Alpine Loop, Ouray CO: Trip Report

[WookinPaNub]

Quick Summary: Beautiful, moderately challenging in areas.

 

When: August 5, 2022

Direction: Corkscrew Gulch -> Red Mountain -> Hurricane Pass -> California Pass -> Silverton

Number of Riders: Solo

Ride time Top to Bottom: 1.5 hours depending on other Jeep traffic

Rider Skill Level: 50 years old, good physical shape, above average riding skillset

Motorcycle Setup: Bare setup (no luggage) on the T7 with 1.5L water. Ran low 30lbs on the tires (airing down would have helped).

 

General Route:

• Entering Corkscrew Gulch you'll be in treeline. If there has been rain recently, expect moderately steep muddy uphills to contend with. Breaking treeline the trail becomes a narrow, steep, rocky in places, shelf road with switchbacks. Momentum and traction control techniques help here.
• At the top there is a steep, short rocky offshoot trail that can also be done to get absolutely amazing views of Red Mountain and surrounding areas.
• From here continue on towards Hurricane and California Pass. There is a portajon to use along the way. There are a couple of steep uphills with loose rock to contend with, one of them quite long that descending on takes good attention to detail. 360 views from California pass are magnificent. 
• Slight backtrack on route 10 to Silverton starts off with moderate descents on dirt / gravel to then join a well maintained gravel road all the way to Silverton. 

 

Notes:

• If your trip allows, continues over California pass into Animus Forks (deserted but maintained ghost town). From there route over Engineers Pass for more views to end up in Lake City.