Please note that this challenging 75-mile loop is suitable for high-clearance, all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles and off-highway vehicles (OHV) only. Given the rugged terrain with cliff edges, it is important to exercise caution and stay focused at all times. 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 trail are crucial aspects to consider before embarking on this adventure.
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
- Mineral Creek 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 Mineral Creek 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.
Please note 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 Itinerary
Ironton, CO π Lake City, CO
Total Distance: ~75 miles
Elevation Gain: ~4,000 feet
Appropriate Vehicles: AWD & OHV vehicles only
Type: Loop
Park your vehicle(s) for free at the Mineral Creek Staging Area located off of Million Dollar Highway in Ironton, Colorado. Here you can offload your dirt bikes, ATVs, or side-by-sides and gear up for a full day of adventuring through the San Juans. You’ll start by heading up in elevation over Corkscrew Pass (12,244 ft), after which youβll head back down a bit and then up and over Hurricane Pass (12,680 ft), which will spit you out just above the unforgettably bright blue Lake Como. I highly recommend taking the slight detour down to the lake. If you’re brave, you can take a quick dip before continuing on with your day.
After taking photos at Lake Como, youβll continue over California Pass (12,960 ft). This scenic route will lead you down to Animas Forks, one of the coolest ghost towns youβll ever see. If you’ve never been, I highly recommend walking around to explore the charming architecture of the old buildings. Be sure to take some photos and imagine the lives of those who once thrived in this remote settlement. There are also bathrooms nearby if you need a restroom break.
After you’ve finished exploring Animas Forks, youβll continue heading east over Cinnamon Pass (12,640 ft). Once you’ve traversed Cinnamon Pass, you will hit a paved road that leads into Lake City. This is one of the only roads that allow non-street legal OHVs in order to connect the full Alpine Loop.
Upon entering town, you will have completed over 40 miles of riding. Youβre likely going to be ready for a lunch break. There are only a handful of restaurants in Lake City so take your pick from whatever is open. We opted for lunch at Packer Saloon & Cannibal Grill and the food hit the spot after a long ride. Youβll also want to fuel up at Sportsmanβs BBQ Station off of South Gunnison Ave before you head out. Surprisingly, my KLX140rf still had plenty of fuel, likely enough for the return journey. But it is always better to be safe than sorry and fill up your tank when you get the chance, especially when traversing such remote environments.
Once you have full bellies and gas tanks, you’ll finish off the loop by heading out of Lake City over Engineer Pass (12,800 ft), which can be accessed right from town. This infamous scenic route showcases stunning landscapes and provides an exciting drive for adventure seekers and wildlife enthusiasts; we spotted mountain goats and even a bear in the distance along our way. One key pit stop you will not want to miss along Engineer Pass is Odom Point, where you can pull off to take in an incredible 360-degree view of the surrounding majestic mountains and rolling alpine landscape. Whether you’re an avid photographer or simply seeking tranquility in nature, Odom Point provides a perfect moment to pause and truly appreciate life.
Youβll then continue back south traversing rocky cliff-side trails until you arrive back at Animas Forks. From here, you return the same way you came (California Pass to Hurricane Pass to Corkscrew Pass) until you arrive back at Mineral Creek Staging Area.
Tips Before You Go
- 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 your phone is disconnected from cellular service:
- COTREX β Colorado Trail Explorer
- Gaia GPS β Maps for Every Adventure