Alpine Loop
Places to Visit

  • Animas Forks Townsite

    Animas Forks Townsite (CO)

    This townsite is known for a blizzard that dumped 25 feet of snow in 23 days.

    Distance from byway: On the byway
    Directions:

    CO
  • Capitol City

    Capitol City (CO)

    At one time, this town was predicted to be the capitol of Colorado, but today only a few structures remain from its heyday.

    Distance from byway: On the byway
    Directions:

    CO

  • Carson Townsite (CO)

    This is one of the better preserved mining towns and is located off of the byway.

    Distance from byway: On the byway
    Directions:

    CO
  • Christ of the Mines Shrine

    Christ of the Mines Shrine (CO)

    This shrine above the town of Silverton was built to ask God's blessing on the mining industry of the San Juans.

    Distance from byway: On the byway
    Directions:

    Silverton

  • Cinnamon Pass (CO)

    This is one of the highest passes in the San Juan Mountains and overlooks three of the "fourteeners" of the area.

    Distance from byway: On the byway
    Directions:

    CO
  • Engineer Pass

    Engineer Pass (CO)

    Views from this 12,800 ft. pass are spectacular, overlooking surrounding forests and peaks.

    Distance from byway: On the byway
    Directions:

    CO
  • Lake San Cristobal

    Lake San Cristobal (CO)

    The Slumgullion Earthflow created this lake, the second largest natural lake in Colorado.

    Distance from byway: On the byway
    Directions:

    CO
  • Ouray

    Ouray (CO)

    Known as the "Switzerland" of America, grand mountain vistas and a variety of wildlife are the highlights in this mountain community.

    Distance from byway: On the byway
    Directions:

    Ouray, CO

  • Rose's Cabin (CO)

    This cabin served as a stage stop when this road was used as a stagecoach route.

    Distance from byway: On the byway
    Directions:

    CO
  • Silverton

    Silverton (CO)

    This is a living mining town tucked away in a high mountain valley. This National Historic Landmark features the narrow gauge line that starts at Durango.

    Location:

    Silverton is near the junction of US 550 and CO 110, north of Durango and south of Ouray.