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 four-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 town sites, structures, and other former mining haunts—if you want to commune with ghosts of Colorado's rich past.
Features
- Seven ghost towns
- Two high alpine passes
- Alpine Loop Colorado Tourism Website
- Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Backcountry Byways Brochure
Local Chamber(s) of Commerce
Corridor Management Plan
- Alpine Loop Interim Byway Management Plan
- Alpine Recreation Area
- A Framework for Wayshowing
Special Considerations
- Bring a full tank of gas and extra food/water
- Closed in winter
- Roads can be muddy
- Requires high-clearance 4-wheel-drive vehicle
- BLM Alpine Loop Junior Explorer Book
- Alpine Loop Visitor Use Survey 2018
