Driving the Alpine Loop of Colorado is truly a backcountry experience
Usa, north-america
101 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Get ready for an epic Colorado adventure on the Alpine Loop, a wild ride through the heart of the San Juan Mountains! This 63-mile backcountry scenic byway snakes its way through San Juan, Hinsdale, and Ouray counties, connecting the charming towns of Lake City, Ouray, and Silverton.
Originally Native American trails, these paths were transformed into mining routes back in the 1800s. Now, they're your gateway to some of the most breathtaking views in the state.
Heads up: you'll need a high-clearance, 4-wheel-drive vehicle with a short wheelbase to tackle the two 12,000-foot passes – Engineer Pass and Cinnamon Pass. Passenger cars, RVs, and trailers? Not recommended. The loop usually opens from late May/early June to late October, snow permitting.
Budget about 4-6 hours for the drive (without stops, but who can resist?). You'll be navigating narrow sections, hairpin turns, rocky terrain, and some serious drop-offs. Remember, uphill traffic has the right-of-way, and blind curves demand your full attention.
But the scenery? Absolutely worth it! Picture yourself surrounded by sweeping mountain views, exploring abandoned mining towns (seven ghost towns!), and snapping unbelievable photos. Hike or bike the trails, find your perfect campsite, and soak up the solitude. Just be sure to fill up your gas tank and pack extra food and water. This is one adventure you won't forget!
Where is it?
Driving the Alpine Loop of Colorado is truly a backcountry experience is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 41.7492, -99.9550
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 101 km
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 41.7492, -99.9550
Related Roads in north-america
easyWhy is it called Mirror Lake Highway?
🇺🇸 Usa
Mirror Lake Highway is a very scenic mountain road running from Kamas (in Utah) to Evanston (in Wyoming). It’s a favorite destination for locals and tourists alike. Why is it called Mirror Lake Highway? It is named for Mirror Lake, a picturesque lake that the highway passes along the way. How long is the Mirror Lake Highway? Mirror Lake Highway, also known as State Route 150, is totally paved. It’s 124.24km (77.2 miles) long, heading east from Kamas (in southwestern Summit County) to Evanston (the county seat of Uinta County). It was built in 1933. The drive, also known as Mirror Lake Highway scenic drive, is around 56 miles in northern Utah and around 18 miles in southwestern Wyoming. Is the Mirror Lake Highway closed? Running through the western portion of the Uinta Mountains, the road tops out at 3.272m (10,734ft) above sea level at is said to be Utah's highest paved road. The road is usually open from Memorial Day weekend to early November, depending on the weather. The highway is closed from the Soapstone Campground, 15 miles past Kamas, to the East Fork Campground, 33 miles from Evanston, Wyoming. Is Mirror Lake Highway worth the drive? Tucked away within the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, it is one of the most popular mountainous driving routes in both states. Plan 2 hours to complete the drive without any stop. Make sure you leave enough time to make plenty of stops along the way because the road winds through farm and ranch lands and rises to heavily forested, mountain terrain, accented by meadows and rugged peaks. There are numerous access points into the High Uinta Wilderness along this byway. A drive to the top of Henness Pass in California How to get by car to Carson ghost town in Colorado? Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
hardHow long is the road to Mount Lewis?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: Mount Lewis in Nevada, a hidden gem in the Shoshone Mountains! We're talking about a 11.7-mile climb that takes you to a whopping 9,622 feet above sea level. The road really puts your vehicle to the test, gaining 4,744 feet in elevation -- hold on tight for a consistently steep ride. Now, heads up: this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road's unpaved, so expect a rugged, gravelly, and sometimes bumpy surface. And those drop-offs? Seriously, they're not for the faint of heart. A 4x4 is pretty much a must to tackle this adventure. Give your brakes and tires a good check before you even think about starting up. When's the best time to go? Spring, summer, and fall are your golden windows. Northern Nevada gets serious snowfall, so winter is generally a no-go. But let's talk about the payoff: the views. From the top, you'll be treated to incredible panoramas of Battle Mountain, Crescent Valley, and distant mountain ranges. There's also a cool FAA radar station near the summit. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife like bighorn sheep and mule deer, and remnants of old mining operations along the way. Before you head out, remember you need to be completely self-sufficient. Bring a spare tire and the tools to change it, plus old-school maps as backups to your GPS. Pack extra food and water, and always let someone know your route and return time. Ready to explore?
easyMagnetic Hill in Moncton: Canada’s Classic Gravity Illusion
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, buckle up, road trippers, because Magnetic Hill in Moncton, New Brunswick, is a total mind-bender! People come from all over the globe to witness this gravity-defying phenomenon, and trust me, it’s worth the hype. You'll find this iconic spot just outside Moncton on Magnetic Hill Road. The landscape? Think gentle slopes, rolling hills, and just enough trees to mess with your perception of reality. Here's the deal: it’s an optical illusion. The road actually slopes *downhill*, but the surrounding terrain plays tricks on your eyes, making it look like you’re going *up*. Put your car in neutral, and prepare to be amazed as you seemingly roll uphill! The paved section, aka Magic Mountain Road, is only about a kilometer long. It's super smooth and well-kept, perfect for experiencing this weird and wonderful effect. Absolutely! Magnetic Hill is a full-blown tourist attraction. Think viewing spots, signs explaining the science (or lack thereof!), and even a zoo and amusement park nearby. It’s perfect for families, road trip enthusiasts, and anyone who loves a good head-scratcher. This place is legendary and has been featured in tons of travel shows and commercials. It’s the OG gravity hill, the one that sets the standard for all others.
hardKPQ-FM Wenatchee Radio Broadcaster
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're in Chelan County, Washington, and craving a serious off-road adventure, I've got the perfect climb for you. We're talking about the route up to the KPQ-FM Wenatchee radio broadcaster, perched way up high at 6,827 feet! This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. Located above the Mission Ridge Ski Resort, this road is a proper gravel track – rocky, bumpy, and definitely tippy in spots. It's basically a chairlift access trail, so you know it's going to be gnarly. A 4x4 is essential, and be prepared for some seriously steep sections. If unpaved mountain roads aren't your thing, maybe sit this one out. Rain turns this track into a muddy mess, making things even more challenging. The road's typically closed from October to June, depending on the snow. At the top, you'll find a communication tower and bragging rights for conquering one of Washington's highest mountain roads. The views from up there are stunning, if you can stomach the drive!