How tough is Cinnamon Pass Road

Been to American Basin a couple of times with very little problem in the Subaru, but never tried going over Cinnamon Pass to Silverton. Also have been up Porphyry Basin, Kennebec Pass, almost all the way up Yankee Boy. Is Cinnamon Pass about the same as these roads? I've heard the Silverton side is rougher, is that true? And while I'm at it, what about Engineer Pass?

You need some clearance for rough spots, but 4WD isn't required under dry conditions. Low range is nice to keep things slow and easy, but traction isn't usually much of a problem. I don't know how much clearance a Subaru has. As I recall, the last half-mile or so of Yankee Boy is rougher than anything on Cinnamon or Engineer. You always have the option to turn around if things get too difficult. Or rent a Jeep in Ouray.

There's a ton of info on the web about these roads.

Thanks guys. My Forester has 8.7 inches of clearence, and almost zero torque. I wish I had Darren's rig. Maybe some day. I also may just rent a jeep to feel completely unencumbered this weekend.

Where did you find an extra 1.4" on your Forester? The wheel wells aren't big enough to fit that much more tire on it...

You're right. My bad. I'm confusing it with the new Outback I keep looking at. But my next vehicle is likely to be a diesel Jeep Liberty. That way, I get pretty good off road performance without sacrificing fuel efficiency!

Personally, I think I could drive a Subaru Impreza up Cinnamon on a clear or even slightly rainy day. Its like really an easy road...except for all the jeepers you may encounter from the midwest

Most of the Cinnamon Pass road on the Silverton side lookes like this (taken a month ago):

http://www.cardinalpointphoto.com/ken/Pagosa/PICT2464tn_.JPG

Brian,

I have bad news for you. If you're looking to buy a new liberty diesel, you're probably out of luck. US diesel engine requirements are changing for 2007. The liberty engine did not meet those requirements so the Liberty CRD is being discontinued until an alternative is found (I hear there may be a mercedes engine that will work). In addition, the factory that made the engines was already a full capacity and from what I've heard, all the engines that they had produced have been used so it no longer possible to order a liberty diesel. That said, I'd still check with your dealer if you are interested, but I wouldn't get my hopes up too much.

Mel-

I know they're killing it for next year, but there is still stock down here in NM and CO. My understanding is that in 2008, the whole line is scheduled for a redesign, and they're likely to reintroduce the diesel with the new engine you speak of because the diesel has been a really good seller for them. It would not be cost effective for them to redesign the engine to new standards for 1 model year versus just waiting for the redesign in 2008.

FWIW, the 2006 Jeep Liberty got poor reviews by consumer reports (all models). Jeeps have a long standing trend of unreliability. The diesel version was noted as "slow and noisy." See:

http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/ConsumerReportsSnapshot.aspx?year=2006&make=Jeep&model=Liberty&car=1

The diesel version was noted as "slow and noisy."

Brian will not tolerate a slow vehicle. Anyone that has tried to follow and keep up with him on the road will know what I'm talking about.

Brian, go ahead and get the 06 Outback. In the long run you'll be glad you did. Jan drives our '98 and she lets me drive the '06.

You're not the only one looking at the new Outbacks and Liberties. Once my wallet can afford it, I'm looking to replace a car, too. The Forester has 268,000 on it and counting, and the Neon just doesn't cut it in winter mountain driving.