Distance
~7 mi one-way
Time
1.5–2 hours
Difficulty
Moderate
A short, scenic spur off the Alpine Loop connecting Animas Forks to Hurricane Pass and Corkscrew Gulch. The trail climbs past the well-preserved Frisco Mill ruins through high alpine basins above 12,000 ft. Rocky surface, several stair-step ledges, and a few tight pinches near the upper end — generally rated harder than Cinnamon but easier than Black Bear. The connector that makes the full Alpine Loop figure-eight possible.
Highlights
- •Frisco Mill ruins — one of the best-preserved mill sites in the area
- •Climbs through alpine basins above 12,000 ft
- •Connects Animas Forks to Hurricane Pass / Corkscrew Gulch
- •Less trafficked than the main Alpine Loop passes
- •Key link in the Animas Forks → Ouray → Silverton loop
Access & Permits
No permit required — BLM / Forest Service road. Typically open July through September.