Alpine Loop (SW Colorado): July 4th Weekend

Awesome, thanks for sharing pics! I can never get enough pics of the loop.

 

Any can't miss destinations you recommend?

 

In my limited experience: Engineer Pass, if only for the views. Also, I will never shake the memory of coming down Hurricane Pass and seeing Lake Como surrounded by lush grass and low-lying clouds. Incredible.



I also enjoyed wandering around Ute Ulay Mine (just west of Lake City: http://www.blm.gov/style/medialib/b...s.Par.72370.File.dat/Alpine Loop Brochure.pdf).

I recommend checking out this thread from last year for more variety: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/alpine-loop-and-ouray-area-7-22-7-26-15.384583/

 

The road/trail to lake como looks fairly easy in the photo posted... is it a gnarly 4x4 trail to get out there?

 

Not even a little bit. In Silverton follow the main road until you hit Animas Forks. From there keep going straight towards California Gulch. The biggest obstacle is the crowds.

 

Thanks again @buffedout had a great trip. What did you think of that cabin with wire bridge on Engineer pass?

 

That cabin blew my mind when i did the loop last year, i wish it could be rented out ha

 

They have built a huge rock foundation for a sign so maybe it will be rentable soon?

Ok, looks like sign was knocked off from google pics I see

Oh found this Engineer Pass, Thoreau Cabin

http://lakecitycoloradorealestate.com/15001-County-Road-20-a153865.html

https://jamesrayspahn.wordpress.com/2011/08/02/august-2011-featured-project/

 

That cabin is rent able, https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/11391254?s=6Ts4kfnd pretty damn pricey for a cabin in the mountains.

 

Picnic tables come at a premium.

 

Meant to post this for some time. The rock drill that we encountered was built by a company located 5 hours northeast of the loop (by car) in Denver.



I pass this every weekday during my commute.