Alpine Loop?

I have been recalled to Fort Carson next month, and I want to run the Alpine Loop on my way up.

I am coming from Arizona and plan on starting in Silverton, head to Lake City and then leave the loop through Ouray and camp for the night.

From Silverton I was planning on taking CR 2 to CR 5 to Cinnamon Pass and then on CR 30 to Lake City.

From Lake City take CR 20 to Engineer Pass, then head South on CR 10 to California Pass and Hurricane Pass, then take CR 11/20A back to HWY 550.

I plan to disperse camp somewhere near Ouray and the next day I will head east towards Colorado Springs, and Fort Carson.

Does anyone have any suggestions, pointers or advice for my trip?
Excluding any site seeing stops along the Alpine Loop, how long should I plan for driving?
Any help would be greatly appreciated, thank you.

My rig:
1998 Tacoma

 

Did it Sunday (yesterday), pretty much the same loop + corkscrew. Nothing really to report, truck will do just fine. It took me longer than expected, i was on engineer for a solid 4 hours, then almost 4 more for animas/corkscrew/hurricane/California. Heading back on cinanamon I hustled a bit more and way have been out there for 3ish hours? Hard to say as there’s a bunch to look at and poke around

really beautiful area, you’re going to have a blast

 

I would split it and go from Silverton to Lake City coming out and Lake City to Ouray going back. Otherwise you are back tracking.

Also, if you go your posted route, check the status of the only bridge (Hwy 50) to get to Gunnison (my alternate also avoids this issue). I think they have a temporary fix now but make sure. Huge reroute otherwise.

https://www.trailsoffroad.com/regions/alpine-loop-backcountry-byway

 

It is a wonderful drive. I am from Florida, so my awe is probably more than most.
Engineers Pass is amazing. Plus you get to experience the only Tundra in the 48. One of the best camping trips ever.

 

Thank you

 

Thank you, I saw the bridge alert, looks like a slight detour will be needed.

 

Shoot me what dates you'll be heading up. I can see if I can meet you down there and we can do a loop. I have done a few trails down there and know a few ways to connect back up north.

 

I am leaving Arizona on the 10th of August, I don't have to report to Carson until the morning of the 12th.

PMed

 

How much time should I give myself? I see everything from four hours to eight hours to complete. I have no issue with camping along the loop, just trying to make a plan. Thank you.

 

It would probably be best aiming for 6-7 hours depending on stops. It's easy to cruise through and not stop and get to that shorter 5 hour time line. But realistically it's much nicer to stop check out some of the old mines and history. I would plan on starting mid day, camping a night and getting off the next morning/ early afternoon.

 

Something you might be interested in?

 

I would but I have only have the 9th and 10th now, I fly out early on the 11th so I couldn't make it down and back in time. Next time!