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Cinnamon Pass
Off-Road Trail
San Juan Mountains, Colorado
Trail Information
Cinnamon Pass Road is a scenic mountain pass road located in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. Serving as the bottom half of the Alpine Loop, it runs between the town of Lake City and the old mining town of Animas Forks. It is a popular off-road trail and is known for its breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness and rugged terrain.
The late 19th century saw a significant mining boom in Colorado, particularly in the San Juan Mountains. Miners and prospectors were drawn to the area in search of valuable minerals, including gold, silver, and other ores. Roads and trails like Cinnamon Pass Road were built to provide access to remote mining sites, allowing miners to transport equipment, ore, and supplies.
Difficulty
Cinnamon Pass Road is considered a moderately difficult off-road trail, primarily due to its rocky terrain and steep sections. It is not recommended for standard passenger vehicles, and a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle with low range is recommended to safely navigate the trail.
Pay special note to the length of this trail. It spans over 25 miles and will require either a return trip of the same length, a return trip via Engineer Pass to complete the Alpine Loop, or a highway drive of between 2 and 3 hours to arrive back at Ouray or Silverton.
Vehicle Recommendations
The late 19th century saw a significant mining boom in Colorado, particularly in the San Juan Mountains. Miners and prospectors were drawn to the area in search of valuable minerals, including gold, silver, and other ores. Roads and trails like Cinnamon Pass Road were built to provide access to remote mining sites, allowing miners to transport equipment, ore, and supplies.
Difficulty
Cinnamon Pass Road is considered a moderately difficult off-road trail, primarily due to its rocky terrain and steep sections. It is not recommended for standard passenger vehicles, and a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle with low range is recommended to safely navigate the trail.
Pay special note to the length of this trail. It spans over 25 miles and will require either a return trip of the same length, a return trip via Engineer Pass to complete the Alpine Loop, or a highway drive of between 2 and 3 hours to arrive back at Ouray or Silverton.
Vehicle Recommendations
- 4WD (w/ low range)
- High clearance
If you're interested in finding out more, check out this video from BleepinJeep as they share their experience on Cinnamon Pass.
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Basic Info
Difficulty
Moderate
Length
21.5 mi
Hightest Elevation
12647 ft
Nearest City
Silverton
Categories
Mountains
Views
Waterfalls
Off-Road
Water Crossings
Overland