scenic byway scenic byway

Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway Map

, Colorado, The CVD
 

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
Lake San Cristobal, alpine loop, Lake City, 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.

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Places to Stay & Fun things to Do

4J+1+1 RV Park & Campground photos on advertiser page
Foot bridge to huge public hot mineral springs pool. OVER 50 YEARS! Make our full-service campground along the Uncompahgre River your home base for the Ouray area. Walk to everything in town.
Argenta Falls Vacation Home- A River Runs Through It new listing with The Colorado Vacation Directory
Unique Mountain Rental 2-miles from Lake City on 11-acres enjoy both sides of the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River including Argenta Falls. 2-story Cabin with glassed-in porch. Fish off the porch!
Castle Lakes Campground & Cabins photos on advertiser 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.
Elkhorn RV Campground and Cabins photos on advertiser page mutual link button on advertiser page
NEW camper cabins: microwave, fridge, TV. RV super-sites. Grassy tent sites. Quiet setting in Lake City, walk to restaurants & shops. Near the Alpine Loop Back Country Scenic Byway. Hot showers, laundry.
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.
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.
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.
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 and fully equipped cabins at the south end of Lake City. Rent NEW jeeps on-site for scenic drives. FREE WI-FI.
Silver Summit RV Park & Jeep Rentals photos on advertiser page mutual link button on advertiser page
Outstanding views. In historic Silverton at base of Kendall Mountain. Newest and highest rated RV Park with Hot Tub. FREE WI-FI. Rent a Jeep here and explore the Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway.
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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More Activities & Information

Lake City - includes Powderhorn
Silverton
Creede
Ouray - includes Ridgway

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Copyright by The Colorado Directory, Inc. This is a directory only; it is not and does not contain a recommendation,warranty, guaranty, inducement or endorsement of any kind. Representations herein were supplied by the individual businesses. The publisher, The Colorado Directory, Inc., does not assume any responsibility for truth, falsity or completeness of any representation made herein or any errors, changes, services rendered, or changes made in the use of this directory. This information was compiled as accurately as possible. Prices and services are frequently subject to change. Errors called to the publisher's attention will be corrected in the future. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, without permission in writing from the publisher.