If you’re looking for one of the most scenic off-road adventures in Colorado, the Alpine Loop should be at the top of your list. This iconic 75-mile loop winds through the San Juan Mountains, crossing high mountain passes, historic ghost towns, alpine lakes, and some of the most breathtaking scenery in the state.
After completing the loop myself by dirt bike, I’ve put together this detailed one-day itinerary to help you plan your own adventure, including the best starting point (in my opinion), must-see pit stops, vehicle requirements, and tips for making the most of your day.
Quick Facts
- LOCATION: San Juan Mountains, Colorado
- TIME NEEDED: At least 8β10 hours (depending on your vehicle of choice)
- DISTANCE: ~75 miles
- VEHICLE: High-clearance 4WD vehicle or OHV (i.e., ATV, side-by-side, or dirt bike)
- BEST TIME: JulyβSeptember (check snow coverage and weather before going)
- COST: Free
Important: This a challenging 75-mile backcountry route best suited for high-clearance 4WD vehicles and OHVs (i.e., dirt bikes, side-by-sides, or ATVs). While some experienced drivers complete it in capable AWD vehicles, a true 4WD vehicle with good ground clearanceβand ideally a shorter wheelbaseβis strongly recommended. Longer-wheelbase trucks and SUVs may struggle on some of the steep, rocky sections due to their reduced breakover angle, increasing the likelihood of scraping the undercarriage or rear bumper.
I learned this firsthand when we spontaneously took our brand-new Chevy Trail Boss over one of the passes (this was before I had my own dirt bike). What should have been a relatively short drive from Silverton to Ouray turned into an eight-hour adventure as we carefully picked our way over rocky obstacles while the truck repeatedly barely made it over the steeper ledges. To make matters worse, we also ended up with a flat tire and spent most of the drive limping along on the spare in an area with little to no cell service and very few people around. We made it out safely, but the experience gave us a whole new appreciation for how remote (and unforgiving) these mountain passes can be.
Make sure your vehicle is in good mechanical condition, your tires are in excellent shape, and you carry basic recovery and emergency supplies. Although almost everyone you encounter out there will be willing to help, once you’re on the loop, civilization and a tow truck are a long way away. Due to the demanding nature of the route, you should set aside a full day to complete it, ensuring that adequate time is set aside for potential obstacles or necessary stops along the way. Proper preparation and a thorough understanding of the route are crucial aspects to consider before embarking on this adventure.
Where to Start
There are multiple places you can access the Alpine Loop, including these popular entrance points β€Έ
- Engineer Pass Staging Area entrance in Ouray, CO
- Ironton Park Staging Area entrance in Ironton, CO
- Henson Creek Staging Area entrance in Lake City, CO
- Cinnamon Pass Staging Area entrance in Lake City, CO
- Silverton Staging Area entrance in Silverton, CO
My personal favorite, and the one outlined in this itinerary, is the Ironton Park Staging Area in Ironton, CO. This is the the only route that takes you over Corkscrew Pass, a stunning high alpine pass that sits around 12,244 feet in elevation and offers breathtaking views of the magnificent Red Mountains, renowned for their vibrant autumn colors and towering peaks. Regardless of which starting point you choose, your journey through this spectacular region will be nothing short of unforgettable. You will experience the rich history of the area as you traverse through remnants of old mining sites surrounded with other-worldly landscapes, dotted with wildflowers in the summer and framed by snow-capped peaks in the fall.
Important: Lake City is the only town that allows non-street legal OHVs to travel on a small section of road in order to connect the entire Alpine Loop. If you do not have a street-legal bike (like me), I recommend starting from either Ouray or Ironton so you can have a lunch break and fill up on gas in Lake City roughly half way through your trip.
Alpine Loop Day Trip Route
Start/End Point: Ironton Park Staging Area
Total Distance: ~75 miles
Elevation Gain: ~4,000 feet
Appropriate Vehicles: 4WD & OHV vehicles only
Type: Loop
Park your vehicle for free at the Ironton Park Staging Area, conveniently located off the Million Dollar Highway near Ironton, Colorado, and a short, very scenice drive from Ouray. The staging area offers plenty of room to unload dirt bikes, ATVs, or side-by-sides and prepare for an unforgettable day exploring the San Juan Mountains.
From the staging area, your adventure begins with a climb up Corkscrew Pass (12,244 ft). As the road winds higher, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping mountain views before descending slightly and tackling Hurricane Pass (12,680 ft). Just beyond Hurricane Pass lies one of the highlights of the entire Alpine Loop, and my first recommended pit stop, Lake Como. Its unbelievably vibrant turquoise water almost looks photoshopped. I highly recommend taking the short detour down to the shoreline. If you’re feeling adventurous (and don’t mind freezing water), it’s the perfect place for a quick alpine plunge.
After soaking in the views at Lake Como, continue over California Pass (12,960 ft). You will then descend into my second recommended pit stop, Animas Forks, one of Colorado’s best-preserved ghost towns. Take some time to wander through the historic buildings and imagine what life was like during the mining boom (it is wild to think about). Restrooms (those very basic pit toilets) are also available here, making it a convenient stop before continuing on your journey toward Lake City.
From Animas Forks, head east over Cinnamon Pass (12,640 ft) toward Lake City. This section eventually connects to pavement. This is one of the few roads in Colorado where non-street-legal OHVs are permitted to travel in order to complete the Alpine Loop.
Once you arrive in Lake City, you’ll have covered more than 40 miles and will probably be ready for lunch. There are only a handful of restaurants in town, so choose whichever sounds good and is open. We stopped at Packer Saloon & Cannibal Grill, and it was exactly what we needed after a long morning on the trails.
Before leaving town, top off your fuel tank at Sportsman’s BBQ Station. I did this route back when I still had my little KLX140RF, and surprisingly it still had enough gas to make the return trip. But, I never recommend passing up an opportunity to refuel. The Alpine Loop is incredibly remote, and gas stations are essentially nonexistent.
With full stomachs and full tanks, it’s time for the final leg of the journey over the iconic Engineer Pass (12,800 ft), which begins right from town. Engineer Pass is famous for its dramatic scenery, challenging terrain, and abundant wildlife. During our ride, we spotted mountain goats and even a black bear in the distance.
My third and favorite pit stop, which you absolutely shouldn’t skip, is Odom Point. This scenic overlook offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding San Juan Mountains and endless alpine valleys. Whether you’re hoping to capture incredible photos or simply take a quiet moment to appreciate the landscape, Odom Point is one of the most memorable viewpoints on the entire Alpine Loop.
From Engineer Pass, the trail eventually descends back to Animas Forks. From there, retrace your steps. Head over California Pass, Hurricane Pass, and Corkscrew Pass before returning to the Ironton Park Staging Area. Once you’re finished, you will have completed one of the most scenic and memorable off-road adventures in Colorado.
Tips Before You Go
- If you are exploring on a dirt bike, you will need a Colorado OHV permit ($25.25). You can buy one online through Colorado Parks and Wildlife or in person at one of their offices. Once you have the permit, ensure it is clearly secured to your off-road vehicle and easily visible.
- I recommend that you download the below apps to your smartphone. These are free to download and allow you to see the trail maps even when you’re out of cell service:
- COTREX β Colorado Trail Explorer
- Gaia GPS β Maps for Every Adventure
