Tomboy Ghost Town
Explore Tomboy, a historic Colorado ghost town nestled high in the San Juan Mountains, accessible via the thrilling Imogene Pass.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid weekend crowds
Tomboy Ghost Town
Best Time
Avoid weekend crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Tomboy, a historic Colorado ghost town nestled high in the San Juan Mountains, accessible via the thrilling Imogene Pass.
"Amazing views and historical engineering marvels at 11,500 feet!"
🚗 4x4 is Essential
A high-clearance 4x4 vehicle is a must for navigating Imogene Pass and reaching Tomboy safely.
⏰ Avoid Weekends/Holidays
Narrow trails get very busy; weekdays offer a more relaxed experience and easier passage.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Imogene Pass Trail
Access to Tomboy
A challenging but rewarding 4x4 trail offering breathtaking mountain vistas and leading to the historic ghost town.
Historic Mining Structures
Tomboy Ghost Town
Explore remnants of a bygone era, marveling at the engineering feats of 1800s mining operations.
Panoramic Mountain Scenery
Tomboy Ghost Town
Experience unparalleled views of the San Juan Mountains and Telluride lights at night from this high-altitude vantage point.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing Tomboy Ghost Town
Best Time for Views & Comfort
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 4x4 is Essential
A high-clearance 4x4 vehicle is a must for navigating Imogene Pass and reaching Tomboy safely.
⏰ Avoid Weekends/Holidays
Narrow trails get very busy; weekdays offer a more relaxed experience and easier passage.
🧥 Dress in Layers
Temperatures at 11,500 feet can be surprisingly cold, even on sunny days.
🥾 Check Trail Conditions
Snow can linger into summer; check conditions, especially if planning an early season visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 4x4 is Essential
A high-clearance 4x4 vehicle is a must for navigating Imogene Pass and reaching Tomboy safely.
⏰ Avoid Weekends/Holidays
Narrow trails get very busy; weekdays offer a more relaxed experience and easier passage.
🧥 Dress in Layers
Temperatures at 11,500 feet can be surprisingly cold, even on sunny days.
🥾 Check Trail Conditions
Snow can linger into summer; check conditions, especially if planning an early season visit.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera for incredible photo opportunities of the mountains and historic sites.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking scenery and historical significance of Tomboy Ghost Town, accessible via the challenging Imogene Pass. While the 4x4 drive is a highlight, many advise avoiding weekends due to heavy traffic on the narrow trails. The engineering marvels of the old mines are a consistent point of admiration.
"What an amazing place to check out! You need to take Imogine Pass to get here. 4x4 is definitely needed for safety reasons. Also, avoid checking this place out on the weekend or holidays as the narrow trails can become very busy and difficult to cross. It could take all day if traffic is bad."
CJay Turn
"Easy trail out of Telluride up to this point. Amazing views. Absolutely amazing considering the engineering there was involved to get all this equipment up in the 1800s."
TexRec
"Tomboy is at 11500 feet. I think it’s at the top for scenery in this area. Many mine structures to take in You can see Telluride lights at night. Plenty of spots to stop. The pass is only Couple miles on up. 37*F 6am"
Stewart
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tomboy Ghost Town is accessible via the Imogene Pass trail, which requires a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle. The trail starts from either Telluride or Ouray. It's highly recommended to visit on a weekday to avoid heavy weekend traffic on the narrow, winding roads.
Imogene Pass is considered an advanced off-road trail and is not suggested for beginners. It's a challenging drive with steep sections and narrow passages. Caution is advised, and it's best to go with someone experienced or in a well-equipped vehicle.
No, a regular car is not suitable for reaching Tomboy Ghost Town. The Imogene Pass trail is rugged and requires a 4x4 vehicle with good ground clearance for safety and to avoid getting stuck.
Many visitors combine a trip to Tomboy with driving Imogene Pass. You can also hike or mountain bike to the ghost town. Consider joining an off-road tour if you don't have a suitable vehicle.
The drive time can vary significantly depending on traffic and your pace. It can take anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours one way to reach Tomboy from Telluride via Imogene Pass, especially if you stop frequently for photos.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Tomboy Ghost Town is a free, open-access historical site. There are no entrance fees or tickets required to explore the remnants of the mining town.
Tomboy is an outdoor historical site and is accessible year-round, weather permitting. However, Imogene Pass is typically only open from late May/early June through October, depending on snow conditions.
There is no admission fee to drive or hike Imogene Pass. The cost is associated with using a suitable vehicle and potentially fuel.
Visiting Tomboy in the winter is generally not feasible or safe due to heavy snow and the closure of Imogene Pass. The pass is typically only accessible during the warmer months.
Yes, several companies in Telluride and Ouray offer guided off-road tours that include Tomboy Ghost Town and Imogene Pass. This is a great option if you're not comfortable driving the pass yourself.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can explore various remnants of the old mining town, including mine structures, buildings, and equipment. It offers a glimpse into the challenging life of miners in the late 1800s.
Yes, Tomboy is a popular destination for hiking. You can hike around the ghost town itself or incorporate it into a longer hike along Imogene Pass. Be prepared for high altitude.
Wear sturdy hiking boots or shoes suitable for uneven terrain. Dress in layers, as temperatures can change rapidly at high altitudes. A hat and sunscreen are also recommended.
There are no facilities, including restrooms, at Tomboy Ghost Town. Be prepared to be self-sufficient and pack out everything you pack in.
It's possible to spot wildlife such as deer in the area. Keep a safe distance and do not feed the animals.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo spots are around the various mining structures, offering a sense of history against the dramatic mountain backdrop. The views looking down towards Telluride are also spectacular, especially at dusk.
Absolutely. The high-altitude location provides sweeping panoramic views of the San Juan Mountains, making it a prime spot for landscape photographers.
Golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting for photography. However, midday can also provide clear views of the rugged terrain.
A standard digital camera or smartphone is sufficient. However, a wide-angle lens can be beneficial for capturing the expansive landscapes.
While not as common as general off-road tours, some photography-focused tours might be available in the Telluride area that could include Tomboy. It's worth inquiring with local tour operators.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For younger children, the novelty of exploring old mining structures might be less engaging than the journey itself. Consider focusing on the scenic drive and the opportunity to see wildlife. Keep the visit relatively short to manage attention spans and potential altitude sickness. Always prioritize safety and ensure children are supervised closely, especially around old mine shafts and unstable structures.
🚗 Off-Road Enthusiasts
+1Experienced drivers will appreciate the technical aspects of Imogene Pass, while the historical allure of Tomboy provides a fascinating stop. Many off-roaders combine the Tomboy visit with a full traverse of Imogene Pass, often starting from Telluride and ending in Ouray (or vice versa). Plan for a full day and be prepared for potential delays due to other traffic on the trail.
📸 Photographers
Explore the historic mining structures for unique compositions that tell a story of the past. The contrast between the weathered buildings and the vibrant natural environment is captivating. Remember to bring a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive scenery and a telephoto lens for details within the ghost town.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Tomboy
Today, Tomboy stands as a testament to the rugged spirit of the American West. Visitors can explore the scattered remnants of its past, including the foundations of buildings, old mining equipment, and the imposing structures of the Tomboy Mine itself. The engineering required to build and operate these mines at such a high altitude is truly remarkable and offers a fascinating glimpse into the past.
While the town is no longer inhabited, its historical significance and the dramatic mountain setting continue to draw visitors. It's a place where you can almost hear the echoes of the past amidst the stunning natural beauty of the San Juan Mountains.
Navigating Imogene Pass
+1Essential preparation for driving Imogene Pass includes having a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle with good tires. It's crucial to check weather forecasts before heading out, as conditions can change rapidly at high altitudes. Cell service is unreliable, so it's wise to inform someone of your travel plans. Many visitors recommend tackling the pass from the Telluride side, as it's generally considered slightly less steep than the Ouray approach.
Along the route, you'll pass through the historic Tomboy Ghost Town, offering a perfect opportunity to stop and explore. The views from the pass itself, at over 13,000 feet, are simply breathtaking, encompassing vast mountain ranges and valleys. Remember to drive cautiously, yield to oncoming traffic, and be prepared for a full day's adventure.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit