- Several great four-wheel and ATV roads leave from Telluride and connect to other regional towns.
- Black Bear Pass connects to Telluride from Red Mountain Pass one-way and is famous for its sheer cliffs and steep switchbacks.
- There are several guided tours and outfitters in Telluride.
Overview
The lengths to which miners travelled for potential prosperity are at once unbelievable and astonishing. Roads cut across sheer cliffs dropping more than a thousand feet and traverse alpine basins at such extreme altitudes only small animals survive. Today, these roads are only accessible by foot or by off-road vehicle, attracting four-wheel and ATV enthusiasts from across the country. There are also several guided tours available from outfitters in Telluride.
Where to go Off-roading
Black Bear Pass
Black Bear Pass is one-way four-wheel drive road zigzagging through high-alpine meadows, narrow switchbacks and some of the most beautiful mountain landscapes in the lower 48. The road is one-way from near the summit of Red Mountain Pass to Telluride.
Last Dollar Road
Originally a mining supply route, the Last Dollar Road is now intermediate off-road mountain trail connecting Telluride to the Dallas Divide near Ridgway. The road passes by the airport then continues into the mountains through rolling aspen groves.
Ophir Pass
This pass connects Silverton to Telluride and is known as one of the easier off-road trips in the area. ATV’s are permitted on the pass after passing through the small community of Ophir. Travel south on CO-145 from Telluride and look for the left turn into Ophir.
Guided Tours & Rentals
Many of the off-road trails near Telluride should only be attempted by experienced drivers as they can be risky and dangerous. Several outfitters in town operate guided day-trips over the passes, and their options are worth exploring.
