Overview
- The rollover happened Thursday near the summit of Imogene Pass when a 58-year-old Phoenix man said he crossed from the Ouray County side into the still-closed San Miguel section, struck an icy patch and rolled several times before getting out of the vehicle.
- The driver walked about 150 feet back to the road, was treated by bystanders and responders, and was transported to Telluride Regional Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.
- Ouray County had initially listed the entire pass open and lacked signage indicating the San Miguel closure; Ouray crews installed warning signs and updated the county website after the crash.
- Telluride Fire, San Miguel County deputies and other local emergency teams reached the scene quickly with Search and Rescue on standby, and officials praised the coordinated response and training.
- Authorities warned that high-altitude 4x4 passes can retain snow, ice and hidden ledges into summer, the U.S. Forest Service recommends high-clearance short-wheelbase four-wheel-drive vehicles, and counties said they will review communications to prevent similar cross-county confusion.