scenic byway scenic byway

Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway

Alpine Loop Scenic Byway, Colorado, The CVD Map Symbols, The CVD Not all towns appear on map. The publisher does not assume any responsibility for accuracy or completeness of maps. This information was compiled as accurately as possible.

Volcanic activity filled the south west region of Colorado before humans walked the planet. These volcanoes filled the area with rich deposits of gold, silver, zinc and other precious materials. In the late 1800s, miners came west to strike it rich from the remnants of the volcanoes. Many of the towns boomed when the railroad brought mobility. However, the towns along the Alpine Loop byway were too high in the mountains to get railroad access. Now, though, the only the skeletons of these mining towns remain. Destroyed by floods, harsh winters, or being mined dry, the towns did not endure, but the scenery still survives. The Alpine Loop covers 65 miles of roads between the towns of Lake City, Ouray, and Silverton. Depending on winter snows, the Loop opens in late May or early June and closes in late October. Give 1-2 days to cover all the byway has to offer.

alpine loop backcountry scenic byway, Colorado, The CVD

Be sure to travel either Cinnamon Pass or Engineer Pass. Each pass rises to over 12,000'. From Cinnamon pass, one can view Handies, Redcloud, and Sunshine Peaks, each over 14,000'. On Engineer Pass, Mt. Sneffels at 14,150' and Uncompahgre Peak at 14,309' can be seen. However, to traverse these parts, you will need a 4-wheel drive, high clearance vehicle such as a Jeep or ATV. If you don't have such a vehicle, you can rent one in the surrounding communities, or go on a 4-wheel drive tour that allows you to sit back and enjoy the scenery.

Places to Stay and Fun Things to Do

4J+1+1 RV Park & Campground photos on advertiser page
OVER 50 YEARS! Make our full-service campground along the Uncompahgre River your home base for the Ouray area. Walk to everything in town. Foot bridge to huge public hot mineral springs pool.
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Castle Lakes Campground & Cabins photos on advertiser page location map sub-page available on business page mutual link button on advertiser page
Overlooking private lakes in a shaded mountain setting: Full RV hookups, tent sites and 1 & 2-bedroom cabins. On Cinnamon Pass Road the staring point for the Alpine Backcountry Byway south of Lake City.
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Elkhorn RV Campround and Cabins photos on advertiser page mutual link button on advertiser page
Quiet setting in Lake City, walk to restaurants & shops. NEW camper cabins: microwave, fridge & TV. RV super-sites. Grassy tent sites. Hot showers, laundry. Near the Alpine Loop Back Country Scenic Byway.
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G & M Cabins email link button on advertiser page photos on advertiser page rates sub-page link on advertiser page
Fully equipped cabins with kitchens in Lake City. Walk to shops and restaurants. Drive historic Alpine Loop Scenic Byway and visit ghost towns "on top of the world." Outdoor activities are boundless.
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Hard Tack Mine Tours & Museum mutual link button on advertiser page
Lake City's only underground gift shop, museum & mine tour. Our guided tour takes you back 100 years. See how miners lived and experience the bygone age of hard rock mining. Try your luck at gold panning.
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Lakeview Cabins, Condos & Vacation Homes email link button on advertiser page photos on advertiser page mutual link button on advertiser page
We have vacation rentals of all kinds -- cabins, condos, and vacation homes! Some on Lake San Cristobal, Colorado's 2nd largest natural lake, but we also have secluded and river properties.
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Ouray Chamber Resort Visitors Center photos on advertiser page
Escape to Ouray! Enjoy the Victorian architecture. Discover our incredible Native American & mining history. Meet the friendly people. Relax in our naturally heated mineral springs. Explore our mountains.
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Pleasant View Resort & Rocky Mountain Jeep Rentals email link button on advertiser page photos on advertiser page mutual link button on advertiser page
Waiting for your adventure-a QUIET destination high in the San Juan Mountains. Modern & fully equipped cabins at the south end of Lake City. Rent NEW jeeps on-site for scenic drives. FREE Wi-Fi.
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RIGS Fly Shop & Guide Service: Fly-Fishing & Whitewater Rafting photos on advertiser page vacation specials & packages mutual link button on advertiser page
Quality guided fly-fishing & whitewater rafting adventures start in Ridgway convenient to Telluride, Montrose and Ouray. 40+ years combined guiding & outfitting experience - we know the Rivers!
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Sportsman Outdoors & Fly Shop, The email link button on advertiser page photos on advertiser page mutual link button on advertiser page
In Lake City, at the same location for 50+ years. A full service outdoor & gift store specializing in hiking tours, fishing guide services, Jeep tours, snowshoeing packages, equipment rentals, and Trail Maps.
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Switzerland of America Inc. photos on advertiser page mutual link button on advertiser page
Specializing in Ouray, Colorado since 1969, offering Jeep rentals & scenic tours, PLUS hot air balloon rides, whitewater rafting, fly-fishing, horseback riding, and more! For the personal touch - give us a try!
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Woodlake Park Campground & Cabins mutual link button on advertiser page
2-1/2 miles south of Lake City on Silver Thread Scenic Byway, near Alpine Loop Scenic Byway. Big uncrowded pull-thru full hookups. Tenters A-OK. 4 Cabins, a Vacation Home & an apartment. Pavilion.
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More Activities & Information

Lake City/Creede/South Fork Local Area Map

Alpine Scenic LoopCache La Poudre Scenic DriveColorado River HeadwatersCollegiate Peaks BywayDinosaur DiamondFlat Tops TrailFrontier PathwayGoldbelt TourGrand Mesa Scenic BywayGuanella PassHighway of LegendsLariat LoopLos Caminos Antiguos

Mount EvansPawnee Pioneer TrailPeak to Peak HighwayPikes Peak Road
San Juan SkywaySanta Fe TrailSilver Thread Scenic BywaySouth Platte River TrailTop of the RockiesTrail of the AncientsTrail Ridge RoadUnaweep/Tabeguache Scenic DriveWest Elk Scenic Loop
 

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