Silverton Colorado UTV Trip: Riding the Alpine Loop

Originally published August 29, 2015. Updated September 13, 2026 with current Silverton access restrictions and Colorado OHV information.

By Brad Goodfellow

High in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado awaits an alpine UTV adventure unlike almost anywhere else in the country. After hearing stories about the riding, scenery and mining history from several different sources, we made a late-summer trip to Colorado to experience the area ourselves.

For six days, we used Silverton as our base and logged more than 350 miles in our UTVs. Our rides included portions of the Alpine Loop, Cinnamon Pass, Poughkeepsie Gulch, Picayune Gulch, Maggie Gulch and numerous side routes through historic mining country.

Silverton as a Base for a Colorado UTV Trip

Silverton is an old mining town sitting at approximately 9,300 feet in elevation. Founded during Colorado’s 19th-century mining boom, the town retains many historic buildings along with hotels, restaurants, shops and campgrounds.

Silverton remains a convenient lodging and camping base for exploring the San Juan Mountains, but riders can no longer operate UTVs on streets within town. Visitors must transport their UTVs by trailer to a legal staging area or trailhead before beginning a ride.

Riding the Alpine Loop

The best-known attraction in the area is the Alpine Loop Back Country Byway. The high-clearance route connects the communities of Silverton, Ouray and Lake City while crossing some of the most dramatic terrain in the San Juan Mountains.

The Bureau of Land Management currently lists the main route at approximately 63 miles. Elevations reach roughly 12,800 feet, and completing the entire loop can take a full day. Numerous designated side routes make it possible to build anything from a short scenic ride to a multi-day UTV adventure.

The loop serves as the backbone of the riding area, with steep canyon and gulch routes extending from either side. Throughout the region, riders encounter abandoned settlements, mine structures and roads originally built to move workers, supplies and ore through the mountains.

Water is another defining feature of this high country. Streams, waterfalls and rivers flow through the drainages, fed by mountain springs and patches of snow that can remain well into summer.

Cinnamon Pass

Cinnamon Pass is one of the principal high points along the Alpine Loop. The climb rewards riders with expansive views across the surrounding peaks and valleys. Even during late summer, the slopes were green and covered with alpine wildflowers.

The scenery is impressive, but so is the history. The network of roads cut through these mountains is a reminder of the difficult conditions faced by the miners who worked throughout the San Juan region during the late 1800s and early 1900s.

We spent hours exploring mining ruins along the trails. Conditions ranged from relatively smooth and wide roads to narrow, steep and exposed shelf sections capable of producing more than a few “don’t look down” moments.

Poughkeepsie Gulch

Poughkeepsie Gulch stands apart from much of the main Alpine Loop because of its more technical terrain. Conditions and obstacle difficulty can change from year to year, so riders should not rely entirely on old trail ratings or trip reports when deciding whether to attempt it.

A capable four-wheel-drive UTV, adequate ground clearance, recovery equipment and an experienced driver are strongly recommended for difficult routes. Never assume a marked alternate line will remain open or passable, and avoid attempting obstacles that exceed the ability of the driver or vehicle.

Picayune Gulch and Maggie Gulch

Picayune Gulch provided another opportunity to leave the busier portions of the loop and explore the area’s mining history. These side routes were one of the highlights of the trip and helped illustrate just how extensive the trail and road network is around Silverton.

Despite covering more than 350 miles during our six-day visit, we still did not come close to exploring every available route. That variety makes the Silverton area suitable for a longer trip rather than just a single day on the Alpine Loop.

Weather and Riding Season

Heavy winter snow limits the high-country riding season. The main routes generally become accessible during early summer and remain open into the fall, but exact opening and closing dates depend on snowpack, maintenance, washouts and early-season storms.

Conditions can change quickly at these elevations. During our late-summer trip, temperatures ranged from the mid-70s to the upper 30s, with periods of rain and hail. Riders should carry waterproof layers and warm clothing even when the forecast looks favorable at lower elevations.

Navigation and Backcountry Preparation

The main intersections were well marked during our trip, and several printed and digital maps were available. We used an offline georeferenced map through the Avenza Maps app, which allowed our GPS-equipped device to show our location without cellular service.

Do not rely on a single phone or mapping app. Cellular coverage is limited across much of the Alpine Loop, and electronic devices can fail or run out of power. Download maps before leaving town and carry a printed backup.

• Trailer your UTV from Silverton to a legal staging area or trailhead.
• Confirm current road, trail and seasonal closures before leaving.
• Carry more water, food and fuel than you expect to need.
• Bring tools, a tire repair kit, spare parts and recovery equipment.
• Use an offline map and carry a printed backup.
• Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
• Stay on designated routes and respect closures and private property.
• Expect rapidly changing weather and cold temperatures at elevation.
• Use extra caution around abandoned mines and unstable historic structures.

Colorado OHV Registration and Permit Requirements

Colorado requires OHVs operated on public land or designated trails to have a current Colorado registration or OHV permit. Nonresident UTV owners generally need a Colorado nonresident OHV permit, even if the vehicle is registered in another state.

Colorado also requires an OHV permit for plated vehicles when they are used on designated OHV trails or in open riding areas. An OHV permit does not override the Town of Silverton’s prohibition against operating UTVs on its streets.

Requirements and fees can change. Review the current Colorado Parks and Wildlife OHV registration and permit information before your trip.

Is the Alpine Loop Worth the Trip?

Absolutely. The combination of high mountain passes, historic mining sites, long-distance route options and remarkable scenery made this one of our most memorable UTV trips.

Silverton is an excellent lodging and camping base for exploring the San Juan Mountains, but visitors must account for the town’s UTV prohibition when planning their trip. Bring a suitable tow vehicle and trailer, identify legal staging locations in advance and do not plan on riding directly from accommodations within town.

This is genuine high-elevation backcountry. Riders should arrive prepared, respect changing trail conditions and verify current regulations before setting out.

After six days in the area, our biggest takeaway was how much remained unexplored. We left Colorado already planning a return trip.

Alpine Loop Maps and Current Information

• BLM Alpine Loop Back Country Byway information
• Official Alpine Loop map and guide
• Colorado OHV registration and permits
• Colorado OHV street and road restrictions

Trail access, road rules, permit requirements and seasonal conditions can change. Always follow current signs and confirm information with the appropriate land-management agency and local jurisdiction before riding.