Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway

A snowy vista seen from Engineer Pass on the Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway.
Snowy vista – Engineer Pass

Highlights:

  • FlowersVistasSummer wildflowers and vistas in American Basin off the Cinnamon Pass Rd.
  • VistasIncredible vistas from Engineer Pass and Oh! Point.
  • VistasFor the adventurous, scenic side roads on the way to Silverton.
  • Historical Mining RemnantsThe entire area is rich in mining history and its remnants.

Cinnamon Pass Road

Relatively easy 4wd road. Scenic Byway

Wildflowers in American Basin along the Cinnamon Pass Rd, Colorado.
American Basin – by Sally Pearce

How to get there:

Starts on CR 30; 2.3 miles south of 2nd St in Lake City

  • From US285/C470 to Lake City
  • 237 miles 5 hours
  • GPS
  • SH 149/CR 30
  • 38.0006 -107.2990

In General:ATVs Allowed - Check RegulationsHigh Clearance Required4wd vehicle with low range requiredCampgroundFishing Available

  • Length: 25 miles
  • Driving Time: min. 2 hours

This route is a relatively easy 4wd road; some portions are paved and large portions have a relatively smooth, wide, gravel surface. However, the moderately steep and rough approaches to the pass may challenge high clearance vehicles without lo range gearing.

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Engineer Pass Road

Relatively easy 4wd road. Scenic Byway

Looking east down the Hensen Creek valley from the Engineer Pass Rd on the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway, Colorado.
Looking down the Hensen Creek valley

How to get there:

Starts at SH 149 (Gunnison Ave) and 2nd St in Lake City.

  • From US285/C470 to Lake City
  • 237 miles 5 hours
  • GPS
  • SH 149/2nd St
  • 38.0274 -107.3167
  • GPS
  • ATV Staging Area
  • 38.0195 -107.3581

In General:ATVs Allowed - Check RegulationsHigh Clearance Required4wd vehicle with low range requiredCampgroundFishing Available

  • Length: 23 miles
  • Driving Time: min. 2 hours

This route is a relatively easy 4wd road; large portions have a relatively smooth, wide, gravel surface. However, the moderately steep and rough section west of the pass will challenge high clearance vehicles without lo range gearing.

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Animas Forks to Silverton

Easy gravel route. Scenic Byway

The Gold Prince Mill in Animas Forks, Colorado.
The Gold Prince Mill in Animas Forks

How to get there:

Starts in the ghost town of Animas Forks and ends at US550 in Silverton.

  • GPS
  • Intersection at mill
  • 37.9319 -107.5711

In General:CampgroundHistorical Site or Buildings

  • Length: 13 miles
  • Driving Time: min. 40 mins

This easy gravel route is not especially scenic, but does have a lot of mining history and remnants. It does connect to some interesting side roads.

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