Things to do nearCorkscrew Pass

Corkscrew Pass takes its name from the tight, spiraling switchbacks that carry County Road 11 from the valley floor near Silverton up toward a broad alpine saddle exceeding 12,000 feet in elevation. The route traces terrain that once served the region's booming silver and gold mining industry in the late 19th century, and traces of that era, including collapsed shaft houses and rusted equipment, still appear along the roadside.

The drive itself demands a capable, high-clearance 4WD vehicle and a driver comfortable with narrow shelf roads and loose rock. In return, Corkscrew Pass delivers unobstructed views across the surrounding peaks, wildflower meadows in midsummer, and the kind of raw, unmediated mountain landscape that defines the San Juan Mountains. Marmots and pikas are common sights near the summit, and the silence at the top is remarkable.

Experienced off-roaders often link Corkscrew Pass into longer loop routes that include Imogene Pass, creating a full day of technical four-wheeling through some of the most storied backcountry in the American West. The nearby town of Silverton provides lodging, fuel, and local knowledge before you head up. For anyone drawn to Colorado's high-alpine heritage and off-road adventure, Corkscrew Pass is an experience worth the challenge.