Corkscrew Pass

Corkscrew Pass, located between Ouray and Silverton, Colorado, is one of the more significant four-wheel-drive roads that people from all over the world want to drive, and for good reasons. Most notable is the contrast of colors viewed while driving the trail and the "up-close-to-it" experience in the area. The vibrant rust and reddish mountains contrasted by the dark greens, blues, and bright whites make you want to stop and take it in. There is ample opportunity to find dispersed camping as a basecamp or just a one-night stop while you overland across the San Juan Mountains. All this while giving you a dose of shelf road and switchbacks leading to icy cold glacial ponds filled with Old Man Winter's snow melt. It is perfect for those looking to try shelf roads for the first time and, indeed, anyone who is looking for a stimulating burst of color experience.