Imogene Pass is AMAZING - Utah to Colorado Adventure

After just having completed the hair raising trek on Black Bear Pass, our crew headed to Telluride for lunch and then began the climb up Imogene Pass. Imogene is one of the most beautiful trails I have ever experienced and there were so many rustic old mines and camps to check out along the way. This is on of my favorite trails and a must visit if you are in the Ouray or Telluride Colorado area. #imogenepass #jeeptrails #jeepwrangler
Black Bear Pass Video: • Ophir & Black Bear Pas...
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[@donaldchapin2290]

Your gonna be the reason why I get off this couch and go down to the dealer and buy a jeep.....Great video..

[@scottkinderdine3317]

I just bought a Rubicon... Brother if you only knew what you were missing.

[@Fj09Orgforum]

Buy a dirtbike instead, fly right by all those slow jeeps have a ton more fun go more places jeeps cant even dream of going

[@91Bronco]

Just do it. It’s worth it haha

[@ARXDMOS]

Ha i ended up with a Grand Cherokee Trailhawk.

[@twotwentyswift]

@@Fj09Orgforum Now if I can just figure out a way to put my new rooftop tent and fridge on my dirt bike, lol.

[@tigrcky]

as a guy that lives in colorado and near these trails i have to say that the sxs crashing is a very common sight. they are actually considering banning them because people are just so dangrous in them. happy you had a great trip

[@panhandlepilot9363]

I know the time and effort it takes to just film and edit to make these videos. I want to just say THANK YOU. And special THANKS to the guy who runs with the rigs to get the footage. Awesome compilations.

[@mariodesmo]

There is nothing better than waking up in the morning and looking outside your tent too see the view of a huge mountain, or valley at your 'doorstep'. It doesn't get better than that! Awesome series of Moab and Colorado videos.

[@jimsadventures7118]

America the Beautiful! Awesome scenery. Thanks for taking me along 👍

[@TrailRecon]

The scenery out there made it hard to keep attention on the trail... so awesome! Glad you enjoyed the virtual ride!

[@jeannejackson8582]

Can't believe I JUST found your videos. My wife & I are going to Colorado in August to do some bucket list wheelin'. Thanks for the awesome previews!

[@brianmcgauley2664]

The Camp Bird mine got its name from when the original miners camped there and the "camp birds", probably black-billed magpies, ate their lunch. Evelyn Walsh, daughter of the mine owner Thomas, had enough money to become a Washington socialite and owner of the famous Hope Diamond. Great video! I've been up to the pass a number of times and it is always AMAZING.

[@kevinhamer2230]

This is one of my favorite trails in Colorado! All of the people who think they've seen the San Juan mountains by driving the Million Dollar Highway/San Juan Skyway have no idea what they're missing out on. Nothing better than getting off the beaten path.

[@outlaw9232]

Each video gets better and better Brad! I love running Imogene Pass. I'm glad to hear you had lunch at Brown Dog Pizza! I live 6 hrs away from there and the wife has tried to talk me into going back just for the pizza. I was surprised to see you caught sight of the owl carved in the tree at 12:47!! Most people miss that. Can't wait for the next video in the series. As always, thank you for all your hard work putting these together.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you so much man! Got to keep a close eye out for the owl or it's easy to miss.

[@brianmcgauley2664]

Yep, Brown Dog is the best.

[@outlaw9232]

@@brianmcgauley2664 I just got home abut 45 min ago from Ouray! And oh yes....Brown Dog Pizza was lunch yesterday! Ate at tables in the street that's closed off but still delicious!

[@brianmcgauley2664]

@@outlaw9232 , I was curious....how much do these guys have invested in those rigs? We have a condo in Mountain Village and usually hire Telluride Outside or DIY on milder treks.

[@outlaw9232]

@@brianmcgauley2664 There is some investment for sure but Brad from Trail Recon does his research and give honest feedback. I love his channel.

[@daytonmunk3128]

Went this summer and it truly is one of the best trails! So gorgeous, pretty busy with jeeps and sxs's but everyone was courteous and mindful. 10/10 must do for everyone.

[@Sandppy]

Can’t tell you how many times I’ve watched this and black bear pass I so enjoy your videos especially these two

[@GATORADDAM]

What a perfectly done video! All the cool stuff without the bragging and showing off that everyone else seems to feel the need to do! I salute you!!!

[@christinesnider2880]

Thank you for a great video of Imogene pass. I'm a Colorado native who moved to Texas. Looking forward to coming back home. Nothing like the beautiful San Juan Mountains. Pure beauty! Viewing this helped with homesickness.

[@richards8418]

Ahhh MAN.... you missed all the color change of Fall!!! You need to do this area in late Sept, early Oct when the Aspen trees change from green to yellow and reds. Breathtaking!!!

[@ericgoeringer8276]

Imogene Pass is a beautiful drive. My fiance and I drove over it just a few weeks before you(7/30). I had proposed to her the day before driving up through Yankee Boy Basin. We were lucky and were there right at the peak of the wildflower bloom, it was absolutely stunning. If you are ever back in the area I would highly suggest driving through Yankee Boy Basin and checking out the Blue Lakes. Anyway we got extremely lucky and the avalanche that had the pass closed up to that point had finally been cleared. We had hoped to also go over Black Bear Pass but snow had kept that closed. Thanks for reminding me of this amazing drive and keep up the great work from a frequent watcher.

[@johnwagemann8578]

Thank you for all of the efforts it took to make this video and the good instructions. Hopefully I will be able to go on a trail ride like this someday and Imogene looks like a good choice. A Navy Veteran 1962-64, Coronado and U. S. S. Navarro APA 215.

[@incog74]

Gosh, it's been a good 20 years, but my wife and I were there in 2000, and we rented a Jeep to go up that trail. I recognize all of that stuff. Looks pretty much the same!

[@Wastelander13]

The calm on that place must be amazing. No human noise pollution...

[@svobodamike]

Rode this pass both directions on my Surron last year and was by far the coolest thing I have ever done!

[@Ribastein]

This is amazing! As someone that does camping and roadtrips in Southern africa I can only dream of overlanding North America

[@JeepSolid]

I love the old abandoned mines. Wow! The history there.

[@TrailRecon]

So much history!

[@user-jz3vc9kd2j]

I've been over black bear into Telluride 12 times in a completely stock 96 grand Cherokee Laredo no lift whatsoever. Had to use a spotter coming down the steps at the end everytime....but made it all stock. Best year jeep ever made.

[@davidjefferis4246]

Great video. We drove Black Bear twice, once in the early 70's and again in the mid 80's. We drove Imogene in the early 80's. These are great rides. I hope to do it again.

[@davebailey2296]

Love that area and the fact that it's only a few hours away. Never gets old. Enjoyed the video.

[@TrailRecon]

If it was only a couple hours away from me it would be tough not to spend every weekend there! Really glad you enjoyed the video.

[@RyanDuffy1192]

Well it’s not the healthiest that I’m living vicariously through your videos, I’m surrounded by too much pavement and buildings. This is MUCH APPRECIATED! ❤

[@edtravelbug]

I just got back from Ouray and my first Jeep experience in the mountains. I was scared for whatever reason to try Imogene so we started out with Corkscrew Gulch and down to Silverton and then Ophir Pass before Last Dollar. Now I realize what we missed by not doing Imogene and also doing more of the Alpine Loop. The only ones I will not do are Black Bear and Poughkepse. Thanks so much for putting this video together - this pass looks amazing and experiencing a Jeep Rental to adventure into the mountains is surreal, to say the least.

[@timweimar8768]

Simply breath taking Brad!! And that camp spot, wow!! Thanks for taking us along on this epic adventure.

[@jimt2316]

My favorite video yet Brad! Good motion work, nice panning. Bass did not hit as hard as some of the videos in this series. Of course... Merica and Jeeps! Thank you sir for the strong work.

[@jalilburdeen8698]

Great vid as usual. Living in Ouray you're truly just scratching the surface. Soooo many hidden gems

[@garyecastle4977]

Great vid! You put a lot of extra time getting in and out of your jeeps to get the close up shots. Only criticism is That wasn't the Camp Bird mine. You were about @ 1-2 miles west of the mine. I know - I worked there for one year to the day in 1973. Most interesting job I ever had. The Camp Bird flooded on X-mas eve (the only night of the year that there that the mine was totally closed) several years later and was closed for many years. It did reopen several years ago by new owners who pumped the @ 800+ feet of water out! The water came from an underground stream or river that finally broke through. I'm pretty sure it is still open. Thanks for the memories. Many of my favorite memories go back to my days in the San Juans.

[@garyecastle4977]

Just a followup to my commit above - Put "Mike Thompson - Revitalizing the Camp Bird Mine" on KZbin search engine if you are interested in pictures of the old office Houses and shop that were there when I worked there and Picts of modernization done since 2012 by the new developers.

[@scottpollak1471]

We live about a half hour from here and this is on our bucket list for this summer in our Wrangler. LOVED the video and made me all the more determined to run this route.

[@gavinsylvester3527]

Well, did you go?

[@eddaeges9309]

Hey Brad, I chuckle at people that think they have to go to Europe, Switzerland,etc to see breath taking country. There is no place anywhere in this world like the United States of America. We have so much to offer. Just need to do a little research and find your own trail.

[@AZWESTSIDEWHEELERS]

Great video Brad. We definitely look forward to seeing these trails in CO. Such beautiful scenery you really captured it well. Congratulations on 100k Subscribers 🎈🎉 what a huge accomplishment you definitely deserve it with the amazing videos you do.

[@TrailRecon]

Really appreciate it, thank you!

[@flyguy8791]

My buddy and I are doing a Utah/Colorado trip in about 4-5 weeks, Imogene pass is one of the main things we're wanting to see. This video just makes me even more excited for it.

[@tylerm97]

Thank you for all your years of service. I’m happy to see you get to truely enjoy and see the country that you’ve help protect! Absolutely love the videos by the way.

[@TrailRecon]

I really appreciate that, thank you!

[@airforceoneye2663]

Thank you guys for your videos they are awesome and the scenery is spectacular, what a fantastic job you do. Being a disabled veteran you bring my some enjoyment so I can get through my day thank you so vary much.

[@myadventureoutdoors]

Thanks for sharing your adventure, I totally enjoyed it. I watch a lot of Overlanding videos and it seems to me so many of them want to show off their fancy editing skills instead of concentrating on the story. This was a wonderful edit. No speed ramps and whooshes needed. Outstanding. Oh yea, sphincter tightening narrows as well. I was shifting in my recliner.

[@JongiB96]

can i just say what a GREAT video this is. from the music, to the brilliant shots and of course, the beautiful scenery.. Incredible. an instant addition to the bucket list.

[@CPhDavis]

Love your channel, I always find myself watching it. The videos get better and better every time!

[@gadgetguy3579]

Great content, love this vid. Love your channel.

[@TrailRecon]

So glad you are enjoying the content, thank you!!

[@davebryer6133]

Did this on my MTN bike back in the early 90s, nice to see another vantage point after all these years.

[@wolfsburg4x4]

I drove Imogene in a VW Vanagon bus in the fall, what spectacular colors !

[@matthewdufur5489]

Went two weeks ago I drove this pass. It was a few days before this early winter. I climbed it on foot and took a picture of each Wrangler as it went by and have images of 42 machines that I like. I did a few pans at the big mine in the creek down below and placed the gold dust into a vial.

[@hereto246]

Next week. I can’t wait !!!

[@jacmens]

Awsome view off a very nice trail.... the way you film the trails is stunning thanks Brad for sharing..

[@getoutofthetimetrap5435]

Wow ! those tight mountain passes with steep drop offs must really have tested your ability and nerves! Beautiful vistas ! Reminds me of the mountains I’ve traversed in Italy Switzerland and Austria .

[@robwalker4548]

Exactly right. Glacier National Park is the same way.

[@Raptus_Gaming]

There's a reason they call Ouray, CO "Little Switzerland"

[@dexxydoo]

Thank you for serving Brad!

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you! I loved my time in the Navy!

[@richardlove4890]

In mid September they have the Imogene pass run from Oprah to Telluride. 18 mile foot race over the pass. I did it 3 times in the 80s. Once in a snow storm. Once you with Thunderstorms (wild!) and once on a beautiful sunny day. Get out of those jeeps if you can and enjoy the mountains on a real personal basis while you’re able. The pass is a nice one day hike.

[@richardlove4890]

“Ouray” not Oprah!!!!!!

[@tractortalkwithgary1271]

Been there many times. Will have the whole family plus this year. Absolutely on the bucket list. Can't wait to show this place off.

[@anantdabholkar685]

I did this pass alone in a 1993 Nissan Pathfinder and have a picture (Kodachrome) of the Tomboy sign. Its still the same sign because the knots in the wood boards match up!! The sign is so weathered and barely readable now. Also, I remember, as you come off the summit of the pass, after the initial grade, the trail was not clear and you just had to wing it! There was no accompanying traffic either or trail maps to follow. What an adventure of a lifetime!

[@Phillip_Deane]

Absolutely Amazing

[@c4p0503]

Bought a Rubicon a month ago and i watch your videos for inspiration and learning about trails and jeep stuff in general. Great channel indeed.

[@jamesumholtz1869]

You included the 5 seconds I needed to hear describing Imogene's narrow sections as a 4 lane highways compared to Black Bear. I've done Black Bear with no issues in 2018. Imogene was still closed last year in July due to heavy snowfall. It's already open this year! #tulsatotelluride2020

[@cq7415]

Good. At around 4:30 narrow road along cliff. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheConvertable50]

Did this pass from Ouray to Telluride on Sunday, absolutely stunning! We aired the tires up at the same place they saw all the elk

[@michaelhughes2168]

Hi Brad. That area looks awesome on camera so in person it must be unbelievable. Your video is the perfect balance of Jeeps, scenery and info.

[@tigerragfishingteam6480]

Looks passable in my dodge ram 3500 srw if I'm not flat towing my Jeep there. Drop the truck camper and off I go. This is on the To Do list! Thanks for the video!

[@PennyRex1]

My dad and mom took us on a lot of these trails back in the late 60's in their Land Rover. Unfortunately I only remember bits and pieces since I was so young at the time.

[@jerlaine1638]

PRex Rex time to take your kids out on em or maybe grandkids

[@jakobwinslow8826]

Thanks for posting this awesome video! My recently late grandfather took me over Imogene when I was a teenager in the 1990s, and your video reminded me how awesome it is! Next summer I am taking my family over Imogene. Thanks again!

[@OverlandUnderBudget]

and added to the Colorado trail list. Thanks!

[@mokinpokin509]

About 9:00 minutes in you mention "running" this trail. Every year, on the second weekend of September, there is a trail run from Ouray to Telluride. I've done it lots of times. I came here because I'd like to drive it some day. Thanks for putting these videos up. They're great!

[@mikerobbins5049]

We ran Imogene about a month ago from Ouray to Telluride on our way to Moab. We always enjoy it which ever direction we are going. Always lunch at Brown Dog Pizza.....

[@natestockinvesting2384]

Hey Brad, I didn't know you were in the Navy, thanks for your service! I always love your videos, thank you.

[@fadiskaf1736]

Brad, LOVE the video. amazing scenery. Excellent photography!!! Out of 1100 thumbs up, you only have 14 miserable ones who didn't like it because they are jealous. Too bad. Enjoy it guys.

[@robertwhitemoto]

Done this run so many times.. I completely agree at how beautiful this is! Thanks for sharing!

[@ZedZerps]

I love watching your vids when I can't be out on the trails.

[@RetroA1Mbot]

These videos make me want a jeep more and more, I want to do these trails in a jeep the same way my Grandpa did years ago

[@TaSozzZ01]

Just wanted to say THANK YOU for the amazing videos you upload every week. It takes a lot of effort to do so and you are constantly improving in terms of production and quality. It sure is difficult to enjoy the scenery and the trails while at the same time you are filming to create content for your viewers. I ve been following you since day one and will continue to do so. Cheers from Greece.

[@TrailRecon]

So great to hear you are enjoying the videos and all the way from Greece! That's awesome, thank you!

[@HeadWestOn90]

@@TrailRecon Gorgeous picture quality! Please share what cameras this video was shot with? Thanks!

[@HeadWestOn90]

@@TrailRecon Could a Honda Pilot manage this and other trails? We did Shelf Road in a Subaru Outback station wagon.. driver got out and kissed the ground when we were done! haha

[@tomd1939]

Another amazing trip with ineffable views. Being born and raised in the flattest state in the country, while being a jeep person, I'm truly jealous of your expeditions. This channel has quickly become one of my favorites. Safe travels Brad.

[@TrailRecon]

It was really awesome to have been able to explore these mountains... can't wait to go back. Thank you!

[@scottkinderdine3317]

I wish I lived closer to Colorado... However Kentucky and Tennessee have some awesome trails.

[@jackhook4192]

There's nothing like a jeep.

[@MrJoecango]

Great video Brad, You're living the dream brother. Added Imogene to the bucket list.

[@TrailRecon]

I wish I could live more of this, but still have to grind it away at the 9to5!

[@davidpassmore6049]

Wow, great job filming and narrating this video. Looking forward to seeing all your videos. Thanks for sharing.

[@DannyWalker1949]

I can't believe how all the Mine Building have all fall in. I was there in 1969 0r 1970 and they were all still in one piece the best of my memory I can't believe how bad it looks now.

[@TrailRecon]

I'll bet that was a sight to see back then with everything still standing. I'm sure the weather up there takes a toll on all those buildings.

[@jackhook4192]

My jeep wrangler Rubicon has a lift 40 tires 456 gears Dana 60 axles front and rear lockers and a hemi engine in it. It's a blast to off road in.

[@Icutmetal]

Ok.

[@TheChris1500]

i just got back from driving imogene, october 16th, 2022, had snow and slick ice on top, this was the last weekend it was open for the season. from louisiana so lucky i got to drive it. but very beautiful trail it was my fav

[@backcountryoverland103]

Love the Bear and Imogine. Nice videos. Camped in that same area by Imogene Creek at the end of September two years ago, after getting over the Bear then up and over Imogene. It started to snow on me at the pass and I got down to tree line and just cold rain. But when the sun came up......man oh man ! Surrounded by a winter wonderland above me, and good trail conditions from my point down. Love the San Juans !

[@TakesbyJake]

Loving all these videos! Makes me want to plan a COLORADO trip for myself soon!

[@omarcarrillos2727]

Your videos only get better and better. I've been to Moab 3 times, after watching this video Imogene Pass is in my new bucket list(I live in Denver) keep up the great work.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you, that's so good to hear! This is absolutely bucket list worthy!

[@michaelhardy3989]

Awesome as always! Keep up the great work!

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you!

[@dmstk8d]

Did Imogene back in the late 80's in a full-size Bronco. Unfortunately, we were in Telluride for the Bluegrass Festival, which is held in the 3rd week of June. We got up to the ghost town, but the far side of the pass wasn't open yet. As I recall, I think I was told Lizard Head had only been open for a couple of weeks. Fantastic views.

[@forevercontrarian3517]

Great video! Elk Ridge Mt. and pass and 1000 miles in a Kawasaki 800 , hitting all of the back trails in San Juan County, UT was my adventure with Josh Nielsen, Sunrise Outfitters, this past October. One almost feels the need to wear a parachute! The Indian Ruins of San Juan are remarkable! Stay safe, have fun!

[@robertlaird6746]

My parents took me on Black Bear Pass and then Imogene Pass the same day when I was 10 and then we went home to Crested Butte that evening. That's the only time I've been on it. Now that same 62 Jeep panel van with barn doors that we went in is mine and is getting a frame up restoration to factory original. Hopefully I can do that same trip with the same vehicle when the Jeep is completed.

[@jrjon738]

Awesome video my friend! Thanks for sharing, and please keep on making more of them. I love the quality of the video!

[@jcaff6963]

Excellent, much better than others I've seen. Only done Yankee Boy Basin to the top, wildflower heaven. Thanks.

[@4xfarmillinois]

Just a friendly reminder from someone that set out on Imogene on a beautiful day, by the time we reached the summit, it was raining and the clouds took visibility to zero. Very spooky. That being said, I agree, one of the most beautiful trails in southwestern CO

[@marchearn9058]

Fantastic editing of your videos. I don't know if folks know how much goes into getting all of the shots you do and the transitions are professional. I feel like I'm watching a television show or movie. Thanks for inspiring me to take my '83 Land Cruiser to CO to try out some of the trails y'all do.

[@pattyhertogh9294]

Just got my new Rubicon a couple of weeks ago. I can’t wait to take it out on this trail! Thanks for sharing!

[@snowren24]

Can't like this enough, based off your series and a couple other videos and forum threads I'm seriously considering shipping my Jeep from Ohio to Telluride for a week plus

[@RedRockCrawlers]

Great adventure Brad. Lots of cool history to see along the way. Ouray is on the bucket list for sure. Those views are amazing!

[@TrailRecon]

So much history there, I can't wait to go back and explore some different locations.

[@ridewithgnr2116]

Super nice video. The scenery is epic!!! I have flown through those mountains on my Kawasaki Concours 14, but I look forward to riding those trails or maybe a little 4x4 adventure someday! I want to slow down and take it all in.

[@veedubya4636]

Thanks for the video, we are going to Ouray for the FJ Summit, not planning to go on Imogene Pass this trip, but you never know...

[@thedelmardave]

Always wanted to do the Imogene Pass... long way from SoCal tho! Nice you all checked it out and thanks for sharing!

[@chrismigl27]

Watched several of your videos and planning a trip in March from Texas to Moab and many scenic trails along the way. Just want to thank you for the awesome production you have shared

[@TrailRecon]

Sounds like a great upcoming adventure for you, safe travels!

[@gmfb521]

Did this trail last week. Got to the top just a rain storm was passing through. The cold weather was nice compared to the high 90s the week prior.

[@dragonquestbarrios1092]

I love your videos. Amazing places you travel to. Look forward to the next vacation spot. Thank you for your service. I was also Navy. For six years. John Barrios

[@MarkSpencerAZ]

On our bucket list. Thanks for showing this !

[@iambigd2010]

26 years in the Navy? Thank you for your service!!

[@midnightsun2483]

Wow!! That was great Brad. Your entire trip was very cool. Thank you for your videos!

[@davidlewis5409]

Did this pass last year. My stomach took four months to leave my throat.

[@mandersen]

I thought I saw your jeep in Ouray when we were staying there, turns out we did since my Hydro Blue JKU is in the distance at 14:09 lol -guess we were on the same trails as you on the same day (and we even ate at Brown Dog after running Black Bear......great planning!)

[@TrailRecon]

LOL! Small world! Maybe next time we will get a chance to meet. The pizza at Brown Dog was sooooo good!

[@mandersen]

Would have been great to meet up! I wheel in that area at least once or twice a year (I live in Denver) so hopefully you come back to CO again soon! You were definitely in the mecca of four wheeling in that area but there is SO much more, statewide that would blow your mind as well. Keep up the good work, love your channel.

[@joerivs80]

Did this and Ophir pass and the Alpine Loop in my stock 2018 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk. Had to work a littler harder for whee placement since I don’t have the same flex as a solid axel but made it through everything unscathed. It’s a beautiful ride and a beautiful area.