A Perfect Day Exploring the Alpine Loop from Silverton, Colorado
Historic ghost towns, towering mountain passes, colorful mining ruins and miles of rugged backcountry make the Alpine Loop one of the most memorable adventures in the San Juan Mountains.
This 63-mile backcountry route connects Silverton, Lake City and Ouray while crossing Engineer Pass and Cinnamon Pass at elevations above 12,000 feet. The loop typically requires four to six hours of driving, but we recommend reserving a full day so you have plenty of time to explore Animas Forks, enjoy lunch in Lake City and stop for photos along the way.
Guests at Silverton Lakes RV Park can access the backcountry directly from Silverton, making the park an ideal starting and ending point for a full day on the Alpine Loop.
Before Beginning Your Alpine Loop Adventure
Start your morning at Silverton Lakes RV Park with a complimentary cup of coffee and a conversation with our office staff.
Ask about current trail conditions, recent weather and any wildlife guests or staff have spotted in the area. Depending on the day, you may encounter marmots, pikas, mule deer, elk or other wildlife while traveling through the backcountry.
Our team can also help you confirm your planned route before you leave:
Silverton Lakes RV Park → Animas Forks → Engineer Pass → Lake City → Cinnamon Pass → Silverton Lakes RV Park
Download an offline map or carry a printed map because cell service is limited or unavailable throughout much of the Alpine Loop or stop by our office to pick one up.
You should also begin the day with a full tank of fuel and pack water, snacks, warm layers, rain gear and basic emergency supplies. There are no gas stations between Silverton and Lake City, and mountain weather can change quickly.
First Stop: Explore the Animas Forks Ghost Town
From Silverton, follow County Road 2 into the backcountry toward Animas Forks.
The road takes you through the Animas River Valley, where you will pass historic mining remains, mountain streams and the rugged scenery that defines the San Juan Mountains. In the fall, golden vegetation and changing aspens add even more color to the surrounding landscape.
Your first major stop is Animas Forks, one of Colorado’s best-known ghost towns.
Located at approximately 11,200 feet, Animas Forks began as a mining community during the 1870s. At its height, the remote town included homes, a hotel, a general store, a saloon and a post office. Several historic buildings remain today, giving visitors an opportunity to walk through a piece of Colorado’s mining history.
Park in a designated area and give yourself time to explore the buildings, read the interpretive signs and take photos. Please help preserve the ghost town by leaving buildings and artifacts exactly as you find them.
Climb to the Top of Engineer Pass
After exploring Animas Forks, continue toward Engineer Pass.
This portion of the route becomes considerably more technical. Expect rocky terrain, steep climbs, narrow switchbacks and exposed sections of trail. Drivers should be comfortable operating their vehicle in high-elevation, four-wheel-drive conditions.
Engineer Pass reaches approximately 12,800 feet and offers panoramic views of the San Juan Mountains. From the summit, you can see a dramatic landscape of rugged peaks, alpine tundra and valleys stretching toward Lake City.
Take time to enjoy the views and capture a few photos, but remain aware of changing weather. Afternoon storms can develop quickly above the tree line, and temperatures at the summit may be significantly colder than they were in Silverton.
Descend into Lake City for Lunch
From Engineer Pass, begin the descent toward Lake City.
The route gradually moves from exposed alpine terrain into mountain valleys and historic mining areas. Take your time, use low gears when appropriate and watch for vehicles approaching from the opposite direction.
After a morning on the trail, stop for lunch at Beny’s Mexican Restaurant in Lake City. It is a great place to sit down, recharge and enjoy a warm meal before completing the second half of the loop.
Restaurant hours can change seasonally, especially during the fall, so confirm that Beny’s will be open before beginning your trip.
Treat Yourself at San Juan Soda Company
After lunch, stop at San Juan Soda Company for a well-earned treat.
Located in historic downtown Lake City, this old-fashioned soda fountain serves ice cream sodas, fountain drinks, malts, shakes and scooped ice cream.
It is the perfect way to celebrate making it over Engineer Pass before heading back into the mountains.
Take a few minutes to walk around downtown Lake City, stretch your legs and make sure everyone has water before returning to the trail.
Return to Silverton Over Cinnamon Pass
After leaving Lake City, follow the route toward Cinnamon Pass.
The road begins with a gradual drive through the valley before climbing back into high-elevation, four-wheel-drive terrain. Along the way, you may pass historic mining sites, trailheads and the turnoff for American Basin.
Cinnamon Pass reaches approximately 12,620 feet and provides sweeping views of several of the San Juan Mountains’ highest peaks.
Pause at the summit for one final look across the mountains before beginning the descent toward Animas Forks and Silverton.
As you return, the afternoon light creates an entirely different view of the valley. The mountains, mining ruins and surrounding vegetation often appear even more dramatic later in the day, so leave enough time for a few final photo stops.
From Animas Forks, continue down County Road 2 toward Silverton and return to Silverton Lakes RV Park.
End Your Day at Silverton Lakes RV Park
After a full day of rocky trails, mountain passes and local treats, return to Silverton Lakes RV Park to relax and share stories from your adventure.
Stop by the office and tell us what wildlife you spotted, which views were your favorite and what you ordered at San Juan Soda Company. Then settle in at your campsite or cabin and enjoy a quiet evening surrounded by the San Juan Mountains.
Important Alpine Loop Safety Information
The Alpine Loop is a rugged backcountry route, not a traditional scenic highway.
Engineer Pass and Cinnamon Pass require a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle. Standard passenger cars and low-clearance vehicles should not attempt the complete loop.
Before leaving, make sure:
- Your vehicle is appropriate for the terrain
- The Alpine Loop and both passes are officially open
- You have a full tank of fuel
- You have downloaded or printed a route map
- You have packed food, water and warm clothing
- Someone knows your planned route
- You understand local OHV regulations
- You are prepared for limited or nonexistent cell service
- You have allowed enough daylight to complete the trip
The Alpine Loop is generally accessible during the summer and early fall, but snow may close the high passes at any time. The typical snow-free season is approximately June through September.
Always check current weather, road and trail conditions on the morning of your trip. If conditions are questionable, choose another adventure and save the Alpine Loop for a safer day.
Make Silverton Your Alpine Loop Home Base
Silverton Lakes RV Park places you close to the history, scenery and backcountry adventures that make the San Juan Mountains unforgettable.
Begin your morning with complimentary coffee, enter the Alpine Loop from Silverton and return at the end of the day to a comfortable home base surrounded by the mountains.
Reserve your stay at Silverton Lakes RV Park and experience one of Colorado’s most iconic backcountry adventures.