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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.

Photo Ops:

Mile 2.7 – ATV Staging Area

Unlicensed vehicles are not allowed east of this point.

Mile 5.3 – Nellie Creek Rd ATVs Allowed - Check Regulations4wd vehicle with low range requiredCampgroundHikingScenic vistasHorseback Riding Available

Moderately steep and rough. Provides access to Uncompaghre Peak TH. Dispersed camping. Horseback riding in the Uncompahgre Wilderness.

Mile 11.1 – Whitmore Falls TH HikingWaterfallsScenic vistas

Short, steep trail to an overlook of the falls.

Mile 14.6 – Roses Cabin Rd Historical Site or BuildingsScenic vistas

Roses Cabin was an overnight stage stop and included a bar, restaurant, and 22 small rooms on the second floor.

Mile 18.4 – Engineer Pass Scenic vistas

12,800 ft Spectacular vistas in all directions!

Mile 18.8 – Oh! Point Rd Scenic vistas

Again, spectacular vistas!

Mile 20.7 – Engineer Pass Rd to Ouray 4wd vehicle with low range requiredScenic vistas

The Engineer Pass Rd to Ouray heads west. This is a difficult 4wd road. Lo range and experience required. Continue straight towards Animas Forks.

Mile 22.7 – Cinnamon Pass Rd ATVs Allowed - Check RegulationsHigh Clearance Required4wd vehicle with low range requiredCampgroundFishing AvailableHistorical Site or BuildingsScenic vistasFlowers

Bear east here to return to Lake City. May challenge vehicles without lo range gearing.

Mile 23.4 – Animas Forks Historical Site or BuildingsHistorical mining remnantsScenic vistas

The relatively well preserved Duncan/Walsh House and what is left of the Gold Prince Mill are the major structures remaining.

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