
Bolam Pass in Colorado: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
Usa, north-america
17.7 km
3,487 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventurers, let's talk Bolam Pass in Colorado! This beauty tops out at a cool 11,440 feet, straddling Dolores and San Juan counties deep in the San Juan National Forest.
You'll cruise along Forest Service Road 578 (aka Hermosa Park Road or Bolam Pass Road), but be warned: it's all unpaved. The first 11 miles? A breeze. After that, hold on tight! It gets seriously bumpy, with shallow water crossings and a real "two trails in one" vibe. Think 4WD low, high clearance, and tires that can take a beating.
Heads up: winter slams the door shut, usually from late October to late June/early July. Summer's your best bet, but even then, be ready for anything the mountain throws your way.
Bolam Pass connects US 550 (south of Silverton) to State Highway 145 (north of Rico), and it's a shortcut from Durango (near Hermosa) to Telluride.
But the views? Totally worth it. You'll be surrounded by stunning scenery and relics of Colorado's mining past. This is remote, wild Colorado at its finest, and supposedly one of the best single-track adventures you can find.
Where is it?
Bolam Pass in Colorado: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 36.3959, -95.0934
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 17.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,487 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 36.3959, -95.0934
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