Hurricane Pass
Distance
~3 mi (California Gulch → Corkscrew junction)
Time
1–1.5 hours
Difficulty
Difficult
A short but punchy 12,407-ft pass connecting California Gulch to Corkscrew Gulch via the head of the Animas drainage. The road is narrow with several rocky ledges and one tight switchback near the summit. Pairs with Engineer + Cinnamon + Corkscrew for the classic San Juan high-passes day. Big payoff for short effort — the Lake Como overlook from the summit is one of the standout views in the region.
Highlights
- •12,407-ft summit with Lake Como overlook
- •Connector between California Gulch and Corkscrew Gulch
- •Short, technical, high-payoff scenery
- •Above treeline the entire way
- •Part of the broader Alpine Loop network
Access & Permits
No permit required — Forest Service road. Typically open July through September.
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.