Alpine Loop Back Country Byway is in southwest Colorado about 100 miles southeast of Grand Junction. The byway forms a loop drive between Lake City and the towns of Ouray and Silverton. Alpine Loop is 65 miles long and is generally open late June through October.
Near Ouray, the byway follows Mineral Creek Road to Engineer Pass. From Silverton, the byway follows Animas River Road to Cinnamon Pass. The northern segment from Lake City follows Henson Creek Road to Engineer Pass. The southern portion from Lake City follows Lake Fork of the Gunnison River Road to Cinnamon Pass. The roads are marked with “Alpine Loop” signs. Two-thirds of the byway is paved and is suitable for all types of vehicles. The rest is a dirt surface and requires a four-wheel drive vehicle to complete.
Alpine Loop winds through the beautiful San Juan Mountains to an elevation as high as 12,800 feet. It crosses two mountain passes: Engineer and Cinnamon. Byway travelers are treated to spectacular views of snow-capped mountains, meadows of wild flowers, ghost towns, and mountain lakes. Most of the roads along the byway were originally constructed by prospectors in the late 1800s for transporting ore and supplies. Today, the roads are used by four-wheelers and mountain bikers. Four-wheel drive vehicles may be rented in the surrounding communities.
Several hiking trails are accessed from the byway, including five that lead to peaks over 14,000 feet. Those not interested in hiking may wish to photograph or explore the byway’s many ghost towns. Anglers will find lakes, rivers, and streams teaming with rainbow, brook, and cutthroat trout. Three campgrounds are along the byway for those interested in staying overnight.