The Alpine Loop Mountain Bike Ride is an awesome trip, long, intense, but incredibly scenic. The ridge between Engineer Pass (12,780 ft.) and Cinnamon Pass (12,620 ft.) is worth the entire trip.The route between the passes follows an exposed ridge above tree line with views in all directions for miles. The route passes old mining ruins and ghost towns like Capitol homestead. Mill Creek and Henson Creeks are lovely drainages. The route looks down into Silverton and Ouray and the 14'ers in the area, Redcloud, Sunshine, Handies, Uncompahgre, and the Wetterhorn, are all visible.
The route is mainly on well maintained 4WD roads that are well signed. There are even several bathrooms placed along the way. Take plenty of water, food and rain gear since it's very exposed on top. The Alpine Loop was one of BLM's first Scenic Byways. Outside magazine listed the Alpine Loop as one of the 10 best rides in the country.
Getting There: The starting location is typically in Lake City, Colorado. There are a number of motels and RV camprounds in Lake City.
Distance: 52 Miles, 5,630 ft. Elevation Gain, Mostly on 4WD roads at high elevations (>12,000 ft.), some steep climbs.