Alpine Loop, Ouray, CO
Posted by: 
94RedRover
N 38° 01.104 W 107° 39.982
13S E 265938 N 4211212
Too bad I'm afraid of heights. I didn't get the "Best Shots" cause I was too scared to let go!
Waymark Code: WM3AEH
Location: Colorado, United States
Date Posted: 03/05/2008
Views: 105
Just outside Ouray, Colorado, just a short, yet windy trek south on 550, is the entrance to the Alpine Loop series of trails. These old mining roads wind up through the Uncompahgre National Forest offering the most fantastic views...and challenging off roading. Make sure you have high ground clearance on you 4x4...some of the trails have large boulders to drive over...
There are ATV trails here as well, but we did not venture there, nor did I research where those trails were. We were there for a Land Rover Rally, we added rock sliders, gas tank guard, front skid plate and more...all to protect us from those boulders. And thank goodness!
The coordinates listed are for the trail head. There is a small parking area there perfect for airing down and airing back up. (it's right on the bend of the road, so watch your traffic when leaving)I answered below that there is parking available and trailer parking. Well, it's a small area. I did see one vehicle parked there, and the next day there was an empty trailer behind a pick-up...but there isn't room for many...
The trail shows some of it's nature right away...have fun! We continued on to the Engineer Pass in the Alpine Loop...and realized at 14,500 feet that the clutch was gone. Guess 6 miles of a 16% incline really took a toll on it! The road went up and up and up, with tight switchbacks and narrow trails.
Once you're in the Alpine Loop area, there are different trails to take, off from the major loop. Some go higher, some have steeper cliffs, some are less extreme, some you're gonna get some damage sometime.
Ouray is considered the "Jeeping Capital of the World" and with areas to ride like this, it's easy to see. You can rent a Jeep in town and go play, or even take a Tour...and sit back and take lots of pictures.
This would be the perfect start for many days journeys into the mountains.
Overall Trail Difficulty: Extreme 4x4 material!
Land Ownership: Public
Popularity: Crowded
Highest Altitude: 17,500
Parking availble?: Yes
Room for Trailers: Yes
Permit required to access area?: No
Camping sites nearby: Yes
Are OHVs permitted: Yes
Trail Length (approx): Not listed
Additional Trailhead: Not Listed
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Visit Instructions:
Before posting your log be sure that you have a picture of you, your group, or the wheelin rig on the trail. In your log please post a little bit about your experience on the trail(s). (Would you recommend this to others? Etc...) Optional: If you have a topo map to upload with your track log information that is always welcome!