FYI - Imogene Pass closed - Monsoon rains

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Monsoon showers in the San Juan Mountains have closed Imogene Pass, Bridal Veil Falls Road and Via Ferrata closed due to mudslides. Hikers some vehicles are/were stuck yesterday but everyone has since been removed. Mud measuring 3-4' deep x 35' wide took out the trails. Looks like they hope to have Via Ferrata open Wednesday, which assumedly means Bridal Veil Falls Rd would open too. No word on when Imogene may open or why it closed to begin with? Be cautious out there right now. Moderate muddy trails can change ratings really quickly.

 
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Louiston

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Bummer, I'm heading up there on Friday. Imogene Pass was my first choice too. Plenty of other passes to explore though! :smiley:
 
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Ouray Instagram has had notices about the amount of rain this year. Trails with water crossings could be much more difficult and anything with steep dirt climbs may become a big issue too. be safe and maybe inquire with the Ouray Jeep rental or tour companies to see what passes are like?

Switzerland of America – Ouray's premier jeep rental and jeep touring company

Discover New Heights Switzerland of America JeepsWe are open for the season. Stop by to chat about the trails, take a tour or rent a Jeep.We have closed for the season. Thank you for a great 2024 Jeep season. We look forward to seeing you next May. We will update this page in January with...
soajeep.com soajeep.com
 
Boppa's Travels

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BrewsterII said:
Bummer, I'm heading up there on Friday. Imogene Pass was my first choice too. Plenty of other passes to explore though! :smiley:
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Me too although not ready to head out that soon just cleared 1 huddle and tomorrow will find out if I cleared the another of a six week opening to head out.
 
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San Miguel County Roads website is reporting two different things. Black bear closed yesterday while Bridal Veil Falls and Imogene were also closed. Their website now shows they may be open? Not sure which one to believe? The center column showing closed or the right hand column? showing open? The center column does not have dates.

Road Conditions | San Miguel County, CO - Official Website

Conditions and closures of roads across the county, including High Mountain 4 x 4 passes.
www.sanmiguelcountyco.gov www.sanmiguelcountyco.gov
 
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And Stony Pass is reporting deep water crossings. They ahve ahd a lot of rainfall the past few weeks due to monsoon moisture.

Stony Pass - Open, but use extreme caution when crossing Pole Creek. It can possibly be crossed in morning but changes drastically by afternoon due to snowmelt
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Nothing like watching a video with ads slapped across it every 15 seconds.
 
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Why is it so many people panic about the weather? TO add to it... ads galore. A rather unpleasant viewing experience.
 
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jeeper_4_life

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I looked past the ads and all that and posted it to the fact how quick things can change. The falling rock concerns were valid. They could have waited it out at the bottom of Bridal Veil falls and probably avoided the falling rock at that point. After that leaving from there it would have been hard to tell what things would be like where the water was pouring off the side.

It's been well over 10 years ago, but someone died on the main access road to Imogene (Ouray side) from a large rock falling right into the drivers seat. Article at the time said the mans wife drove the jeep into the side until it stalled out to get it to stop. We did the same route 2 days prior. Makes you stop and think a little, or when its your time its your time. I don't have the article to site as reference.

Hwy550 is bad about falling rock in those rains storms as well. Something to consider when traveling areas with little space between road and rock wall, more so when wet, but happens dry as well.
 
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