Up high
- Altitude. Ouray sits at about 7,800 feet and the passes reach 12,000 to 13,000. Altitude sickness feels like a hangover: headache, tiredness, nausea. Skip alcohol the first couple of days, and head down if it gets worse. Going down 1,000 feet usually helps fast. (source)
- Lightning. Mountain thunderstorms usually build after 11 a.m. Start early and plan to be heading down by late morning. (source)
- Shelter. A hard-topped vehicle with the windows up protects you from lightning. An open side-by-side or soft top doesn't, so get below treeline when you hear thunder. (source)
- Burn scars. After the 2026 Gold Mountain Fire, heavy rain can bring flash floods and mudslides. In late July they closed Red Mountain Pass for two days. (source)
On the road
- Uphill has the right of way. On narrow mountain roads, Colorado law gives the climbing vehicle the right of way, unless it's easier for the uphill driver to back into a pullout. (source)
- Carry the basics: water, extra fuel, a spare tire, jack, tools, a shovel and a blanket. (source)
- Expect no cell signal. Most of these trails have none. A two-way satellite messenger is the reliable backup. (source)
- In an emergency, call 911. Ouray County Sheriff non-emergency dispatch is 970-249-9110. For road conditions, call the Ouray Ranger District at 970-240-5300. (source)
Maps to take with you
Print a topo set or load a GPX route into an offline map app before you leave town.