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Alpine Loop

San Juan County, Colorado

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The Alpine Loop is a series of county roads over high mountain passes connecting the towns of Ouray, Lake City, Silverton, and Telluride. This area is rich in mining history and has a large number of Colorado�s famous 14,000 foot peaks nearby. Many of the roads can be driven in a stock SUV.

Popular Trails in This Area

Engineer Pass (CR20, FR878)**
Cinammon Pass (CR30)
California Gulch
Picayune Gulch
Poughkeepsie Gulch (FR876)
Corkscrew Gulch (FR886)
Minnie Gulch
Maggie Gulch
American Basin
Stony Pass
Wager Gulch (Trail 821)
Ophir Pass
Black Bear Pass (FR829)**
Imogene Pass
Yankee Boy Basin

Detailed Description

Pin Point is for CO-110 as it heads out of Silverton

Adopted Trails

FR829 Adopted by Creeper Jeepers

http://www.creeperjeepers.org/

FR878, FR876, FR886, Adopted by Western Slope 4 Wheelers

http://www.ws4w.com/

Engineer Pass connects Ouray and Lake City

Cinammon Pass connects Lake City and Animas Forks/Silverton

Black Bear and Imogene Pass connect to Telluride from either Ouray or Silverton

Unlicensed OHV's are allowed on the County Roads that comprise the Alpine Loop. However, there are a few distinct regulations in place.

1) Valid State-Issued Drivers License for operators.

2) Liability Insurance

3) The Alpine Loop cannot be completed through Lake City on unlicensed OHV's. The connection requires travel on CO HWY149, so only licensed dirt bikes and full-size vehicles can complete the loop. There is a shuttle service that can be utilized for a fee.

How To Get There

From Durango:

Travel North on Highway 550 to Silverton.

At Silverton, turn right onto State Highway 110 towards Eureka.

There is a large staging area once you cross the river at Eureka.

From Montrose:

Travel South on Highway 550 through Ouray to Silverton.

At Silverton, turn left onto State Highway 110 towards Eureka.

There is a large staging area once you cross the river at Eureka.

Trail System Photos

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Trailhead leaving off the west side of Hwy 550 at Red Mountain Pass

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Trail System Information

Location:

N37 52.844 W107 33.990

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Location is:

Staging Area Near Trails

Nearest City:

Silverton

Difficulty:

Distance:

Time:

Elevation:

to feet

Best For:

4WD

UTV/SxS

ATV

Motorcycle

Note that not all of the trails in an area will be open to all vehicle types. Follow the Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM)s and signage for the area and ride only on trails open to and wider than your OHV.

More Info:

San Juan Public Lands Center, (970) 247-4874

Trail System Maps and GPS Files

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BLM_Gunnison-SanJuanFO_AlpineLoop_v2.jpg

JPEG Image (1479.6." KB)

Know Before You Go

Maps and data files are from a variety of sources. Trail and area conditions vary widely and many trails and areas may have changed significantly since the map or data file was created. Use your discretion and check with the local land management agency before riding or driving on public lands. Ride and drive at your own risk. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE!
Not all routes are open to all vehicles. Follow the Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs) and signage for the area and ride only on trails open to and wider than your OHV. Almost all trails in Colorado are subject to seasonal restrictions and closures. Visit the road and trail closure info page for more information. Call the responsible agency before making plans to ride in an area.
All vehicles operated on designated OHV routes in Colorado must have a registration or permit issued by Colorado State Parks including those of non-residents. For more information, visit the State Parks OHV Program Page.
Some vehicles such as ATVs and side-by-sides are never street legal in Colorado even if licensed and plated in their home state. These vehicles must have a valid Colorado OHV registration or permit to be used on trails on public lands in Colorado.
This symbol indicates areas where most routes are open only to licensed, street-legal vehicles. Please refer to the MVUM for designated ATV and dirt bike routes.