The Alpine Loop is a 63-mile backcountry trail that is an easy gravel road for much of the drive with two steep and rugged mountain passes at the west end of the loop near the Animas Forks ghost town. The scenery, especially from the Engineer Pass section, is drop-dead gorgeous. There are historical mining areas along the route, a few rugged side roads, waterfalls, hiking and camping opportunities, and some of the best wildflower displays anywhere. Several fourteeners (peaks over 14,000 feet) can also be seen along the route. Two peaks, Handies and Redcloud can be climbed without technical knowledge, but preparation would still be important.
The Loop is anchored on the east by Lake City, accessible by CO Hiway 149. The small town sits at 8,671 feet, and is surrounded by stunning mountain vistas, forests, and clear lakes. Lake City has preserved much of its historic character, with several buildings dating back to the 19th century, when it was a mining town. Motels, cabins, and campgrounds accommodate seasonal visitors. Local shops, galleries, and restaurants reflect the town’s unique character and culture.
On the west, sits the old mining town of Animas Forks. Named after the nearby Animas River, which flows through the area, it was founded in 1873 during the Colorado silver rush as a mining camp. At its height, Animas Forks had around 500 residents and was a bustling mining hub, but it was largely abandoned by the early 1900s. Today, you can view the old Frisco Mill about a mile out of town. If you stop to visit, be careful as it is mostly ruins. There are other remnants of the mining industry, and several preserved buildings that you can inspect.
We have navigated the Alpine Loop twice, both times based in Ouray. Getting to Animas Forks from Ouray involved a short drive south on CO Hiway 550 then 4-wheelin’ over Corkscrew Gulch and then California Gulch. Including numerous stops just to get out of the Jeep to let your jaw drop, Animas Forks is easily 1½ – 2 hours from Ouray. The Alpine Loop (many more stops) is easily 4 – 5 hours, probably longer.
Our first experience started early in the morning, and we were hard-pressed to get back to Ouray before it started getting dark. On our second trip, we booked a room in Lake City (in addition to keeping our room in Ouray). We were not nearly as pressed for time, but we stopped more, too. Having two days for the loop trip was more relaxing. In addition, we returned to Ouray via Silverton, just to take a different route.
Map of the Ouray-based trails.
