Crossing the San Juans on Elwood Pass

Photo courtesy John M. Motter
The Joe Mann homestead with its log cabin remains on the San Juan East Fork Road at a point where the first canyon widens. Mann was among the first pioneers in Pagosa Country and is the subject of several good stories. He lost the homestead, but in his declining years built a small cabin along the road on Elwood Pass. The second cabin is noted on San Juan National Forest maps.

I’ve been writing about the first roads used by Pagosa Country pioneers to reach Pagosa Springs from the outside world. The focus has been on a road no longer in use. This particular road crossed the San Juan Mountains by way of Elwood Pass and on the western side of the San Juans reached Pagosa Springs by way of the East Fork of the San Juan River.

I think the Elwood Pass route is still passable with a four-wheel drive, but since I haven’t been up there in maybe 30 years, I’m not sure. The best advice is to call the U.S. Forest Service office in Pagosa Springs before you try it.

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