My daughter and I took a trip to CO in July/August of '21 for her high school graduation. We have a 2000 4Runner that has been in our family since new and I wanted to put it to the test. We did Engineer Pass and Imogene and planned on doing as much of the loop as possible, but the rain set in and just wouldn't stop, so we cut the camping/wheeling trip short and headed up to Denver/Boulder area to look around. We had a great time, but I've wanted to get back and hit a few more trails. I've been all over the world and that area of the San Juan mountains is one of the most beautiful places on earth! Thanks for the memories!
We just did the alpine loop (without mineral creek) on a four wheeler this year and on the way hiked up to the top of Uncompahgre peak! The whole area is just spectacular. I will definitely be back for Handies peak, sunshine, Redcloud peak, and many others. The alpine loop area is incredible.
This video was attached to my own as a "recommended" video... and WOW! Our experience was so similar that I couldn't help but watch it all the way through. What a great trail this is, right? But what I found most interesting was that we had the same experience, but saw it just slightly different. I invite you to watch my video on the Alpine Loop... I won't even try to share the link here because I'm not trying to just flake off of your audience... I want you to find it (easy to find) and give me an honest review. Privately if need be... but your video spoke to me. The Alpine Loop was something very special to me... Can't explain in words... what an amazing trip. I LOVE your version of it. (obviously, you went there MUCH closer to winter than we did... but, MAN... What an amazing trip!) Much love and cheers!
watching this for the 2nd time... I'm planning a trip out there at the end of the month. And I just noticed your little string you have tied from your roof rack to your CB antenna. What a great idea!!! I need to do this asap
Love Colorado!!! Mineral Pass is Mega rough, we have be going since the early 80's You name it we road it. My 1st gopro was in 2012 a GoPro 2 still got it. Love the trails Cant believe that LIL SUV tried (lol) . Engineers always worth it. Trails were a loy skinner than now. Nice narrating "Thanx Fer Sharin"
Stoney pass a lot of our people has taken a truck over the passes. Just be ready for a few switchbacks. Stoney pass is a easy one timberhill is rough. Cinnamon pass is a 4. Engineers is a 6. Poughkeepsie is a 9 it also has the wall, 10. Picyane is a blast(must do) just a few switchbacks and ruts and kinda steep in a few places. There's a lot more that I have on video. California pass also a 5
I love the snow banks! Ouray has a winter weather advisory right now so it was good that you did this in late spring or early summer. We’re experiencing way too many visitors. Had to wait for an 18 jeep tour as we ascended Maggie Gulch. The best part of the Alpine Loop is ice cream in Lake City. But $9 for a double scoop! Glad you enjoyed the trail!😀👍
Love Ouray! Yes, it’s becoming too popular for sure. We like Chocolate Mouse 🐁 for our ice cream. Our daughter lives in Durango, so we love that entire area. Snuggle in and enjoy the winter. Stay warm. ❄️
That was a great recap of Alpine Loop. i have shared snippets of our trail runs, but I am going to share this on my Facebook Page. Thanks!! I saw you filming and was wondering when we would see it.
I have a Tacoma mostly stock, some good off-road tires, is there any leg of the trails I could take without getting stuck. I don’t want to climb over rock ledge or boulders.
@@65895555 It depends on where you enter at. The Mineral Creek trail head has degraded and it was very challenging to get through. Once you get on the loop a stock vehicle should be fine.
I grew up in Durango, Ouray and Telluride. You did an awesome job on the video. You must take the Durango to Silverton narrow gauge railroad. It is stunning. Best wishes on your future travels. Go see the Black Canyon of Gunnison and Tomboy Basin.
What an amazing trip, you are very lucky to have that in your backyard or your in own country F.N.ZEALAND . Where did you get your MOSQUITOES shirts from have never seen them in N.Z. 7:52
Great video! It was awesome wheeling with you (white Jeep), my videos and pics I took did not do the route any justice. I'll be sure to watch your other videos!
Definitely one of the places that I want to hit before I die. I'm going to be in Vegas for SEMA this year, but I fear that will be far too late in the year to head up there. One of these days, though!
@@WanderlostOverland Its not terribly technical but narrow and very rough rocky trail up. You do see traffic going both directions which can get tight but there are a few places to let vehicles coming down pass by. Great views along the way. Even saw an older model Chevy sedan along with a bunch of modified Jeeps and Toyotas. Basically it’s up and back. Not a pass. But if you want to add a 14er to your lists, it’s a pretty good one.
Drove this first time in an AMC Eagle with no 4lo back in the 80's. Much less traffic back then and probably a little easier as it looks like erosion has taken its toll. Still the most beautiful place in the U.S.
Not being judge but, it seems like the Disneyland of Running. A lot of folks. I dearly want to go but also seek a bit more quiet runs. Is there some good camping?
Is Mineral Creek Trail passable with a stock 2016 4Runner Trail Edition (basically what is now the "TRD Off-road" version) so only stock lift and 265 tires Nitto Grappler tires? The rest of the loop looks to be no sweat and I thought whole loop was that way, but this is the first time I've heard that Mineral Creek portion was considered "technical".
We were there 7/05/23 and there was a government chevy Silverado crew cab doing the loop, no lift. I don’t think it did the mineral creek trail. But, we saw it on engineer pass and than again on cinnamon pass.
We will be in lake city the first week of September. Hopefully it’s not raining the entire time. Because we are bringing the side X side not an enclosed vehicle.
Great video! Animas Forks is one of my favorite destinations in the state, it's hard to imagine what life was like there 150 years ago when the first cabin was built. For the Rocky Mountain Toyota Roundup, we're looking to tweak the route next year to avoid Mineral Creek. When I started coming to the San Juans in 2011, it wasn't nearly as bad as it's gotten in the last ~5 years. A rental vehicle in between our groups rolled into the trees this year, thankfully no fatalities. But Mineral is just getting too hard to include it on an "easy" rated trail anymore.
Mineral Creek was a bear! It was the most technical trail I had ever done and if we had not gotten the lift before we got there, I am pretty sure we would not have made it. But I can say we did it!!
I rode the loop on my bike and I can say there's a lot to like about it, but absolutely hate all the noisy 4 wheeler vehicles that frequent frequent this road. It's not just the alpine loop but these vehicles are found everywhere in the san juan mountains.
My daughter and I took a trip to CO in July/August of '21 for her high school graduation. We have a 2000 4Runner that has been in our family since new and I wanted to put it to the test. We did Engineer Pass and Imogene and planned on doing as much of the loop as possible, but the rain set in and just wouldn't stop, so we cut the camping/wheeling trip short and headed up to Denver/Boulder area to look around. We had a great time, but I've wanted to get back and hit a few more trails. I've been all over the world and that area of the San Juan mountains is one of the most beautiful places on earth! Thanks for the memories!
I only got to do Cinnamon, a bad storm came through before I could complete Engineer pass, I definitely want to go back!
We just did the alpine loop (without mineral creek) on a four wheeler this year and on the way hiked up to the top of Uncompahgre peak! The whole area is just spectacular. I will definitely be back for Handies peak, sunshine, Redcloud peak, and many others. The alpine loop area is incredible.
This video was attached to my own as a "recommended" video... and WOW!
Our experience was so similar that I couldn't help but watch it all the way through. What a great trail this is, right? But what I found most interesting was that we had the same experience, but saw it just slightly different. I invite you to watch my video on the Alpine Loop... I won't even try to share the link here because I'm not trying to just flake off of your audience... I want you to find it (easy to find) and give me an honest review. Privately if need be... but your video spoke to me. The Alpine Loop was something very special to me... Can't explain in words... what an amazing trip. I LOVE your version of it. (obviously, you went there MUCH closer to winter than we did... but, MAN... What an amazing trip!) Much love and cheers!
OUTSTANDING video! Thanks!
I did the Alpine Loop 2 years ago! I think about it everyday and wish I could make it back. Maybe next year :)
Great trip. So picturesque. Good one guys. 👍
Great Video. Thanks for sharing.
@@oxidize99 thank you!
watching this for the 2nd time... I'm planning a trip out there at the end of the month. And I just noticed your little string you have tied from your roof rack to your CB antenna. What a great idea!!! I need to do this asap
Love Colorado!!! Mineral Pass is Mega rough, we have be going since the early 80's You name it we road it. My 1st gopro was in 2012 a GoPro 2 still got it. Love the trails Cant believe that LIL SUV tried (lol) . Engineers always worth it. Trails were a loy skinner than now. Nice narrating "Thanx Fer Sharin"
Maybe you can help me out then. I habe a 2500hd diesel 4dr longbed. Im trying to find out what trails i can take
Stoney pass a lot of our people has taken a truck over the passes. Just be ready for a few switchbacks. Stoney pass is a easy one timberhill is rough. Cinnamon pass is a 4. Engineers is a 6. Poughkeepsie is a 9 it also has the wall, 10. Picyane is a blast(must do) just a few switchbacks and ruts and kinda steep in a few places. There's a lot more that I have on video. California pass also a 5
Awesome video!! It was great meeting you guys at the round up, hope to see you again next year✌️😁
Same here!
Great content as always, Pleasure to meet you guys out there. Finally got my shock fixed and reinstalled on Sunday.
Great to hear!
Bucket list time, I better get moving. I like your music choices.
Nice! We’re heading there at the end of the month.
I love the snow banks! Ouray has a winter weather advisory right now so it was good that you did this in late spring or early summer. We’re experiencing way too many visitors. Had to wait for an 18 jeep tour as we ascended Maggie Gulch. The best part of the Alpine Loop is ice cream in Lake City. But $9 for a double scoop! Glad you enjoyed the trail!😀👍
Love Ouray! Yes, it’s becoming too popular for sure. We like Chocolate Mouse 🐁 for our ice cream. Our daughter lives in Durango, so we love that entire area. Snuggle in and enjoy the winter. Stay warm. ❄️
After the ride over Engineer Pass and down to Lake City you need an ice cream cone!😀
Beautiful!
That was a great recap of Alpine Loop. i have shared snippets of our trail runs, but I am going to share this on my Facebook Page. Thanks!! I saw you filming and was wondering when we would see it.
I have a Tacoma mostly stock, some good off-road tires, is there any leg of the trails I could take without getting stuck. I don’t want to climb over rock ledge or boulders.
@@65895555 It depends on where you enter at. The Mineral Creek trail head has degraded and it was very challenging to get through. Once you get on the loop a stock vehicle should be fine.
I grew up in Durango, Ouray and Telluride. You did an awesome job on the video. You must take the Durango to Silverton narrow gauge railroad. It is stunning. Best wishes on your future travels. Go see the Black Canyon of Gunnison and Tomboy Basin.
Thanks Perry, our daughter actually lives in Durango. It’s beautiful out there!
What month did you do this trip? I was surprised to see as much snow as showed.
What an amazing trip, you are very lucky to have that in your backyard or your in own country F.N.ZEALAND . Where did you get your MOSQUITOES shirts from have never seen them in N.Z. 7:52
Great video! It was awesome wheeling with you (white Jeep), my videos and pics I took did not do the route any justice. I'll be sure to watch your other videos!
It was great hanging out with you too!
Beautiful
Thank you
Definitely one of the places that I want to hit before I die. I'm going to be in Vegas for SEMA this year, but I fear that will be far too late in the year to head up there. One of these days, though!
Just got back from Colorado. Beauty everywhere you look. Have you driven Mt. Antero road to the top?
Not yet!
@@WanderlostOverland Its not terribly technical but narrow and very rough rocky trail up. You do see traffic going both directions which can get tight but there are a few places to let vehicles coming down pass by. Great views along the way. Even saw an older model Chevy sedan along with a bunch of modified Jeeps and Toyotas. Basically it’s up and back. Not a pass. But if you want to add a 14er to your lists, it’s a pretty good one.
Beautiful!! What tires were you running?
285/70/17 Nitto Ridge Grapplers
@@WanderlostOverland cool thx.
What month did you film this trip? I am heading up there in 2 weeks with my dual sport motorcycle.
Great video. Are there good places to camp about halfway through the longer route?
There's a few spots.
Any chance to do the Cinnamon Pass and Engineer Pass from Lake City in a clockwise direction with 4WD Rentalcar with street tires?
I wouldn't recommend it at all.
Is Mineral Creek trail full size friendly at all? Would a built 2nd Gen Sequoia or Tundra make it?
Drove this first time in an AMC Eagle with no 4lo back in the 80's. Much less traffic back then and probably a little easier as it looks like erosion has taken its toll. Still the most beautiful place in the U.S.
Thanks for taking us along. What camera did you use?
We use a Gopro Hero, iPhone, and Canon
Not being judge but, it seems like the Disneyland of Running. A lot of folks. I dearly want to go but also seek a bit more quiet runs. Is there some good camping?
Is Mineral Creek Trail passable with a stock 2016 4Runner Trail Edition (basically what is now the "TRD Off-road" version) so only stock lift and 265 tires Nitto Grappler tires? The rest of the loop looks to be no sweat and I thought whole loop was that way, but this is the first time I've heard that Mineral Creek portion was considered "technical".
Your 4Runner can make it.
Do you think a full size pickup, crew cab, short bed 4x4 with a 2” lift and 34” tires complete all the loops?
It wouldn't be the ideal situation, but I know some full size trucks do it.
We were there 7/05/23 and there was a government chevy Silverado crew cab doing the loop, no lift. I don’t think it did the mineral creek trail. But, we saw it on engineer pass and than again on cinnamon pass.
What time of the year was this trip?
July
You running 285/70R17 tires?
Yup, for now
Recently took some parts but never got to Lake City or cinammon pass, huge regret
We will be in lake city the first week of September. Hopefully it’s not raining the entire time. Because we are bringing the side X side not an enclosed vehicle.
My maternal grandfather was born in Eureka in 1917.
Great video! Animas Forks is one of my favorite destinations in the state, it's hard to imagine what life was like there 150 years ago when the first cabin was built.
For the Rocky Mountain Toyota Roundup, we're looking to tweak the route next year to avoid Mineral Creek. When I started coming to the San Juans in 2011, it wasn't nearly as bad as it's gotten in the last ~5 years. A rental vehicle in between our groups rolled into the trees this year, thankfully no fatalities. But Mineral is just getting too hard to include it on an "easy" rated trail anymore.
Mineral Creek was a bear! It was the most technical trail I had ever done and if we had not gotten the lift before we got there, I am pretty sure we would not have made it. But I can say we did it!!
Wow👀🏔️🗻!!
Most crowded ghost town I’ve ever seen
The Alpine Loop starts and ends in Lake City
That's one way to do it.
i wonder if a hummer H2 can make it on this trail OR is it too big/wide?
It's a bit wide. LOL You will likely have trouble passing oncoming traffic on the narrow shelf roads.
@@WanderlostOverland what about a jeep 6x6?
This is where I live, near Ouray, and I would not give it up for anything.
to many vehicles for me. playing follow the leader
I rode the loop on my bike and I can say there's a lot to like about it, but absolutely hate all the noisy 4 wheeler vehicles that frequent frequent this road.
It's not just the alpine loop but these vehicles are found everywhere in the san juan mountains.
Excellent guide. Constructive criticism; The canned music distracts from the video. It is honestly not needed.
Looks like LA traffic no thanks. CO and UT are over done.
That is a really sweet loop!! Awesome views too!! @kuehlkuest
Love the video, even though you butchered every trail name. Lol