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About

The Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway is a 65-mile network of historic mining roads connecting Lake City, Ouray, and Silverton through the San Juan Mountains at elevations above 12,000 feet, managed by the BLM Gunnison Field Office. The route crosses Engineer Pass (13,218 ft) and Cinnamon Pass (12,620 ft) on narrow, rocky mountain tracks with significant exposure. High-clearance 4WD is required at minimum; experience with mountain driving and a recovery kit are strongly recommended. Jeeps, 4x4 trucks, and side-by-sides are the predominant vehicles; ATVs are permitted on designated segments. No fee or permit is required; dispersed BLM camping is available at multiple pullouts along the route. One of the most celebrated 4WD destinations in the lower 48, drawing tens of thousands of vehicles each short summer season.

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Park details

Vehicle Types
ATV, SxS / UTV, 4x4 / Jeep, Truck
Access
Public land

Trails at this park

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Current conditions

80Go/ 100 conditions scoreBest day: Sat, Sep 26 (94)

High today

55°F

Wind

16 kt

Gusts 26 kt

Rain chance

30%

Week ahead

Tue55°F30%
Wed48°F59%
Thu51°F82%
Fri45°F68%
Sat59°F12%
Sun60°F20%
Mon55°F53%

Forecast from Open-Meteo global models (NOAA & ECMWF).

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