Alpine Loop

The Alpine Loop is a very popular, 65-mile historic backcountry 4X4 route which connects the small mountain communities of Ouray, Silverton, and Lake City. You’ll find remnants of the region’s mining past across the dramatic, mountain landscape, telling the story of a bygone era in this rugged, often hostile environment.  Between Engineer (12,780’) and Cinnamon (12,620’) passes, the exposed ridge road offers views for miles in all directions.

When to go? It is fully accessible only during summer.

How long does it take? The entire loop is best done in an all-day event as the trip takes several hours.

How does SJMA help protect this very popular route so all can enjoy? The last several summers, SJMA, in partnership with the local BLM office, has hired SJMA Alpine Ambassadors. These friendly, knowledgeable folks are stationed at Animas Forks, as well as travel the Alpine Loop focusing on talking to loop users about “Staying the Trail”, what it means, why it’s important and the lasting damage when a vehicle drives across tundra and other sensitive alpine areas. They also helps visitors by answering questions about road conditions and how long it takes to go from one location to another. In addition, the Alpine Ambassadors picked up trash, naturalized many illegal campfire pits, and helped the BLM with sign placement and setting up and cleaning vault toilets.

Need to know what passes are open?

Please explore responsibly by following these common sense guidelines:

  • Drive only on designated routes
  • View historic structures from a distance; most sites are privately owned and structures are unstable
  • Help protect your public lands; sites, artifacts, and historical remains are protected by the Archaeological Resource Protection Act of 1979
  • Camp and build fires 200 feet away from water and structures; carry out all garbage
  • Check current fire restrictions
  • Be prepared for changing weather; when hiking, be off high ridges and peaks by noon and seek safe shelter at the first sound of thunder
  • Check out additional Off Highway Vehicles (OHV) rules here.