Is Alpine Loop (Engineer + Cinnamon Pass) open year-round?

Season: Late Jun-Sep. Always verify current trail status with the managing agency before traveling.

What vehicles are allowed?

Allowed vehicle types: Jeep, UTV, Side-by-side. Always confirm street-legal and OHV-registration requirements for your state.

BLM · Bureau of Land ManagementIntermediate (3/5)

Alpine Loop (Engineer + Cinnamon Pass)

Silverton, CO

Length

63 mi

Season

Late Jun-Sep

Day-use fee

Free

Permit

Not required

Trail difficulty

Intermediate · 3/5

Rated on PickRV's editorial 1 (novice) to 5 (extreme) scale.

Vehicle types allowed

JeepUTVSide-by-side

Permit and access

No specific OHV permit

Designated BLM Backcountry Byway; OHV-registered SxS allowed.

Known hazards

Altitude 12,800 ft (AMS risk)
Sudden afternoon storms
Loose shale on Engineer descent

Editorial tip

Start before 8 AM to beat afternoon thunderstorms above treeline. Carry warm layers — temps swing 40°F between Lake City and the passes.

— PickRV editorial team

Official managing-agency source

Trail conditions, permit rates, and seasonal closures change. Always verify the current state of this trail with the managing agency before you ride.

Bureau of Land Management page

https://www.blm.gov/office/gunnison-field-office

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Imogene Pass

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Plan the trip

Need a rig for this trail?

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Questions about Alpine Loop (Engineer + Cinnamon Pass)

Is Alpine Loop (Engineer + Cinnamon Pass) open year-round?: Season: Late Jun-Sep. Always verify current trail status with the managing agency before traveling.
Do I need a permit to ride Alpine Loop (Engineer + Cinnamon Pass)?: No specific OHV permit is required, though Designated BLM Backcountry Byway; OHV-registered SxS allowed. Standard rules of the managing agency still apply.
What vehicles are allowed?: Allowed vehicle types: Jeep, UTV, Side-by-side. Always confirm street-legal and OHV-registration requirements for your state.

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Colorado rules · last verified 2026-05-10

Rental tax: 7.60%
Min driver age: 21+ std · 25+ Class A
Gravel roads: Varies by rig — verify with vendor
Generator quiet: 22:00-07:00