Photo: Kimon Berlin · CC BY-SA 2.0
Hurricane Pass
Distance
2.24 mi one-way (connector)
Time
1–1.5 hours
Difficulty
Moderate
At 12,729 ft this is the highest road we touch all weekend, and it is entirely above timberline — high alpine wildlife is a regular sighting. The route climbs steeply up between Hurricane Peak and Brown Mountain, linking California Pass with Corkscrew and County Road 2 to form one of the many takes on the Alpine Loop. Rated mildly technical rather than punishing, so the effort-to-payoff ratio is excellent. There is a jaunt off the main pass road up toward Hurricane Peak (the summit itself is about 13,443 ft) which makes a natural lunch stop with the whole San Juan range laid out around you.
Highlights
- •12,729-ft high point — the highest road of the weekend
- •Entirely above timberline, frequent high alpine wildlife
- •Climbs between Hurricane Peak and Brown Mountain
- •Jaunt up toward Hurricane Peak (~13,443 ft summit) — our lunch stop
- •Ghost town and mine remnants along the way
- •Key connector for the Corkscrew / California Pass loop
Access & Permits
No permit required — San Juan County Road 10, county-managed rather than Forest Service. Typical season July 1 – Nov 1.
Terrestrial Armor Recommended
The Tesla Cybertruck Terrestrial Armor kit is strongly recommended for this trail. This includes underbody skid plates and protection for critical components. Stock trucks can attempt with extreme caution and experienced spotters.