip in 16 days as well. Two days to drive from Michigan to Silverton. Camped at Sultan campground which was free and right next to a creek. It served as a solid base camp to hit all the badge trails in the San Juan Mountains. After ten-ish days of camping, we drove north to Breckenridge and stayed at Tiger Run resort for a few days so we could knock out Holy Cross trail. From there we took two days to drive home. Such an awesome trip! Enjoy!
@@TrailExpedition that’s cool man.
I’m thinking South Dakota and coming down and around.
But your route also sounds great.
@mikebrown200004 the first day we drove from Grand Rapids to Lincoln Nebraska. The next day we drove the remaining 14 hours to Silverton.
@@TrailExpedition cool.
14 hrs is a long time in the JT lol
Watched you latest vid on the hike.
Nice job man.
@mikebrown200004 thank you sir. Yeah, the hiking videos never do well but that’s alright. And I could only do the 14 hours because of the adaptive cruise control. 😆
Care to share that camp spot?
Sure! Sultan campground right outside of Silverton. Anvil campground is directly across the river. Both free and first come first serve.
@@TrailExpedition thank you, Great videos!
@bigperm005 thank you very much! Stay tuned for more!
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✊ 😎
My Subaru SUV with AWD won't tackle that trail. I can't afford a Rubicon i.e. justify one.
I would think an AWD SUV could do it. Might struggle in some areas but I think you could do it.
They closed it??????
They did for the bridge repairs. It has since been reopened.
Where are u from in Michigan?
West Michigan just outside of Grand Rapids.
I live in hudsonville and drive a 2010 JK. Planning a trip to Colorado next summer.
@nnorris77 nice! You’re gonna love it! I’d definitely go back.
What trails do u like to run locally?
@nnorris77 the best that is closest to me is Rocks and Valleys in Harrison. Drummond is always fun. Really have to go out of state to find anything really challenging.
Beware of the evil scum kalan area
Not exactly sure what that is! 😆
It’s pronounced Eye mo gene pass.
Haha! I had someone else tell me it was good to see someone pronouncing it correctly 😆
I’ve been going up there since I was 6 years old. I’m 56 now. I’ve been all over those passes. I’m taking my grandkids up there now. 😁
Bringing them up right!
It is also You-ray. I grew up in Telluride, Ouray and Durango. If you want a stunning trip, take the Durango to Silverton narrow gauge railroad.
@Colorado_Native we saw that train while walking around Silverton. Never got around to checking it out though. Next time!
Black bear is not technical its juust a pain in the ass turning the turnsbut ill bet its easier than when trains ran it they had to back down some of the grades...back and forth all the way down
That’s just crazy to think about. And none of the trails in the San Juan’s were hard, more scenic than anything. The Holy Cross trail (video drops today) was one of the most technical trails I’ve done!
@@TrailExpedition lol yea its a good one in 1988 i took a stock fullsize jeep wagoneer to holycross city ... i bent ever skid plate and rocker panel on that old wagon ... i loved it
Same! Extremely technical trail and my skids put in some serious work! Definitely one of my favorite trails I’ve run!
@@TrailExpedition yea mine too but i live in washington state now then i lived in denver where i grew up
Right on. I feel like the off-roading out there is on a totally different level than it is here in Michigan.