Bolam Pass Road

[9patrickmurphy]

I'm going to be doing some stuff in the San Miguels this week and need to get over to Molas Lake right after; this seems like a decent way to get between the two if the road is friendly enough. I could spend a morning climbing Grizzly Peak B while I'm up there too.

Information on this road across the internet is scarce or outdated, so I'm curious if anyone has any beta they can share. My impression is that the majority of the road is simple 2WD dirt but that it requires 4WD and clearance for a good chunk also. How slow going/annoying is it, what are the problem spots I should expect, how bad is the creek crossing usually, and the real big question of every road ever in this state... is it Subaruable?

[WildWanderer]

I haven't done this pass, but this is where I usually check before doing passes. http://bushducks.com/tripreps/passopen.htm#bolam

Here's the current info, hopefully it helps:
7/2/23 -
** Bolam Pass is OPEN for 2023 all the way, for high clearance capable vehicles ONLY.
- Snow at the top can be navigated. There is a snow berm that must be crossed a couple miles west of the summit. Non 4x4, or low clearance vehicles, will likely high center and be stuck. Best not to attempt unless in a capable vehicle.
- Best keep in mind that there is snow at summit and west side. 2 creek crossings on the east side with a fair amount of water still.

[9patrickmurphy]

I haven't done this pass, but this is where I usually check before doing passes. http://bushducks.com/tripreps/passopen.htm#bolam

Here's the current info, hopefully it helps:
7/2/23 -
** Bolam Pass is OPEN for 2023 all the way, for high clearance capable vehicles ONLY.
- Snow at the top can be navigated. There is a snow berm that must be crossed a couple miles west of the summit. Non 4x4, or low clearance vehicles, will likely high center and be stuck. Best not to attempt unless in a capable vehicle.
- Best keep in mind that there is snow at summit and west side. 2 creek crossings on the east side with a fair amount of water still.

Thanks Laura. A bit inconclusive since the snow's likely gone by now, and I'm always skeptical when a report says something vague like "high clearance capable vehicles ONLY". In my mind this could mean anything from "no sedans" to "lifted Jeep required".

[Matt]

It's been years and road conditions change, but I drove to Bolam Pass from Purgatory in my FJ without any trouble.
I don't remember it being too rough, but it took a lot longer than expected. Maybe I underestimated the distance.
There were plenty of massive hunting camps like little cities (some with trailers) up there.

[Boggy B]

Should be Subarable. The "high clearance" note on Bushducks was for the lingering snow (on 7/2).

[9patrickmurphy]

Update: just drove this road West-to-East and it was easily Subaruable the whole way. Plenty of camping options too, though busier than I expected (texas wheelchairs). Took maybe 40min from the West end to the pass, 60 min from the pass to Purgatory.

[Marmot72]

I love that subaruable is a term.

[Chicago Transplant]

I love that subaruable is a term.

Me too, especially as I own one lol.

Good to hear on the Bolam road, there are some 12ers I want to access from the west side of that pass someday.

[Kiefer]

Update: just drove this road West-to-East and it was easily Subaruable the whole way. Plenty of camping options too, though busier than I expected (texas wheelchairs). Took maybe 40min from the West end to the pass, 60 min from the pass to Purgatory.

Just drove this today after work! We seem to be just missing each other lately.
Elbert Creek Road through Purg to the TH is 'Subaruable' as well. And most of Relay Creek Road.
Pretty area. Heading back up to Bolem Pass soon for Sliderock Ridge and "North Point" as Cascade Creek Road
is MUCH rougher.