When hitting the Alpine Loop Trail you're saying goodbye to the paved highway. Taking on this rugged four wheel drive trail will take enthusists to the heart of the San Juan Mountains and back through time where early Native Americans hunted and gather their food. Prospecters followed in the 1800s and improved these Indian paths into the Alpine Loop of today. This Colorado trail connects the towns of Silverton, Ouray and Lake City. The Loop crosses Cinnamon and Engineer Passes, both over 12,000 feet in altitude. The trail also affords spectacular mountains views of Sunshine Peak (14,001), Redcloud (14,034), Handies Peak (14,048), Wetterhorn (14,010) and the standout, Uncompahgre Peak (14,309).