# Engineer Pass

**Location:** Lake City, CO | **Difficulty:** Hard | **Length:** 30 miles

**GPS:** 37.9712, -107.5934

**Vehicle requirements:** 4WD with low range and rear locker, 33"+ mud-terrain tires, 2–3" lift, rock sliders, and recovery gear required.

**Best season:** July - September

A classic San Juan Mountain pass connecting Lake City to Ouray at 12,800 feet. Above-treeline switchbacks through alpine tundra with views spanning 100 miles in every direction. One of Colorado's most iconic off-road passes.

**Region:** Southwest • **Trail type:** Trail • **Rating:** 4.8/5

**Highlights:** 12,800-ft pass, Alpine tundra, 100-mile views, San Juan Mountains, Historic mining

**Nearby campgrounds:**
- [Alpine Glow Campground (Ouray, Colorado)](https://4x4playground.com/camping/colorado/alpine-glow-campground)
- [East Portal Campground (Montrose, Colorado)](https://4x4playground.com/camping/colorado/east-portal-campground)
- [South Rim Campground (Montrose, Colorado)](https://4x4playground.com/camping/colorado/south-rim-campground)

Canonical page: https://4x4playground.com/overlanding/trails/engineer-pass