Corkscrew Pass

4.7/5 (56 reviews)
Ouray, Colorado (Ouray County)
Last Updated: 10/23/2022

Trail Information

Highlights

Corkscrew Pass is located in a beautiful area that offers something unique in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. Framed by the three majestic peaks of the Red Mountains, Corkscrew Pass traverses this beautiful high alpine area with the lush, green evergreen forests contrasting with the bold rusty red color of the mountain peaks that provide the namesake for this area and US 550's route over Red Mountain Pass. The most beautiful part of this route is just how untouched by man it is in comparison to the surrounding area. The high Iron content in the rocks did not lend well to the presence of gold, leaving this area not suitable for the mining industry that dots the landscape throughout the San Juans.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

4.7/5 (56)
Official Crew
27500
Impassable
Visited: 10/23/2022

A recent winter storm in the Ouray/ Silverton area has dropped a measurable amount of snow and high winds have been in the area. Some high country routes in the area may be passable but high country travel is not recommended.
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 09/18/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Came down Corkscrew after a long day of running Engineer, California, and Hurricane pass. Beautiful trail that the forrest service has recently done some work on (obviously due to the major washouts that can be seen). Very nice and easy trail. Would recommend to anyone running stock or just wanting to get some nice views!
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 09/18/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Vehicle: Xterra with mild lift. Fun run with the San Juan Mountains Trail Group. Road overall is easy, a few hoop-de-do's but nothing serious.
Open
Visited: 09/12/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

This is why you come to the San Juan mountains. Great scenery and a trail that keeps your attention. I can’t see why Last Dollar is a 3 and Corkscrew is a 2. The switchbacks are more challenging than anything on Last Dollar. The last one going up is getting an interesting rock feature that had me backing up to take a run at it. The major switchback going down towards Hurricane got a rear wheel up in the air. But that’s why you come, right? All that AND two bathrooms!!
1300
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 09/10/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Easier

Great little connector trail with some stunning views. One of the last switchbacks heading west is pretty beat up but other than that, trail is in great condition with plenty of places to pass if needed.

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