Explore Corckscrew Gulch

Ridgway, Colorado

Description

One would think they were on Mars with these beautiful red mountains.

Corkscrew Gulch is named for the narrow and winding switchbacks that "corkscrewes" up Red Mountain Two. It is hard to miss this area of the San Juan Mountains, because the deep reds, oranges, and yellows blanket all three of the named "Red Mountains". The red color in the mountains is caused by oxidation of hematite or iron ore. Most of the time this trail is very popular with the 4WD crowd due to the softer sediment in the road.

The trail begins just past the former town of Ironton. This was once a very active and productive mining area that has remnants scattered along the trail today.

At the top you will have 360 degree views at 12,400 feet. If time allows, partner this with other trips on the scenic Alpine Loop.

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Photography

Chillin

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Forest

Groups

Lake

River

Scenic

Wildflowers

Wildlife

Explore Corckscrew Gulch Reviews

Have you done this adventure? Be the first to leave a review!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Running to Grizzly Bear Mine

Bear Creek Trail, which leads to Grizzly Mine, is located just 2 miles outside of Ouray, Colorado on Highway 550 immediately following the first tunnel. There's two parking lots, a large one and a small one, the trail leads from the small parking lot over the tunnel and highway. There are no bathrooms or water at the trailhead.This trail has very low traffic. I saw one person while out on it wh...

Ski or Snowboard Red Mountain Pass

Red Mountain Pass is the site of an historic silver mining boom from 1882 to 1893. During that time, over 10,000 people lived at over 11,000 feet! Today, it's turned into a backcountry ski and snowboard touring destination. If you are coming from the North, you'll pass through the gorgeous box-canyon town of Ouray, CO. From the south, you'll pass through Silverton, CO. This section from Ouray ...

Drive Black Bear Pass & the Ingram Basin

Black Bear Pass (el. 12,840’), officially known as Forest Service Road 648, is an infamous 4WD road that runs between U.S. Highway 550 (between Silverton & Ouray) and Telluride, CO. From the pass downhill through the Ingram Basin to Telluride, the road is one-way and features switchbacks and the notorious “Steps” with several hundred meters of drop-off on either side. If driving, you *must*...

Explore Hurricane Pass and Lake Como

Spending much of the trek above tree line, Hurricane Pass is situated at 12,730 feet above sea level and offers up views of Poughkeepsie Gulch (a more extreme off-road trail) and sapphire blue mountain lakes, such as Lake Como. One of the most beautiful roads in the lower 48 states, Hurricane Pass, which is also a great spot for lunch can be paired with other 4WD roads like California Pass. Lo...

Drive to California Pass

California Pass’s summit is a jaw dropping 12,960 feet above sea level. A long way from the valley floor, California Gulch, but, as drivers start their trek, the valley floor starts to shrink and gives way to steep climbs and switchbacks. Off road vehicles are needed to reach the top, and drivers begin to climb up and above tree level with rocky mountainsides and seemingly endless elevation gai...

Explore Corckscrew Gulch

Description

Download the Outbound mobile app

Features

Explore Corckscrew Gulch Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Running to Grizzly Bear Mine

Ski or Snowboard Red Mountain Pass

Drive Black Bear Pass & the Ingram Basin

Explore Hurricane Pass and Lake Como

Drive to California Pass

Mineral Creek OHV Trail

Discover

Community

Company

Follow Us

Mobile Apps