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Information
Nearby Trails
| Status: | Impassable |
| Typically Open: | 07/01 - 11/01 |
| Difficulty: |
2-3
(EASY)
|
| Length: | 2.2 miles |
| Highest Elevation: | 12674 feet |
| Duration: | About 30 minutes |
| Shape of Trail: | Connector |
| Best Direction to Travel: | East |
| Nearest Town: | Silverton |
| Nearest Town w/ Services: | Silverton |
| Official Road Name: | San Juan County Road 10 |
| Management Agency: | San Juan National Forest |
| District: | Antonito Ranger District |
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Highlights
Hurricane Pass is unique in the San Juan Mountains in that almost the entire length of the trail is situated above timberline. This offers travelers the opportunity to observe high alpine wildlife such as Marmots in relatively close proximity. In addition, gorgeous wildflowers abound in late July contrasting the jagged, rocky peaks that seem to extend forever in all directions.
Video
Route Information
Technical Rating: (2-3)
(EASY)
Dirt road. Rutted, washes, or gulches. Water crossings up to 6" depth. Passable mud. Grades up to 10 degrees. Small rocks or holes. 4WD recommended but 2WD possible under good conditions and with adequate ground clearance and skill. No width problems for any normal vehicle. Vehicle passing spots frequently available if less than two vehicles wide.
Read more about our rating systemDescription
Hurricane Pass is well traveled in the summer months and offers many places for oncoming traffic to pass despite the shelf road that the west side of the pass traverses. The route is easily traveled in both directions. Aside from a few rocky spots and slight off camber the trail offers little drama allowing travelers to enjoy the views. The trail is situated almost entirely above timberline, as a result some vehicles will suffer power loss as a result of the altitude.
Seasonal Information
| Spring: | Closed for season |
| Summer: | Trail conditions can vary rapidly due to weather conditions |
| Fall: | Typically closes due to snowfall around 11/1 |
| Winter: | Closed for season |
Waypoints
1. Trailhead
The trailhead is situated at the end of Corkscrew Pass Trail. The initial climb from the trailhead is a shelf road but visibility is excellent allowing oncoming traffic to clear before starting the trail. The historic Mogul Mine can be seen across the valley at this point.
2. Scenic Waypoint (0.8 mi)
At this point a turnout is found along the route allowing oncoming traffic to pass and to take in the beautiful views of the Red Mountains to the west.
3. Ore Chute (1 mi)
An ore chute is found adjacent to the trail. The chute still contains gold ore showing just how quickly the mines in this area ceased operating and the workers seem to have just walked away.
4. Hurricane Pass Summit (1.7 mi)
The Hurricane Pass Summit is reached at this point. The beautiful blue Lake Como becomes visible to the east. Weather in this area can change by the minute. Those travelling in this area should be prepared for inclement weather.
5. End of Trail (2.2 mi)
The trail ends near Como Lake and offers travelers a choice of routes to explore. Continue uphill to the east to follow the popular California Pass trail into the ghost town of Animas Forks. Turning north leads drivers down the difficult Poughkeepsie Gulch.
Directions to Trailhead
Trailhead Coordinates: 37.910349, -107.645357
Starting Point: Ouray, CO
**From Ouray:**
Beginning at the corner of US 550 and 6th Avenue in Ouray. Travel south on US 550 for 7.9 miles. Follow signs for Ironton Park. On the east side of US 550 is large structure of rocks that resembles a dam. Head east here and follow Corkscrew Pass trail for 4.8 miles. At the end of Corkscrew Pass continue east on San Juan County Road 10.
**From Silverton:**
Beginning at the corner of W. 12th Street and Greene Street in Silverton. Follow Greene Street northeast for 0.6 miles. Turn left on Colorado Highway #110 and continue north for 6.5 miles. Turn slightly left on to San Juan County Road 10 and continue north for an additional 1.5 miles. The trailhead is at the intersection of San Juan County Road 10 and the Corkscrew Pass Trail.
Camping
No dispersed camping is available on Hurricane Pass. The connected trail Corkscrew Pass offers many free dispersed camping options near its trailhead, 4.8 miles west at Ironton Park. This camping area is well suited to small travel trailers or RV's. A much more secluded camping area is located 1.5 miles up Corkscrew Pass.
Writer Information
Greg Stokes
Colorado Crew
Greg Stokes Is a Colorado native, born and raised in Colorado Springs. He has been off-roading since childhood, his parents say his first trip was a Jeep run over Medano Pass when he was only 14 Months old. Greg has been at the wheel of everything from dirtbikes, ATV's, early Jeep CJ5's that he has restored, Wranglers, and presently explores in a 1997 80 Series Toyota Land Cruiser and a 2016 Kawasaki KLR650 motorcycle. Greg is a proud Husband and Father of 3. His passion in the off road world is the vehicle-reliant world of Overlanding. He hopes to one day make it to Canada to Explore the Yukon and Northwest territories.
Community
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Trail Reviews (5)
| Author: | |
| Status: | Open |
| Offroaded on: | 09/09/2018 |
| Rating: |
Great views above timberline. Trail was in good condition.
| Author: | |
| Status: | Open |
| Offroaded on: | 08/21/2018 |
| Rating: |
The views are amazing and trail is in good condition. Watch out for large herds of sheep and their guardian dogs.
| Author: | Official Crew |
| Status: | Open |
| Offroaded on: | 06/02/2018 |
Declared open all the way through per the San Juan national forest.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/sanjuan/maps-pubs/?cid=fsbdev3_002300
| Author: | Official Crew |
| Status: | Partially Open |
| Offroaded on: | 11/03/2017 |
Snow has fallen making this trail impassable until next season, closed at the top by snow according to the U.S Forest Service.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/sanjuan/maps-pubs/?cid=fsbdev3_002300
| Author: | |
| Status: | Open |
| Offroaded on: | 06/17/2017 |
| Rating: |
My trip came out from Lake Como, crossing the pass at Hurricane then on downward towards the junction at Corkscrew.
My best recollection was of a wide and open track, apart from the shelf road overlooking Lake Como. Otherwise this is an easier section of the San Juans than most.
We were 7 hours into our excursion at this point, on a trip over a year ago, so my details on this bit are somewhat hazy, but the views coming through the Red Mountains above the timberline are expansive and unique.
