Overview:
East end of trail starts at historic Animas Forks Ghost Town, gateway to the Alpine Loop. A remote, memorable drive with many well-preserved mine buildings. Awesome views. For current conditions call San Juan Mountains Center in Silverton (970) 387-5530 (closed in winter).
Rating:
Easy. Road is in good condition most of the summer. Heavy snow on east side of California Pass is usually plowed by late June. Low range recommended for upper portion of trail.
Tips:
To be absolutely sure road is cleared of snow on way to pass, wait until July. Pass is located at 12,930 feet, so be prepared for all kinds of weather.
Trail conditions can change without notice. FunTreks, Inc. and its owner and employees are not responsible for injury, death, or vehicle damage as a result of using this guide. The content of this guide is the property of FunTreks, Inc. and is made available to the user pursuant to EveryTrail’s Terms of Service (http://www.everytrail.com/tos.php).
Continue straight to reach California Pass. Road on left comes down from Placer Gulch, where there are lots of great mine buildings to see. This route is described in FunTreks book "Guide to Colorado Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails".
Heavy snows often linger in this area where you begin ascent to pass. If you arrive too early (before mid June), snow plows may not have cleared the trail yet.
Right here goes down difficult Poughkeepsie Gulch. Left goes up over Hurricane Pass, where you can turn right for Corkscrew Gulch, or continue straight downhill to Gladstone and eventually Silverton.
Pictures in this guide taken by:
FunTreks, FunTreks, Inc.