Anyone know if the jeep trails in the San Juans are passable or if there is still snow blocking the roads? Thinking of heading over Hurricane and California passes and over to Cinnamon pass in a week or so. Looks like there is still a bit of snow up high. Let me know if you have any info. Thanks!
Phil, you might give one of the jeep rental companies in Ouray a call.
Posted by Scott Fricke on June 5, 2014 at 11:16 AM
The high elevation trails especially over the passes, like Black Bear, Imogene, Engineer, etc. usually are not open until July sometime. In good snow years it's often mid to late July. Portions of those trails at the lower elevations may be open sooner but it will be an out and back trip. Here is a link to a website that tries to keep track of trail conditions, they also include Forest Service contact phone numbers if no one has reported on the website: http://www.bushducks.com/tripreps/passopen.htm
It doesn't give a recent comment for Hurricane or California but give the following for Cinammon: 14/6/1 - Pass is open with care, but conditions are dangerous, and it is not advisable for folks with little four-wheel drive experience to attempt the pass just yet.
Some of those pages can be old, so you might want to call to verify.
Overall snowfall in the San Juans, at least up to Presidents Day, was pretty meager. I'd be interested in hearing which trails are already open, since normally they do not start plowing trails until after Memorial Day. I can believe Cinnamon would be challenging - not the climbs/switchbacks so much - but the thick muddy areas along the top. Even in late July they can be fun when wet :)
Posted by Doug Beezley on June 7, 2014 at 11:36 AM
Hi Phillip,
I contacted a friend who drives for one of the jeep tour companies in Ouray and he said the only passes closed are Imogene and Black Bear. All others open and passable with 4WD.
Doug Beezley
Snellville, GA
Posted by Phillip Noll on June 10, 2014 at 3:01 PM
Discussion
7 repliesIt doesn't give a recent comment for Hurricane or California but give the following for Cinammon: 14/6/1 - Pass is open with care, but conditions are dangerous, and it is not advisable for folks with little four-wheel drive experience to attempt the pass just yet.
Some of those pages can be old, so you might want to call to verify.
Overall snowfall in the San Juans, at least up to Presidents Day, was pretty meager. I'd be interested in hearing which trails are already open, since normally they do not start plowing trails until after Memorial Day. I can believe Cinnamon would be challenging - not the climbs/switchbacks so much - but the thick muddy areas along the top. Even in late July they can be fun when wet :)
I contacted a friend who drives for one of the jeep tour companies in Ouray and he said the only passes closed are Imogene and Black Bear. All others open and passable with 4WD.
Doug Beezley
Snellville, GA