Alpine Loop

Overview

Leaving both the pavement and people behind, as you cross the rugged heart of the San Juan Mountains. This drive follows a surreal landscape of treeless tundra, wildflower meadows and the San Juan Mountains, passing over mining roads established in the late 1800s. These rocky roads were first used by 19th-century miners, who carted their ore off to Silverton, Ouray, and Lake City in mule-drawn wagons.