New Bronco Owner - Planning Alpine Loop Trip in Aug - Need Advice

If you haven't registered on the other site, consider connecting with the Colorado Bronco Club there:
https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/groups/colorado-bronco-club.26/
Don't worry, there isn't any friction between the two sites.
Also, do some on-line research. I'm sure there are plenty of Jeep videos on a major trail like that which will give you a good idea of the trail, its obstacles, and so on.

Your Bronco is more then capable. August will be good time. Watch for thunderstorms in the afternoon.
Attached is a copy to a link. I try to drive it every year. There will be plenty of others on the trail.
https://lakecity.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-driving-the-alpine-loop/

I did part of this run in a stock 09 JK Sahara Unlimited. You will have a good time, enjoy. If your Bronco doesn't make it then you need a refund from Ford.

Thanks everyone. I appreciate the insight and the links. That Alpine Loop link is great!

I've spent a lot of time in the Colorado high country,.. but only on foot. This will be my first time to drive it. Really excited.

Thank you!

Your rig is more than capable. I’ve been driving the loop for 50 years. It was relatively moderate years ago - in fact I witnessed people driving full size two wheel drive vehicles over Cinnamon Pass and Engineer Pass back in the 70s.

Unfortunately that’s ancient history - the passes are rougher than ever - lots of exposed rock and rutting - thanks to our UTV / ATV friends who drive their rigs faster and more “freely” than traditional four wheelers. It’s just today’s reality - and it is what it is. What was an easy and
leisurely day loop many years ago now is a grind to make it with a few stops in 8 hours.

Take your time, pick your lines, and respect the trails. You’ll have a great time. Since you’re planning on taking a couple of days you’ll enjoy the easy pace and won’t be disappointed by the slower speeds and rougher ride required in your vehicle. Do the loop clockwise - out along Lake San Cristobal and up through Burrows Park and across Cinnamon Pass. Take a detour on the way up Cinnamon to American Basin. Enjoy some time in Animas Forks. Take a couple hours to run up to California Pass and enjoy the views - where you can trace your way back down to Animas before turning left and heading up to Engineer. Just before the top take a hard left on an unmarked trail split to Odom Point (Oh Point). In my opinion the views from the point are the best in the San Juans. Enjoy!

Superstition AZ. Thank you great write up. I was going to go back and add one but you nailed it.
My great Grandmother taught at Animas Fork one room schoolhouse. My Great Grandfather took me up probably first time to Animas Fork and beyond in a Cadilac.
I too have been going up for 50+ years and still enjoy going back.
We may make a day or two run this weekend and see how much snow is still there. Normally the road crews goal is to have all trails cleared by July 4 weekend. This year it may not happen by then.
Great question Carl is tall and thank you for adding it. If you or anyone has questions on trails here I live a couple of hours from San Juans and spend time out on trails and will try and respond back. We have a sport and a Badlands and are out often.

RKYMTN

Superstition AZ. Thank you great write up. I was going to go back and add one but you nailed it.
My great Grandmother taught at Animas Fork one room schoolhouse. My Great Grandfather took me up probably first time to Animas Fork and beyond in a Cadilac.
I too have been going up for 50+ years and still enjoy going back.
We may make a day or two run this weekend and see how much snow is still there. Normally the road crews goal is to have all trails cleared by July 4 weekend. This year it may not happen by then.
Great question Carl is tall and thank you for adding it. If you or anyone has questions on trails here I live a couple of hours from San Juans and spend time out on trails and will try and respond back. We have a sport and a Badlands and are out often.

I just saw a post of a group on the East side of Ophir Pass. Looks like there is plenty of snow left. Enjoy your drive(s) this weekend.

Superstition AZ

Your rig is more than capable. I’ve been driving the loop for 50 years. It was relatively moderate years ago - in fact I witnessed people driving full size two wheel drive vehicles over Cinnamon Pass and Engineer Pass back in the 70s.

Unfortunately that’s ancient history - the passes are rougher than ever - lots of exposed rock and rutting - thanks to our UTV / ATV friends who drive their rigs faster and more “freely” than traditional four wheelers. It’s just today’s reality - and it is what it is. What was an easy and
leisurely day loop many years ago now is a grind to make it with a few stops in 8 hours.

Take your time, pick your lines, and respect the trails. You’ll have a great time. Since you’re planning on taking a couple of days you’ll enjoy the easy pace and won’t be disappointed by the slower speeds and rougher ride required in your vehicle. Do the loop clockwise - out along Lake San Cristobal and up through Burrows Park and across Cinnamon Pass. Take a detour on the way up Cinnamon to American Basin. Enjoy some time in Animas Forks. Take a couple hours to run up to California Pass and enjoy the views - where you can trace your way back down to Animas before turning left and heading up to Engineer. Just before the top take a hard left on an unmarked trail split to Odom Point (Oh Point). In my opinion the views from the point are the best in the San Juans. Enjoy!

Thank you very much for the reply and the information. I think my biggest concern is traffic and having to get around oncoming vehicles. No good way to practice other than just go do it I guess. I understand the basic rules out there as far as right of way but it still makes me nervous.

carl_is_tall

Thank you very much for the reply and the information. I think my biggest concern is traffic and having to get around oncoming vehicles. No good way to practice other than just go do it I guess. I understand the basic rules out there as far as right of way but it still makes me nervous.

I completely understand your apprehensive - that’ll pass with time and practice (no pun intended). The reason I suggest the clockwise route out of Lake City is you’ll be on the inside of the mountain a large majority of the time. There are only a few spots on the climb up Engineer that are really narrow. You’ll have the right of way heading uphill. Just take your time and make note of possible pull outs on your route. People are pretty patient on the loop - take your time and enjoy the journey.

Coming down Cinnamon is narrow especially at just as yoiu get back to Animas fork also. NO problem most people are nervous but courtious. We just drove Cinnamon Monday. T?here will be a post here in next few days with more pictures. Superstion AZ advice is great on clockwise dierection on Alpine loop.

RKYMTN

Coming down Cinnamon is narrow especially at just as yoiu get back to Animas fork also. NO problem most people are nervous but courtious. We just drove Cinnamon Monday. T?here will be a post here in next few days with more pictures. Superstion AZ advice is great on clockwise dierection on Alpine loop.

Looking forward to your post and pics.