Alpine Loop

Length: 63 miles
Driving time: 4 to 6 hours

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.

Click here for the photo tour.

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Features

• Seven ghost towns
• Two high alpine passes
• BLM/USFS wilderness areas

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Local Chamber(s) of Commerce

• Lake City
• Ouray
• Silverton

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Corridor Management Plan

• Alpine Loop Interim Byway Management Plan
• Alpine Recreation Area
• A Framework for Wayshowing

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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
• Alpine Loop Visitor Use Study