Driving the rough 4x4 road to Poughkeepsie Pass in Colorado

# Poughkeepsie Pass: Colorado's Ultimate High-Altitude Challenge

Nestled in the stunning San Juan Mountains near Ouray, Poughkeepsie Pass (also called California Pass) sits at a breathtaking 12,919 feet above sea level, making it one of Colorado's highest drivable roads. This 11.5-mile beast of a route runs west-east from Ironton to Animas Forks, passing just south of picturesque Lake Como.

Here's the thing though—this isn't your typical scenic mountain drive. County Road 19 is a gavel and rocky nightmare that demands serious respect. We're talking about a steep, rough track that's exclusively for high-clearance 4x4 vehicles. Jeeps have been known to roll here, and that's not an exaggeration. You'll encounter erosion, loose rocks, deep mud holes, and obstacles up to 5 feet high, plus near-vertical grades that'll make your palms sweat.

The infamous "The Wall" used to be a mandatory climb or turn-around situation—until 2015 when a bypass finally got built. Even so, you'll absolutely need differential lockers and a winch before even thinking about attempting this. A particularly sharp, steep hairpin curve becomes extra treacherous on the way down, and water crossings with strong currents can appear without warning.

This trail has crushed the confidence of experienced drivers and isn't for casual adventurers. Novices shouldn't even consider it—you need genuine 4x4 expertise and a vehicle that can handle serious punishment. Snow typically stays until April, so the season runs April through October when conditions allow.

The payoff? Absolutely stunning views that make every white-knuckle moment worth it.