First Alpine Loop Trip

[GreyZ]

I grew up going out there most summers and there really isn't many places that can compare to that area. The alpine loop is a fantastic start, and the number of trails in that area is endless.

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[KABQ]

Headed up next week we plan on yankee boy basin. And maybe more ….. I don’t want to over do it with the wife!

Yankee Boy will be a great starter trail for her, and great photo op at the top.

 

[userdude]

I'll be in CO in early October for a conference.

Two questions about Alpine Loop, whoever knows the answers:

1. How long to expect? Is it a single day, two day, three day, to get a decent taste? Nothing too gnarly, will be by myself or with a passenger.
2. Is it generally passable or worth going in early October?

 

[ksdon]

The actual Loop can be done 3/4 of a day. Shorter if you don't take side trails longer if you stop at every pull over, ghost town etc... 1 day easily but carry lunch. October can be done depending on the year. You might get a dump of snow by then.

 

[jzweedyk]

Will be there in late August with my new Bronco. Been there before in Jeeps, looking forward to doing it in the Bronco.

 

[BroncoTrail]

Headed up next week we plan on yankee boy basin. And maybe more ….. I don’t want to over do it with the wife!

Just get her a barf bag and a blindfold and she'll be aight lol

EDIT: ok i could see how my comment could be taken the wrong way. i meant if she gets nervous on shelf roads or something like that

 

[Durangatan]

Typical AM visit from the neighbors on the Alpine Loop. I definitely look both ways before letting the dog out.

 

[Mishra42]

I'll be in CO in early October for a conference.

Two questions about Alpine Loop, whoever knows the answers:

1. How long to expect? Is it a single day, two day, three day, to get a decent taste? Nothing too gnarly, will be by myself or with a passenger.
2. Is it generally passable or worth going in early October?

I was in the area last year on September 15th and they already had snow. It wasn't super deep, but I was traveling alone and decided not to risk taking the loop. The trip to Ouray and Silverton is still worth it though, even if you don't hit the trails. The rockies are something else and you get to experience a huge variety of environments.

 

[userdude]

I was in the area last year on September 15th and they already had snow. It wasn't super deep, but I was traveling alone and decided not to risk taking the loop. The trip to Ouray and Silverton is still worth it though, even if you don't hit the trails. The rockies are something else and you get to experience a huge variety of environments.

That message was from last year. I went in early October and did the loop, Mineral Creek, and tried to go to Imogene and Yankee Boy Basin, but it literally started snowing the night before and it was too treacherous for me.

 

[Mishra42]

That message was from last year. I went in early October and did the loop, Mineral Creek, and tried to go to Imogene and Yankee Boy Basin, but it literally started snowing the night before and it was too treacherous for me.

ha ha see i should have looked at the original thread date! Well looks Like I probably made the right call. I'm going to hit it next time though!

 

[EasternSierra]

For those in the eastern U.S., your groundhog is just the eastern marmot.

 

[DefNotBuddyLee]

Nice! Headed that way in a few weeks with some buds. My first time trail riding in that area. Alpine Loop, Blackbear Pass, and Ophir are on the to-do list, but still finalizing what trails.
If OP or anyone has suggestions on trails or places in the area to visit, feel free to post up. I do have my lottery in for Casa Bonita tickets in Denver, and I will sacrifice an afternoon of trail riding for that experience!

 

[Ford Motor Company]

That message was from last year. I went in early October and did the loop, Mineral Creek, and tried to go to Imogene and Yankee Boy Basin, but it literally started snowing the night before and it was too treacherous for me.

Gorgeous shots, thanks for sharing!

 

[Fletch03]

For anyone that has done Engineer pass from Silverton. Is it easily doable in the dark? I have a badlands squatch. Planning on climbing Wetterhorn which is just past the pass, but will most likely drive the pass in the dark.

I am not the most experienced off roader, but did Cinnamon and Yankee Boy last summer and felt completely comfortable.

Would like to be at the trailhead at first light if possible.

Thanks for any information or advice!

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