Handies Peak Alternative Route

The ghost town of Animas Forks, CO is located in the San Juan Mountains at an elevation of 11,200 feet. There are several original buildings remaining. The best way to explore the region is by Jeep or other high-clearance 4×4. The cabins began being built by prospectors in 1873. Three rivers meet nearby, one of them being the Animas River, leading to the name Animas Forks. By 1876, Animas Forks...

Along Colorado’s Alpine Loop, Cinnamon Pass sits 12,640’ above the San Juan Mountains. A high clearance vehicle preferably with 4WD is needed to reach the pass, but the breathtaking views along the challenging journey make it worth the ride.  During the gold rush in Colorado, Cinnamon pass was used to reach what would soon be the town of Silverton.  In the late 1800's a wagon road was installed...

Placer Gulches 4WD trail is a gorgeous route offering scenic vistas of the San Juan Mountains and traverses an area rich with mining history. This area provides gorgeous wild flowers in the peak season of late July/ early August. Some of the best preserved mine structures in Colorado can be found along this trail. The Sound Democrat Mill is one of the finest examples and still possesses all of ...

California Pass’s summit is a jaw dropping 12,960 feet above sea level. A long way from the valley floor, California Gulch, but, as drivers start their trek, the valley floor starts to shrink and gives way to steep climbs and switchbacks. Off road vehicles are needed to reach the top, and drivers begin to climb up and above tree level with rocky mountainsides and seemingly endless elevation gai...

Spending much of the trek above tree line, Hurricane Pass is situated at 12,730 feet above sea level and offers up views of Poughkeepsie Gulch (a more extreme off-road trail) and sapphire blue mountain lakes, such as Lake Como. One of the most beautiful roads in the lower 48 states, Hurricane Pass, which is also a great spot for lunch can be paired with other 4WD roads like California Pass.  Lo...

This pass is closed December through May but when opened, does not fall short of views. I drove it on opening weekend and the snow was piled high all around (pictured above) but the views were just as amazing as driving it in late summer.  Starting in Silverton, drive east on Colorado 2 through the ghost mining towns of Howardsville, Middleton, Eureka until you reach Animas Forks. Just before A...