OURAY HIKING FIELD GUIDE
Corkscrew Pass and Beyond: Four Hours on the Painted Slopes of Red Mountain
A 4-hour guided 4x4 tour from Ouray through the colorful Red Mountain Mining district visiting Corkscrew Pass, scenic alpine lakes, historic mining ruins and sweeping mountain vistas.
Corkscrew Pass and Beyond: Four Hours on the Painted Slopes of Red Mountain.
A few miles above Ouray, the Red Mountain Mining district unfurls in volcanic hues—rust, ochre and jade—shaped by ancient eruptions and a century of mining. This guided, four-hour circuit centers on Corkscrew Pass and threads scenic lakes, mining ruins and high-country viewpoints across a landscape unlike most in the Rockies.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Volcanic Colors of Red Mountain
Ancient volcanic activity gave the Red Mountain area its striking palette; the tour is centered on experiencing that geological variety across ridgelines and valleys.
Corkscrew Pass and Alpine Lakes
The route centers on Corkscrew Pass and includes stops at scenic alpine lakes and broad vistas, packing varied high‑country views into a four‑hour outing.
Historic Mining Ruins
Ruins from the Red Mountain Mining district punctuate the route, offering a reminder of the area’s extraction-era past amid the colorful slopes.
What the day feels like
What the Four‑Hour Tour Feels Like
Over roughly four hours the tour climbs into the Red Mountain corridor, moving from roadside access to high passes and lakeside views. Stops are paced to take in vistas, explore mining remnants and photograph the vivid geology that defines this stretch above Ouray.
THE LANDSCAPE
Volcanic Colors of Red Mountain
Ancient volcanic activity gave the Red Mountain area its striking palette; the tour is centered on experiencing that geological variety across ridgelines and valleys.
THE ROUTE
Corkscrew Pass and Alpine Lakes
The route centers on Corkscrew Pass and includes stops at scenic alpine lakes and broad vistas, packing varied high‑country views into a four‑hour outing.
THE HISTORY
Historic Mining Ruins
Ruins from the Red Mountain Mining district punctuate the route, offering a reminder of the area’s extraction-era past amid the colorful slopes.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour suits—and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Tour length is 4 hours.
For specific gear recommendations, confirm details with the operator Alpine Scenic 4x4 Tours.
The tour centers on Corkscrew Pass and visits scenic lakes, historic mining ruins and vistas throughout the Red Mountain area.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Corkscrew Pass and Beyond tour?
The tour duration is 4 hours.
What does the tour visit?
The tour travels through the Red Mountain Mining district, centering on Corkscrew Pass and visiting scenic lakes, historic mining ruins and expansive vistas.
What is the difficulty level of the tour?
The tour carries a difficulty rating of 3–4.
Why is the Red Mountain area notable?
The Red Mountain Mining district was shaped by ancient volcanic activity that produced unusually vivid colors across the landscape.
Are there historic sites on the route?
Yes—the itinerary includes visits to historic mining ruins within the Red Mountain Mining district.