Alpine Loop National Back Country Byway

View historic structures at Animas Forks ghost town along the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway.

Fish in the streams and rivers that flow near the Bureau of Land Management's Alpine Loop Scenic Byway.

The Alpine Loop Scenic Byway rises above historic Sherman township in Colorado.

Tucked in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado is the scenic Alpine Loop National Back Country Byway. This gravel and dirt road traverses 65 miles of beautiful country between Lake City and Silverton.

Visitors take in abundant wildflowers and wildlife and pass by old mines and ghost towns. In addition to outstanding scenery, there is great fishing for rainbow, brook and cutthroat trout in rivers, streams and lakes. Hikers enjoy the many trails accessible from the byway.

About two-thirds of the route can be traversed by a passenger car, but a four-wheel-drive vehicle is needed to explore the higher areas and complete the loop over Engineer Pass (12,800 feet) and Cinnamon Pass (12,600 feet).

During winter, snowmobilers and cross-country skiers enjoy 80 miles of groomed trails near Lake City.