Colorado Info For Alpine Loop

It wasn't too bad on Cinnamon but everything Silverton side was a SxS highway, we thought about going back over Engineer but the wife wanted dinner in Durango, so ended up at Hwy3! Probably next time we'll just camp and stay in the mountains.

 

Good choice at Hwy3, sorry you had to experience the first big weekend on the Silverton area passes.

 

All good, I've been going up there for 15 years so not my first time. I dont mind busy but just keeps getting busier and busier and the out of state season is longer....

 

@DFA1, did you map out your loop? How did it go? (a year ago, I know, just reading old threads, gaining knowledge)

 

if you guys have time after alpine, go check out Ophir pass. nothing crazy but driving along the super exposed shelf of scree on the ophir side is pretty heart pumping haha

 

Is there any good dispersed camping on Alpine loop? I've been staying around Durango and Ouray for the past few years but wanted to stay over by lake City. I'm looking to tent camp somewhere with my 8 year old son.

 

There's a few decent spots right at the start of Nellie Creek, as well as at the top near the trailhead (Which also has a conveyor toilet). There's also some spots at the matterhorn creek trailhead. Both of these are probably about as close to Lake City as you can camp along the alpine loop.

 

This is why I don't ride the Loop in the Summer. Pics taken by a neighbor this week. I was just in town to check on my house, town was pretty busy for not having the train running there.

 

Before the road splits to American Basin is some good camping, right about treeline. Theres a road that heads south to a private tree farm, we usually camp there.

 

might as well just pave it and put in a passing lane.

 

Is anything bad this year? I'm wanting to do mineral Creek from east to west this year. I heard it was much easier that way. I had to have a spotter last time I did it west to east on a few spots. Black bear is on the list since I haven't done it yet and I have to do Imogene again just cause it's super nice views.