Silverton Colorado Alpine Loop

[ISB RAMBO]

I'm planning a trip out west with one of the stops being Silverton, Co. One of the scenic byways is the 63 mile Alpine route that requires 4WD. Just wondering if anyoune has already travelled it. I understand that in Silverton, they rent jeeps for the local 4WD trails. My question is, will I have a problem with my truck following this route? The last thing I want is any rock/tree damage - if so it would be worth while renting a jeep. Thanks

Stan

 

[klenger]

I've never jeeped the specific trails you mentioned, but my experience from the limited off-road stuff I did in Colorado, is that our trucks would be useless on the jeep trails. Way to big and turning radius to large. I can't even make a u-turn in the city streets with mine.

 

[Hale on wheels]

I have been on that loop... Cinnamon Pass you might be able to make, but Engineer's pass has some very sharp switchbacks that I believe our trucks are way too long to be able to turn around in the small space provided. I did rent a jeep in Silverton and I recommend you do the same. I had to do a 3 point turn in the jeep on at least one occasion... that would equate to about a 12 point turn in my truck! The trails were very narrow in some spots as well. That was probably the most fun I have ever had in Colorado. We went and bought my wife a Grand Cherokee and are going to try to go up there next summer and do some more trails. Have fun.

 

[ISB RAMBO]

Great - thanks for the info guys! I have a picture of Engineer Pass and it looks pretty rough to traverse with the big rig. On the web, one place in Silverton that rents jeeps has a $15 off coupon. I'll make a reservation before we get there. Looks like it will be a fun 63 miles with the old ghost towns and abandoned mines. Thanks again

Stan

 

[Boomer II]

The train trip to Durango is pretty neat too.

 

[Utah Willie]

Silverton Coloradoa Alpine Loop

Oo. Now... . If you want another fun ride... try Black Bear Pass from the Silverton/Ouray highway to Telluride. Do it on a dry day, however!:--)

 

[ISB RAMBO]

Sounds like there are many interesting 'day'trips. I certainly appreciate any suggestions - we have unlimited time to visit the Silverton area. I have been checking the daily weather forecast in that area for some time now. This time of year, the highs are in the 60's or 70's with the lows in the 30's or 40's. With my luck it will snow in August.
Thanks again

Stan

 

[RDusch]

Stan ,



I made it all the way thru the alpine loop plus a few other passes

traveled the whole thing in my 93 with camper on the back in the middle of October, here is a picture from the top leaving engineer pass ... ... ..... 13,800 ft



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try to hit Silverton, Ouray, and Lake City, you'll have a blast, some of the switch backs do require a couple 3 pointers.



Rick