![]() ![]() Uphill traffic has the right of way, but use common sense.It’s a scenic byway, not a highway, so the journey is the destination. The road is busiest from 10am-4pm and in July, when wildflowers and temperatures are generally at their best. ![]() On most of the Loop, the road is only wide enough for one vehicle at a time. Expect difficulties like rough terrain, driving close to cliff edges, and backing up on a downhill so others can pass.Keep an eye on the weather and check road conditions before you go. The Alpine Loop usually opens by Memorial Day and closes by November.These are still rough, unpaved drives, but possible in most passenger cars if you have some experience with rugged roads and take it slow. If you don’t have a 4WD vehicle, 2WD and AWD cars with moderate clearance can still enjoy several scenic portions of the Alpine Loop, including Capitol City on the Engineer Pass side of the loop from Lake City, American Basin on the Cinnamon Pass side of the Loop from Lake City, and the Animas Forks ghost town from Silverton. Many visitors choose to ride the Loop in an off-highway vehicle (OHV) specifically meant for rough travel. To traverse the full Alpine Loop, you’ll need a 4WD vehicle with high clearance. What kind of vehicle do you need for the Alpine Loop? Over 100,000 people brave the Alpine Loop each summer, making it one of the most famous off-highway roads in the United States. The Loop tops out at an elevation of 12,800 ft on Engineer Pass, with much of the road above tree line. The Loop connects two high-elevation mountain passes, Cinnamon Pass and Engineer Pass, and only 4 miles of the entire 60+ mile route (a small section in Lake City) is paved. The Alpine Loop Scenic Byway, aka “the Alpine Loop” (or just “The Loop,” to locals,) is a 60+ mile network of old 4×4 mining roads connecting the southern Colorado mountain towns of Lake City, Silverton, and Ouray. ![]() If you’re looking for a breathtaking trip that will leave you with lasting Rocky Mountain memories, take the scenic route on the Alpine Loop. This rough, high-elevation route is not for the faint of heart full of bumpy terrain with winding turns and steep drop-offs.īut for the adventurous offroad driver, the Loop’s views are more than worth it. The Alpine Loop Scenic Byway, a network of four-wheel drive roads, is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful alpine drives in the world, connecting some of the most stunning scenery in the state of Colorado. The Ultimate Guide to Driving The Alpine Loop Scenic Byway How to Spend a Day at Lake San Cristobal Tips for Stargazing in Lake City Colorado The Ultimate Guide to Driving The Alpine Loop ![]()
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