Quick Info
Distance: 65 miles full loop. Passes: Engineer Pass (12,800 ft), Cinnamon Pass (12,620 ft). Vehicle: High-clearance 4WD required. Season: July-September. Time: Full day minimum.
The Alpine Loop is Colorado's premier 4x4 route—65 miles connecting Silverton, Lake City, and Ouray via two above-treeline passes. Engineer Pass and Cinnamon Pass climb above 12,500 feet through landscapes that feel more like Tibet than the American West. Ghost towns, mining ruins, and alpine tundra line the way.
This is not a drive for rental cars or inexperienced drivers. The roads are rough, narrow, and exposed. But for prepared travelers in capable vehicles, the Alpine Loop offers some of the most spectacular high-altitude driving in North America.
The Route
Full loop: Starting from Silverton, most drivers take Engineer Pass to Lake City, then Cinnamon Pass back to Silverton. This covers both passes and creates a true loop.
One-way options: You can drive just one pass if time is limited. Engineer Pass alone from Silverton to Ouray is spectacular. Cinnamon Pass connects Silverton to Lake City.
Silverton starting point: Head northeast on County Road 2 (Animas Forks Road) toward the ghost town of Animas Forks. The road splits there—left for Engineer, right for Cinnamon.
Engineer Pass
Elevation: 12,800 feet—one of Colorado's highest drivable passes.
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult. Some exposed shelf roads with drop-offs. Rocky sections require careful tire placement. Experienced 4WD drivers handle it fine; nervous drivers may want a guide.
Highlights: Views of the Uncompahgre Wilderness, old mining structures, alpine wildflowers in July/August. The descent toward Ouray is especially dramatic.
Cinnamon Pass
Elevation: 12,620 feet.
Difficulty: Generally easier than Engineer. Wider road, less exposure. Still requires 4WD and clearance but more forgiving for less experienced drivers.
Highlights: Animas Forks ghost town, alpine basins, views toward the La Garita Wilderness. Connects to Lake City on the east side.
Ghost Towns
Animas Forks
The best-preserved ghost town on the loop. Several buildings still stand, including the famous Walsh House. Mining artifacts scattered around. Worth 30-60 minutes to explore.
Mineral Point
Ruins on the Engineer Pass side. Less preserved but atmospheric. Old mine structures visible.
Capitol City
Near Lake City on the Cinnamon Pass side. Mostly foundations and a few structures. The ambitious founder planned to make it Colorado's capital—hence the name.
Vehicle Requirements
Minimum: High-clearance 4WD with low range. Stock Jeep Wranglers and similar vehicles work fine.
Not recommended: AWD crossovers, regular SUVs, any 2WD vehicle. These roads will damage low-clearance vehicles and may leave you stranded.
Rentals: Jeep rental companies in Silverton, Ouray, and Durango specialize in Alpine Loop-ready vehicles. If you don't have a capable vehicle, rent one.
Trailers: No trailers. The switchbacks and narrow sections don't allow them.
Tips
Start early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common above treeline. Plan to be off the passes by 2pm in summer.
Bring fuel. No gas stations on the loop. Fill up in Silverton, Lake City, or Ouray before starting.
Pack layers. Above 12,000 feet, temperatures drop dramatically. Wind chill can make it feel freezing even in summer.
Yield downhill. Uphill traffic has the right-of-way. If you meet someone, the downhill vehicle backs up to a wide spot.
Check conditions. Snow can close the passes into July. Call local ranger stations or check with Jeep shops for current status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive the Alpine Loop in a regular car?
No. The roads require high clearance and 4WD with low range. A Subaru Outback won't make it. You'll damage your vehicle or get stuck.
How long does the full loop take?
Plan 6-8 hours minimum including stops. Many people spend a full day, stopping at ghost towns, taking photos, and enjoying lunch with a view.
Is it scary?
Parts can be nerve-wracking for passengers, especially on Engineer Pass where drop-offs are significant. Drivers focused on the road usually feel better than passengers.
Can I hire a guide?
Yes. Jeep tour companies in Silverton and Ouray run guided trips. They provide the vehicle and driver. You enjoy the views without the stress.
When do the passes open?
Typically early July through late September. Heavy snow years may delay opening into mid-July. Early fall storms can close them in September.