4x4 Rentals/Tours

Alta Lakes
On the National Register of Historic Places, the 1870s mining camp of Alta grew into a town that boasted 250 people, a school, general store, assay office, boardinghouse and a few small homes. A fire in one of the mine shafts forced miners to collapse the entrance in 1945. Mining ceased and families moved away. Today, the remains of Alta overlook 13,000 to 14,000-foot peaks in the Lizard Head Wilderness Area. The lakes nearby were created by miners. Alta Lakes Road is six miles south of Telluride on Hwy. 145. High clearance vehicles are recommended.

Black Bear Pass
One of the toughest and most beautiful 4WD roads in the state connects the Million Dollar Highway to Telluride. The one-way road begins off Red Mountain Pass, climbs gradually, then drops dramatically into Telluride over Ingram Falls and past Bridal Veil Falls to the valley floor. For experienced drivers only; extreme caution must be taken on the switchbacks down to Telluride.

Imogene Pass/Town of Tomboy
The Japan and Tomboy mines near the summit of 13,000-foot Imogene Pass were some of the richest in the district, owned by Shanghai and later London-based mining companies. Tennis courts, a bowling alley, banquets and dances kept the company people happy in this harsh climate. The highest YMCA in the nation was located at Tomboy, a town of 5,000 residents. The book Tomboy Bride is a vivid account of the wonderful but difficult life at this remote site. Take Tomboy Road from N. Oak Street in Telluride, 18 miles to Ouray. 4WD vehicle required.

Last Dollar Road
Extraordinary views of the Wilson Range, Lizard Head, Sneffels Wilderness Area, and beautiful ranchlands can be found along Last Dollar Road. In the late 1800s, this former stagecoach route into Telluride cost a $1 toll. Take the airport turnoff, drive to the top and take the dirt road that forks north, 10 miles to Dallas Divide and Hwy. 145. 4WD recommended.

Ophir Pass
A lovely route over Ophir Pass climbs above timberline over scree fields, past mining ruins and Hidden Lake to the 12,789-foot summit, then down to Red Mountain Pass. Though the road is narrow and hugs the side of the mountain, it is the easiest of the three passes in the Telluride area. Ophir Pass can be accessed from the old mining town of Ophir south of Telluride off Hwy. 145. Turn onto a dirt road at "new" Ophir, and proceed past the tiny post office to "old" Ophir. Drive east through town to the pass road. 4WD recommended.

Another option for 4x4 tours is to rent a 4WD vehicle and go out on a tour on your own. To book a rental vehicle, call our local Telluride vacation specialists at 1.888.353.5473.