every part you might want to learn about this famed street of CO

Imogene Cross is a excessive mountain cross at an elevation of 4.012m (13,162ft) above the ocean degree situated on the boundary of San Miguel and Ouray counties, within the U.S. state of Colorado. The street is accessible by 4 wheel drive automobiles, and isn’t for the novice drivers. It is one of many highest roads of Colorado.

Are you able to drive Imogene Cross?

Tucked away on the southwest a part of Colorado, the street to the summit is completely unpaved. It’s referred to as Imogene Cross Highway. The drive calls for 100% focus. The views alongside the best way are unbelievable. It was in-built 1880 as a well-traveled mining street and opened as a 4WD street in 1966. It’s named after Imogene Richardson, who was the spouse of a Camp Chook Mine proprietor. It’s really useful beginning in Telluride: this lets you drive downhill on the steeper, rockier north facet.

How lengthy is Imogene Cross?

The cross is 26.23km (16.3 miles) lengthy operating from Ouray (the county seat of Ouray County) on the Million Greenback Freeway to Telluride (the county seat of San Miguel County). From Ouray, the street turns off the street to Yankee Boy Basin above the Camp Chook Mine close to the ghost city of Sneffels southwest of Ouray, and climbs by Imogene Basin to the summit. From Telluride, the street takes off north of downtown and climbs previous the ghost city of Tomboy by Savage Basin to the summit. You’ll discover historic mining cities alongside the best way.

How lengthy does it take to drive over Imogene Cross?

To drive the street with out stopping will take most individuals between 2.5 and three.5 hours. 

Are you able to do Imogene Cross with 2WD?

This gravel street is just not for novices and bushy at occasions. Don’t recover from assured although. Count on some steep components. Don’t take this journey evenly. The street is rocky, steep and slim in locations and passing might be harmful. A rugged off-road 4×4 with loads of clearance and excessive sidewall tires is unquestionably required. 2WD and low clearance automobiles shouldn’t try to drive over Imogene Cross. Skilled drivers solely. Don’t get in a rush, watch your strains and drive fastidiously. It will be fairly simple to by chance drive off the facet, and it could be a deadly mistake. The street may be very slim in components and be ready to take care of automobiles passing within the different course. The drive itself might be intimidating at occasions relying in your expertise and luxury with heights and publicity.

Is Imogene Cross open?

Set excessive within the San Juan Mountains, this street is often impassable from late October by late June or early July. Hostile climate circumstances are frequent. The climate can turn into chilly and windy in the midst of summer season. Be careful for summer season thunderstorms. Keep watch over the skies. The cross is above timberline, with little safety from the climate, and storms might be sudden and violent within the San Juans. Watch out with water hazards: make sure you’ve gotten the suitable automobile and expertise to try this drive.
Pic: Clint Mitchell