Alpine Loop National Back Country Byway
If you haven’t toured the Alpine Loop, you haven’t toured Colorado. One of
the most spectacular places in America, the Alpine Loop is at the heart of the
jagged San Juan Mountains.
The Loop takes you above tree line and over Engineer Pass and Cinnamon
Pass, each over 12,000 feet in elevation. Along the way, you will see the
ghost town relics of the mining boom of the late 1800s, including cabins, mills,
and mine sites. There are interpretive signs along the way that explain the
significance of this road to the development of the American West.
Engineer Pass and Cinnamon Pass both drop into the ghost town of Animas
Forks, where you’ll be able to explore the ruins of houses, a jail, huge mining
mill sites, and many other buildings. From there, side trips to the historic towns
of Silverton and Ouray are possible.
At various points along the Loop, side spurs lead to the ghost towns of Carson
and Sherman, and to the fabulous wildflowers of American Basin, which are
usually at their peak in late July.
For detailed information about historic and natural attractions along the way,
pick up a copy of the Alpine Explorer guide at the Visitor Center in Lake City.
The Alpine Loop is about 65 miles around, so plan on spending at least a day,
or more, to explore it.
The Alpine Loop is unpaved, and you will need a four-wheel drive vehicle to
traverse Cinnamon Pass, Engineer Pass, and some of the side spurs. Keep in
mind that the Alpine Loop is narrow and twisty; drive slowly.
ATV and dirt bike riders on the Alpine Loop must be licensed drivers and carry
insurance for the vehicle which they are riding. Check with the Hinsdale County
Sheriff at 970-944-2291 if you have further questions about local regulations.
Alpine Loop Web Site from the National Scenic Byways Program
Jeep Rentals and ATV Rentals
Guided Four-wheel Drive Tours & Hiking Tours
Horseback Riding Outfitters
Recreation Equipment Rentals, including fishing equipment, bicycles,
camping equipment, backpacks, bicycles, and more.
Bicycle Repairs, Supplies, & Sales
Museums & Historic Tours, including the Hinsdale County Museum and
the Hard Tack Mine Tour & Museum.
Public Campgrounds and Private Campgrounds
More Scenic Drives
Chamber Members Contact Us
All contents © 2009 Lake City Marketing Board. All rights reserved.
Site contents & structure: Mary Carkin Media
If you haven’t toured the Alpine Loop, you haven’t toured Colorado. One of
the most spectacular places in America, the Alpine Loop is at the heart of the
jagged San Juan Mountains.
The Loop takes you above tree line and over Engineer Pass and Cinnamon
Pass, each over 12,000 feet in elevation. Along the way, you will see the
ghost town relics of the mining boom of the late 1800s, including cabins, mills,
and mine sites. There are interpretive signs along the way that explain the
significance of this road to the development of the American West.
Engineer Pass and Cinnamon Pass both drop into the ghost town of Animas
Forks, where you’ll be able to explore the ruins of houses, a jail, huge mining
mill sites, and many other buildings. From there, side trips to the historic towns
of Silverton and Ouray are possible.
At various points along the Loop, side spurs lead to the ghost towns of Carson
and Sherman, and to the fabulous wildflowers of American Basin, which are
usually at their peak in late July.
For detailed information about historic and natural attractions along the way,
pick up a copy of the Alpine Explorer guide at the Visitor Center in Lake City.
The Alpine Loop is about 65 miles around, so plan on spending at least a day,
or more, to explore it.
The Alpine Loop is unpaved, and you will need a four-wheel drive vehicle to
traverse Cinnamon Pass, Engineer Pass, and some of the side spurs. Keep in
mind that the Alpine Loop is narrow and twisty; drive slowly.
ATV and dirt bike riders on the Alpine Loop must be licensed drivers and carry
insurance for the vehicle which they are riding. Check with the Hinsdale County
Sheriff at 970-944-2291 if you have further questions about local regulations.
Alpine Loop Web Site from the National Scenic Byways Program
Jeep Rentals and ATV Rentals
Guided Four-wheel Drive Tours & Hiking Tours
Horseback Riding Outfitters
Recreation Equipment Rentals, including fishing equipment, bicycles,
camping equipment, backpacks, bicycles, and more.
Bicycle Repairs, Supplies, & Sales
Museums & Historic Tours, including the Hinsdale County Museum and
the Hard Tack Mine Tour & Museum.
Public Campgrounds and Private Campgrounds
More Scenic Drives
Chamber Members Contact Us
All contents © 2009 Lake City Marketing Board. All rights reserved.
Site contents & structure: Mary Carkin Media
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| Call Us: 1-800-569-1874 |
