Twists & Turns

area trails that test the tires

Scenic treasures rest behind soaring peaks and evergreen forests or sand dunes and scrub brush. But if you venture off the beaten path, there are beautiful vistas hidden in among the crags and crevices of the landscape.

THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED

The roads that lead to the backcountry can be rocky and often tumultuous. This kind of travel requires a fourwheel drive and an unflinching driver. However, if you want to experience the pure untamed beauty that is Colorado, a trusty four-wheel drive or licensed offroad vehicle is the way to go.

EXPLORE WITH A GUIDE

Uncomfortable navigating jagged mountain passes? Fear not. There are countless professional guides that navigate the winding roads for you while providing anecdotal and historical information about the areas they explore.

OHV RULES AND REGULATIONS

• Unlicensed vehicles must display a current OHV registration, including those from out-of-state. • Operators of San Juan, San Miguel and Hinsdale counties must possess a valid drivers license. • In Ouray County, unlicensed motor vehicle operators must be at least 10-years-old and accompanied by a licensed driver. • All motor vehicles must stay on legal, designated routes identified on the map. • Drivers must observe barriers, signs and other features meant to restrict vehicle travel or access. • Liability insurance is required for all unlicensed motor vehicles. • Unlicensed motor vehicles cannot be driven within the city limits of

Ouray, Silverton, Lake City, Ophir or Telluride or on the highway. • All motor vehicles must comply with Colorado state sound limits.

RECOMMENDED ROUTES

ALPINE LOOP

65 MILES

One of the easiest ways to experience a variety of mountain passes is to drive the Alpine Loop. This circular route navigates through towering elevations, including Cinnamon Pass at 12,640 feet and Engineer Pass at 12,800. The route connects the towns of Silverton and Ouray with Lake City. Though the road will take 5 to 7 hours to complete, allow extra time to explore the abandoned mines and ghost towns along the way.

OLD LIME CREEK

10 MILES

This scenic mountain road constructed in the late 1880s follows along Lime Creek, and it was once the main route from the upper Animas River Basin to the Silverton area. Though point-to-point route is narrow and bumpy, the path reveals views of open meadows and thick forests of aspen trees and travels past the lilypad-covered Scout Lake.

CORKSCREW GULCH

6.8 MILES

Corkscrew Gulch is known for its sharp switchbacks. The narrow and steep unpaved road features sweeping views of aspen trees. It was originally constructed in 1882 to provide access between Silverton and mines on Red Mountain. Access the off-road trail from Corkscrew Gulch Trail and climb to the red soil summit at 12,000 feet. Explore nearby relics of he mining era or continue to cruise by heading north to Hurricane Pass for an incredible view of Lake Como.

BLACK BEAR PASS

8.5 MILES

This is one of the most famous four-wheel drive roads in Colorado, and also one of the most treacherous. The road begins with a sign that reads, “You don’t have to be crazy to drive this road – but it helps!” The loose shale base, sheer drops, hairpin switchbacks and rocky narrow path make this pass best left to experienced drivers. Better yet, hire a guide for this journey.

OPHIR PASS

9.8 MILES

With a summit of 11,789 feet, this is one of the highest four-wheel drive paths in the Southwest. Look for the turn-off about 5 miles after Red Mountain Pass. Your journey will take you 10 miles to the small mountain town of Ophir while presenting you with incredible views of Lizard Head Peak in one direction and the San Miguel Valley to the other. Aside from a segment known as The Shelf, Ophir Pass is one of the easiest roads to navigate.

GLADE RUN RECREATION AREA

42 MILES

Experience the Land of Enchantment in all its majesty when you journey to New Mexico to explore 42 miles of varied backcountry trails at Glade Run Recreation Area. With thousands of acres of wash runs and rock crawls, this high desert playground exceeds all expectations. At an elevation of 5,669 feet, drivers will find sandy arroyos, slick rock, rolling foothills and mountain trails.