Alpine Loop

Byway Details

Designation

BLM Back Country Byway

Length

67 mi in Colorado

Managed by

Bureau of Land Management

About Alpine Loop

The Alpine Loop is a 67-mile Back Country Byway on Bureau of Land Management land in Colorado, linking the towns of Silverton and Lake City. Along with its federal byway status, the route also carries designation as a Colorado State Scenic Byway, so it's recognized at both the national and state level as a drive worth making. With Silverton and Lake City on the route, either town works as a starting point, and the drive can be planned as a connection between the two. At 67 miles, the loop is long enough to fill a day of driving with stops. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. At a nearby weather station in Ouray, typical July highs average about 79°F with lows around 53°F, and no snow days are typical from June through September. August brings the most wet days of the year. Plenty of other recreation sits right along the route. Half Peak and Sunshine Peak offer hiking, Eureka Campground and Store provides a place to stay, and the Animas River is an option for paddling.