Alpine Loop
The Alpine Loop leaves pavement and people behind, crossing the remote, rugged, spectacular heart of the San Juan Mountains. It's demanding - the two 12,000-foot passes (Cinnamon and Engineer) require a high-clearance 4-wheel-drive vehicle - but the well-prepared motorist reaps unparalleled rewards: pristine mountain views, hiking and biking trails, great camping opportunities, and ample solitude. These rocky roads were first used by 19th-century miners, who carted their ore off to Silverton, Ouray, and Lake City in mule-drawn wagons. Spend an afternoon exploring abandoned townsites, structures, and other former mining haunts - if you want to commune with ghosts of Colorado's rich past.
| Features: 7 ghost towns 2 high alpine passes BLM/USFS wilderness areas BLM Back Country Byway & Brochure |
| Local Chamber of Commerce(s): Lake City Ouray Silverton |
|
Corridor Management Plan |
| Special Considerations: Bring a full tank of gas and extra food/water. Closed in winter. Roads can be muddy. BLM Alpine Loop Junior Explorer Book |
- Contact Information
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BLM-Gunnison Resource Area
216 N. Colorado
Gunnison CO 81230
(970)641-0471
- Program Contacts
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- Lenore C. Bates
Colorado Scenic Byways Coordinator
4201 E. Arkansas Ave.
Shumate Building
Denver, CO 80222 - Colorado Tourism Office
1-800-COLORADO
Visit the website.
- 2016 Partnerships
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Colorado Scenic and Historic Byways 2016 partnerships
All-American Road Sponsor:
America's Byways Sponsor:
Colorado Scenic Byway Sponsor:
