Distance
~7 mi one-way (US-550 → Gladstone)
Time
1.5–2 hours
Difficulty
Moderate
A classic west-Silverton trail named for the tight switchbacks climbing out of the Red Mountain mining district. Drops off US-550 just south of Red Mountain Pass and corkscrews up through bright orange mineralized slopes to Hurricane Pass / California Gulch junction. The switchbacks are tight but generally manageable; the real story is the otherworldly red/orange color of the surrounding peaks (the namesake of Red Mountain).
Highlights
- •Iconic tight switchbacks climbing the Red Mountain district
- •Vivid orange/red mineralized slopes — the namesake terrain
- •Connects US-550 (Million Dollar Highway) to the Alpine Loop network
- •Gladstone ghost town and mining structures
- •Often run as a connector from Ouray into California Gulch
Access & Permits
No permit required — Forest Service road. Typically open July through September.