High Altitude Weather Changes

Weather changes occur as your elevation changes.  Your off-roading adventure from Ouray starts at roughly 7800' in elevation, and can reach over 13000' at the top of Imogene Pass, or over 12000' up Yankee Boy or Corkscrew.  A  temperature drop of 30 to 40 degrees is common.  It can rain, sleet, hail, and snow 12 months of the year, and all within an hour of being 75 degrees.   As a result, take precautions and be ready with appropriate layered clothing and protection.  80 degrees in Ouray often translates to a pleasant 60 degrees  up on top, without cloud cover.  Summer clouds develop in the morning to  produce dramatic differences in the afternoon, with showers and thunderstorms rumbling.  After a short dry period in the San Juans occurs, a dusty OHV trail can hamper visibility, and eye protection is appreciated.  As always, you will want to allow plenty of room between vehicles.  Slick rocks are just that – so you will want to use extra driving caution when the road surface is wet.  The rugged OHV trails around Ouray are perfect for experiencing the "Great Outdoors."  Leave the Indy driving back there!