Top 12 Mountain Passes around Durango

For accessible scenic drives, Molas Pass and Coal Bank Pass on US 550, and Lizard Head Pass on Colorado State Highway 145, are excellent choices. They are all paved and generally accessible year-round, offering stunning panoramic views of the San Juan Mountains.

If you're seeking an off-road adventure, Engineer Pass and Ophir Pass are highly recommended. Engineer Pass, part of the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway, is a rugged 4x4 trail reaching 12,800 feet. Ophir Pass, at 11,789 feet, offers a thrilling high-clearance route with spectacular alpine views, though it has a challenging narrow shelf section on the west side. Corkscrew Gulch is also a popular moderate Jeep trail known for its vibrant geology.

The best time to visit depends on your desired activities. Warmer months (late spring to early fall) are ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and camping. During this time, you'll see wildflowers in summer and vibrant golden aspens in the fall, especially around Lizard Head Pass. In winter, passes like Molas Pass and Coal Bank Pass transform into snowy wonderlands perfect for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.

Yes, Molas Pass and Lizard Head Pass are great options for families. Molas Pass offers picnic tables overlooking Molas Lake and surrounding peaks, along with easy access to trails. Lizard Head Pass has a well-maintained paved highway, a parking area with restrooms, and accessible trails, making it suitable for most passenger vehicles and families.

The mountain passes around Durango boast incredible natural beauty. Molas Pass offers expansive views of the Grenadiers and Needles. Coal Bank Pass provides panoramas of the San Juan Mountains, including 14,000-foot peaks like Windom Peak. Lizard Head Pass is known for sweeping views of the Wilson Range and the prominent Lizard Head rock formation. Engineer Pass showcases unique geological features with layers of emerald, amethyst, and rust-colored rock, especially from 'Oh Point'. Corkscrew Gulch is famous for the distinctively colored geology of the Red Mountains.

Absolutely. Many passes offer extensive trail systems. Near Molas Pass, the Colorado Trail crosses Highway 550, with trailheads at Little Molas Lake and Big Molas Lake. The Coal Bank Pass area features a network of multi-use trails that connect with those at Molas Pass and Engineer Mountain. Lizard Head Pass has trails like the Lizard Head Trail and Galloping Goose Trail. For more hiking options, explore the Hiking around Durango guide.

Yes, mountain biking is a popular activity. The areas around Molas Pass and Coal Bank Pass offer robust trail systems suitable for mountain biking during warmer months. These trails often wind through coniferous forests, open meadows, and creek crossings. For more mountain biking routes, check out the Mountain Hikes around Durango guide, which includes some multi-use trails.

Many passes have a rich history tied to mining and early transportation. Ophir Pass was originally used by the Navajo and later became a toll road during the mining era. Engineer Pass is part of the historic Alpine Loop Scenic Byway and passes through several ghost towns and historic mining sites like Animas Forks, Henson, and Capitol City, offering a glimpse into the region's past. Corkscrew Gulch also features remnants of the historic Guston turntable from an old railway.

Yes, camping is available near several passes. Molas Pass has campsites at Little Molas Lake and a larger campground at Big Molas Lake, popular for fishing and hiking. Dispersed camping is also popular in the area around Lizard Head Pass, allowing for a more secluded outdoor experience.

The difficulty varies significantly. Molas Pass, Coal Bank Pass, and Lizard Head Pass are on paved highways and are generally accessible for most vehicles, though the Million Dollar Highway sections (US 550) can be challenging with hairpin turns and steep grades. Ophir Pass requires high-clearance vehicles and confident drivers due to a narrow, rocky shelf section. Engineer Pass is a rugged 4x4 trail with narrow shelf roads and rocky climbs, suitable for skilled drivers. Corkscrew Gulch is rated moderate, with some narrow switchbacks.

Yes, wildflowers are abundant during the summer months, especially at higher elevations. The area around Coal Bank Pass is adorned with colorful wildflower fields in summer. Lizard Head Pass is also known for its wildflowers in summer, and Ophir Pass features seasonal wildflowers throughout its alpine scenery.

Molas Pass and Coal Bank Pass are integral parts of the US 550 section known as the 'Million Dollar Highway', which is itself a segment of the larger 'San Juan Skyway' National Scenic Byway. This entire route is renowned for its breathtaking and dramatic mountain views.