Is Imogene Pass open year-round?

Season: Late Jun-Sep. Always verify current trail status with the managing agency before traveling.

Do I need a permit to ride Imogene Pass?

No specific OHV permit is required, though Uncompahgre NF; OHV-registered SxS allowed. Standard rules of the managing agency still apply.

What vehicles are allowed?

Allowed vehicle types: Jeep, UTV, Side-by-side. Always confirm street-legal and OHV-registration requirements for your state.

USFS · US Forest ServiceAdvanced (4/5)

Imogene Pass

Ouray, CO

Difficulty 4/5 — Advanced terrain

This trail typically requires a winch, spotter, and at least one buddy vehicle. Carry recovery gear, communication (GMRS/satellite), and ride within your skill level. Solo travel is strongly discouraged. Verify current trail status with the managing agency before going.

Length

17 mi

Season

Late Jun-Sep

Day-use fee

Free

Permit

Not required

Trail difficulty

Advanced · 4/5

Rated on PickRV's editorial 1 (novice) to 5 (extreme) scale.

Vehicle types allowed

JeepUTVSide-by-side

Permit and access

No specific OHV permit

Uncompahgre NF; OHV-registered SxS allowed.

Known hazards

Altitude 13,114 ft (one of CO's highest passable passes)
Shelf road
Afternoon storms

Editorial tip

Run from Ouray to Telluride for the easier climb and better photo angles at the summit. Carry spare fuel — gas stations in Telluride often have lines.

— PickRV editorial team

Official managing-agency source

Trail conditions, permit rates, and seasonal closures change. Always verify the current state of this trail with the managing agency before you ride.

US Forest Service page

https://www.fs.usda.gov/gmug

More Colorado off-road trails

Schofield Pass

Crested Butte · 14 mi

Advanced

Alpine Loop (Engineer + Cinnamon Pass)

Silverton · 63 mi

Intermediate

Black Bear Pass

Telluride · 12 mi

Extreme

Holy Cross City

Minturn · 5 mi

Extreme

Plan the trip

Need a rig for this trail?

Browse off-road rentals in Colorado as verified hosts onboard. Inventory varies by season and host availability.

See Colorado off-road rentals

Questions about Imogene Pass

Is Imogene Pass open year-round?: Season: Late Jun-Sep. Always verify current trail status with the managing agency before traveling.
Do I need a permit to ride Imogene Pass?: No specific OHV permit is required, though Uncompahgre NF; OHV-registered SxS allowed. Standard rules of the managing agency still apply.
What vehicles are allowed?: Allowed vehicle types: Jeep, UTV, Side-by-side. Always confirm street-legal and OHV-registration requirements for your state.

Nearby & related

Keep planning Colorado

Sourced costs, campground directories, and the places worth a detour — the next layer of Colorado trip planning.

Colorado rules · last verified 2026-05-10

Rental tax: 7.60%
Min driver age: 21+ std · 25+ Class A
Gravel roads: Varies by rig — verify with vendor
Generator quiet: 22:00-07:00