Alpine Loop Back Country Byway

Alpine Loop Back Country Byway
Route information
Maintained by CDOT
Length	63 mi[1][2] (101 km)
Existed	1989–present
Major junctions
West end	US 550 at Ouray or Silverton
East end	SH 149 Lake City
Location
Country	United States
State	Colorado
Counties	Hindale, Ouray, and San Juan
Highway system
Scenic Byways National National Forest BLM NPS Colorado State Highway System Interstate US State Scenic

The Alpine Loop Back Country Byway is a rugged 63-mile (101 km) Back Country Byway and Colorado Scenic and Historic Byway located in the high San Juan Mountains of Hindale, Ouray, and San Juan counties, Colorado, USA. The byway connects the mountain towns of Lake City, Ouray, and Silverton. The route ranges in elevation from (a mere) 7,792 feet (2,375 m) in Ouray to 12,800 feet (3,901 m) at Engineer Pass. The byway features high mountain passes, alpine tundra, beautiful mountain meadows, ghost towns, and relics of the silver mining era. While the meadows and tundra are accessible to ordinary passenger vehicles, a high-clearance 4-wheel drive vehicle is required to travel the entire route.

The Silverton Historic District and the Shenandoah-Dives (Mayflower) Mill are National Historic Landmarks. The Alpine Loop connects with the San Juan Skyway Scenic and Historic Byway at Ouray and Silverton.