Getting Oriented
Cinnamon Pass connects the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River, east of the Continental Divide, with the Animas River drainage to the west. The eastern approach climbs from American Basin and Sherman through the high alpine; the western descent drops to Animas Forks and the Animas Canyon. Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, Gunnison National Forest covers the western descent; BLM manages the upper Lake Fork corridor.
Trail Overview
Twenty-five miles, point-to-point between the BLM Williams Creek Campground east of the pass and the Animas Forks ghost town on the west. The eastern approach climbs through the Lake Fork valley past Sherman and American Basin; the upper switchbacks below the pass are the route's technical crux. The pass itself sits at 12,640 feet. Most drivers combine Cinnamon with Engineer for the full Alpine Loop.
Points of Interest
- Cinnamon Pass summit (12,640 ft). Stone monument and parking with views into both drainages.
- American Basin. Wildflower meadow at roughly 11,500 feet on the eastern climb; one of the more photographed alpine basins in Colorado.
- Sherman ghost town. Privately owned site at the confluence of Cottonwood Creek and the Lake Fork. Foundations remain.
- Animas Forks. 1870s ghost town at the western terminus, with restored buildings open to walk through.
- Burrows Park. Townsite area between Sherman and American Basin with multiple dispersed campsites.
Where to Camp
Williams Creek and Mill Creek Campgrounds (BLM) sit east of the pass on the Lake Fork. Dispersed camping is allowed on FS and BLM land at the standard stay limits. Multiple sites cluster in Burrows Park and along Henson Creek. Lake City has private campgrounds; Silverton has full lodging on the western side.
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip
- Cinnamon is the recommended introductory Alpine Loop pass; pair it with Engineer once the easier of the two is in hand.
- The American Basin parking area fills early on summer weekends. Arrive in the morning.
- Check conditions with the BLM Gunnison Field Office (970-642-4940) or the GMUG. The route opens with snowmelt in early to mid-July.
- No fuel between Lake City and Silverton. Top off in town.
- Watch for afternoon thunderstorms above treeline. Plan to be off the pass by early afternoon.
