Drive the Alpine Loop

The Alpine Loop is a great way to see a part of Colorado many people do not get to see. This road, originally built by miners in the 19th century, was used to cart off ore to the nearby cities of Lake City, Silverton, and Ouray. Due to the roads original purpose, pavement and people are very scarce. A 4WD high-clearance vehicle is required to complete this loop and motorcycles, ATVs, and side-by-sides, and welcome. Jeep and ATV rentals are easy to find in any of the nearby cities. The loop can be accessed from Lake City, Silverton, and Ouray but starting in Lake City is the best way to do a full loop without having to backtrack any terrain. 

Starting in Lake City, head towards Cinnamon Pass (12,640 ft.). This 19.5 mile section of the drive will pass Carson Ghost town and American Basin. 

After the descent of Cinnamon pass, you will come to a fork that is marked Animas Fork to the left, and Engineer Pass to the right. While Engineer pass is the way back to Lake City, it is strongly recommended to visit the abandoned city of Animas Forks. The old mining town, established in 1877, is filled with history and scenery very few places have to offer. 

From Animas Fork, go back up the road you came in on and head towards Engineer Pass. The road up Engineer is ideal for a place to take a break for pictures and lunch. Just before the summit, there is an option to take a road on the left to a look out point. It is only a 1/4 mile out of the way and a great 360 degree view including many 14,000 ft peaks and a view of Silverton and Ouray. Shortly after the look out point, you will reach the summit (12,800 ft.). 

The summit of Engineers to downtown Lake City is the last section of the drive. Anytime before mid july, this section will still have a decent amount of snow. As long as the road is open, there will be winter maintenance but be mindful of afternoon storms bringing dangerous weather. The drive down has some of the best views of the whole trip and includes a short hike (.5 miles roundtrip) to Whitmore falls.

About 7 hours should set aside to complete this loop. It can be done faster, with fewer stops, but 7 hours is recommended for allowing time to take in everything possible and rushing is not advised on the narrow mining roads. There are also multiple campgrounds that allow groups to turn this into a multi-day adventure to fish, hike, mountain bike, and rock climb along the way. Remember to stay on designated roads at all times and when a confrontation with another vehicle occurs, uphill traffic has the right of way and common courtesy works best.