Alpine Loop
Alpine Loop is a hard 65 miles off-road trail near Ouray/Silverton, CO. It requires a properly built 4x4 with 32" all-terrain tires, 4WD with low range, Recovery straps and is best run July - September. Stock trucks and Jeeps are not recommended; plan on the required modifications before attempting it.
Trail Conditions
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The Alpine Loop Scenic Byway is Colorado's premier high-altitude off-road adventure, connecting the historic mining towns of Silverton, Lake City, and Ouray through some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in North America. The 63-mile loop crosses two legendary passes: Engineer Pass (12,800 feet) and Cinnamon Pass (12,620 feet), both offering views that stretch for a hundred miles on clear days. Ghost towns including Animas Forks, Capitol City, and Rose's Cabin provide glimpses into the region's mining past. This is bucket-list Colorado, accessible to most properly equipped 4WD vehicles during the summer season.
Fun Facts
The Alpine Loop reaches elevations over 12,800 feet, among the highest drivable roads in North America.
Animas Forks was once a thriving silver mining town of 450 residents; now only ruins remain.
Engineer Pass got its name from the mining engineers who surveyed the route in the 1870s.
The loop crosses the Continental Divide twice in a single circuit.
🛞 Tires
🔧 Suspension
⚙️ Drivetrain
🪢 Recovery
🛡️ Protection
📦 Other
Closest campgrounds to Alpine Loop:
- Alpine Glow Campground · Ouray · 8 mi
- East Portal Campground · Montrose · 42 mi
- South Rim Campground · Montrose · 43 mi
- Elk Creek Campground · Gunnison · 44 mi
Where to Camp
GPS Coordinates
Import into Gaia GPS, OnX Offroad, or Garmin
Map of Ouray/Silverton, CO
5-Day Forecast
Nearby Trails
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
This trail rewards preparation. Run these tools before you load up, the numbers matter.
Tire Size Calculator
Convert tire sizes and compare diameter differences before you swap.
Running 35s or 37s? Confirm fitment and sidewall height before you go.
Gear Ratio Calculator
Find the right gear ratio after lifting or upsizing tires.
Low-range crawl ratio is everything on technical terrain, calculate yours first.
Wheel Fitment Calculator
Calculate backspacing and offset so wider wheels clear your suspension.
Extra wheel width = extra clearance on tight lines. Check offset before buying.
MPG Calculator
Estimate fuel economy after a tire upgrade, important for remote runs.
Bigger tires cut MPG. Plan your fuel stops for this trail.
Trail Matchmaker
Not sure this trail matches your rig's current build? Find out fast.
Answer 6 questions and confirm Alpine Loop is right for your setup, or find a better match.