2021 Trail Forecast

Ok Co. I’m planning a trip through S Co. the last week of June. Plan to hit Medano Pass at the Great Sand Dunes, Engineer Pass from Lake City to Ouray, and Imogene from Ouray to Telluride.

Do any of y’all have insight on whether these trails will be open by that last week of June? If not do y’all have alternate recommendations?

I will be making this trip with my wife but as a solo vehicle. Any concerns or contingencies I should plan for specifically?

For those that have run Medano Pass, can you continue over the east side from the top or do you have to turn around and return towards the dunes? Is this trail still pretty grown to the point I should expect some pinstriping?

For Engineer Pass, is this technical to the point of needing a spotter? And about how long does it take? Is the trail well marked?

Imogene is the one I’m most looking forward to and hoping it’s open. It seems a vast array of vehicles tackle this one, any special considerations? A spotter needed?

Thanks for any help provided.

 

Here for insight too, planning black bear pass first week of July

 

Sorry, we get this stuff constantly so see this thread.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/visiting-colorado-this-is-your-local-information-thread.646537/

 

Snowpack is a little less than usual in SW Colorado this season, so expect normal opening dates. Most of what you've listed are county roads so they are not hard to find or follow.

 

On Medano Pass, you can continue into the NF. There's a few trail options, but you'll eventually end up on 69 in the valley to the east. I seem to remember it being wide enough to not be too worried about pinstriping.

Engineer Pass, no spotter required. Takes about 3 hours and is well marked. Just be aware that Engineer pass proper doesn't connect to highway 550 (million dollar) on the west side and you'll need extra time to get there if that's your plan. There are a few options of varying difficulty and length available to connect.

Imogene, no spotter needed nor special considerations, it's pretty straightforward.

Make sure you check the status of the Ouray trails before you go. That's right around the time they plow them and they may or may not be open.