Tucked deep in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway is more than just a dirt road—it’s a rugged passage through some of the most breathtaking alpine terrain in the United States. Spanning over 60 miles, this backcountry route connects the historic mining towns of Silverton, Ouray, and Lake City, winding through steep passes, river crossings, and remnants of Colorado’s gold rush past.
This loop isn’t for the casual driver. While portions of the route can be tackled by high-clearance vehicles, much of the trail requires a 4WD rig with solid off-road capability. The two highest points, Cinnamon Pass (12,640 feet) and Engineer Pass (12,800 feet), offer incredible panoramic views of jagged peaks, alpine lakes, and vast open valleys. The air gets thin at these elevations,…