Distance
~25 mi (Lake City → Animas Forks)
Time
3–4 hours
Difficulty
Moderate
The mellower southern half of the Alpine Loop, topping out at 12,640 ft. The route follows the Lake Fork of the Gunnison through Sherman ghost town and the American Basin (one of Colorado's most photographed wildflower meadows in July), then climbs to the summit before dropping into Animas Forks. Wide, well-graded, and friendly to a wide range of rigs — the perfect counterpart to Engineer's more technical west side.
Highlights
- •12,640-ft summit with panoramic alpine views
- •American Basin — peak wildflower meadow in July
- •Sherman ghost town along the route
- •Wide, graded surface — most CT-friendly Alpine Loop pass
- •Pairs with Engineer for the classic Lake City → Silverton loop
Access & Permits
No permit required — BLM road, part of the Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway. Typically open late June through September.