Getting Oriented
The Alpine Loop sits in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado and connects Lake City, Silverton, and Ouray. The route is designated as a BLM Backcountry Byway and crosses lands managed by both the Bureau of Land Management and San Juan National Forest. Lake City (population ~430) is the most common starting point and the only town on the eastern side of the range. Silverton and Ouray, both former silver-mining boomtowns, sit on the western side and host the Million Dollar Highway between them. Elevation along the loop ranges from roughly 8,700 feet at Lake City to 12,800 feet at Engineer Pass.
Trail Overview
Access is possible from three primary entry points: Lake City via County Road 30 or County Road 20, Silverton via County Road 2, and Ouray via County Road 18. From Lake City, the standard counterclockwise direction climbs Cinnamon Pass first to Animas Forks, then either descends to Silverton or continues over Engineer Pass to Ouray. The lower segments are graded gravel passable in 2WD; the upper passes are rocky shelf road with steep grades and tight switchbacks that require high-clearance 4WD with low range. Allow a full day for the complete loop without side trips. Signage at the trailheads marks the byway, but cell service is limited to nonexistent above the towns, so download or print maps in advance.
Points of Interest
- Engineer Pass. 12,800 feet. The highest pass on the route, with panoramic views of the Uncompahgre Wilderness. The east-side ascent is rocky and exposed.
- Cinnamon Pass. 12,640 feet. Wildflower meadows on the approach and a steep descent into Animas Forks. Less technical than Engineer but still 4WD-only at the top.
- Animas Forks. Ghost town at the confluence of the loop's two passes. Well-preserved structures and interpretive signage.
- Capitol City. Smaller ghost town on the Lake City side, with the remains of an 1870s smelter.
- Lake San Cristobal. The second-largest natural lake in Colorado, just south of Lake City.
- Million Dollar Highway. US-550 between Silverton and Ouray, paved but dramatic, often combined with the loop.
- Alpine tundra and wildlife. Marmots, pika, elk, and occasional black bear in the higher meadows.
Where to Camp
Dispersed camping is allowed on the National Forest portions of the route; check the San Juan NF motor vehicle use map for closures. Developed options:
- Lake San Cristobal area. Several USFS campgrounds south of Lake City with lake views.
- Animas Forks area. Dispersed sites near the ghost town.
- Silverton and Ouray. Both towns have private campgrounds, cabins, and lodging.
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip
- Check the San Juan National Forest roads status page for current pass conditions before going.
- Carry chains or traction boards even in summer — afternoon storms can drop snow at the passes any month of the year.
- Download offline maps; cell service drops out above the towns.
- Top off fuel in Lake City, Silverton, or Ouray. There is no fuel on the loop itself.
- Yield to uphill traffic on the shelf sections — the road is one-lane in places, and passing requires backing to a wider spot.
- Carry recovery gear, a full-size spare, and warm layers regardless of the forecast.
- Stay on the established route; alpine tundra is fragile and slow to recover.
