Imogene Pass facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Imogene Pass |
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| Elevation | 3,997 m (13,114 ft) |
| Traversed by | Unpaved road |
| Location | Ouray / San Miguel counties, Colorado, U.S. |
| Range | San Juan Mountains |
| Coordinates | 37°55′56″N 107°44′10″W / 37.93222°N 107.73611°W |
| Topo map | USGS Ironton |
Imogene Pass is a very high mountain pass in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, United States. It connects the towns of Ouray and Telluride. This pass is famous for its challenging road and amazing views.
Contents
About Imogene Pass
Imogene Pass reaches an elevation of 3,997 meters (13,114 feet). It is the highest mountain pass in the San Juan Mountains. It is also the second highest road crossing for vehicles in all of Colorado.
The Challenging Road
The road over Imogene Pass is unpaved and very rugged. It is only safe for strong four-wheel-drive vehicles. Drivers need to be experienced because the path is difficult and steep. It is not recommended for new drivers.
How to Reach the Pass
You can reach Imogene Pass from two main directions:
From Ouray
From Ouray, the road turns off towards Yankee Boy Basin. It goes past the Camp Bird Mine and near the ghost town of Sneffels. The road then climbs steeply through Imogene Basin to the top of the pass.
From Telluride
From Telluride, the road starts north of the downtown area. It climbs past the ghost town of Tomboy. The path then continues through Savage Basin to the summit of the pass.
History of Imogene Pass
Imogene Pass has an interesting history, especially related to mining and power.
First Power Line
The very first long-distance alternating current power line was built over Imogene Pass. This line carried electricity from the Telluride area. It powered the Camp Bird Mine, showing how important this pass was for industry.
Fort Peabody
In 1904, a small fort called "Fort Peabody" was built on top of the pass. It was constructed by a local unit of the Colorado National Guard. Its purpose was to stop union miners from crossing the pass during a labor strike.
Imogene Pass Run
An exciting annual foot race is held over Imogene Pass. This race takes place between Ouray and Telluride. It happens on the first Saturday after Labor Day.
Race Details
This race is very tough and challenging. It is 17 miles (27.3 kilometers) long. The race starts at about 2,377 meters (7,800 feet) in elevation. It then climbs all the way to the pass at 3,997 meters (13,114 feet). This means runners climb over a mile in elevation during the race!
