Alpine Loop planning and questions...

[Endle55_5earch]

Hello! I'm looking for some "boots on the ground" information....

I'm in a stock 4Runner TRD Pro with light armor (Sliders and Low-Pro Front Bumper); no aftermarket lift. Does this route for the Alpine Pass look good for my vehicle? Thanks for your help!

Additional question: Do you think my 4runner can handle Imogene Pass as well? I have common sense but I am not an overly experienced offroad driver. Thanks all for your help!

 

[Rht3232]

I am planning on attempting the same routes next month. I will be using a stock TRD Pro with sliders. So I am also interested in any info/suggestions/pointers.

 

[MStudt]

Tons of information out there on this loop with the help of Google.

Link
Link
Link

Youtube

 

[Black4RunnerL]

Will also be tackling the easier trails in the same area soon. Stock Limited here with A/T Toyos and front air dam removed, should be more than fine from what I am told.

 

[Xtremluck]

Hello! I'm looking for some "boots on the ground" information....

I'm in a stock 4Runner TRD Pro with light armor (Sliders and Low-Pro Front Bumper); no aftermarket lift. Does this route for the Alpine Pass look good for my vehicle? Thanks for your help!

Additional question: Do you think my 4runner can handle Imogene Pass as well? I have common sense but I am not an overly experienced offroad driver. Thanks all for your help!

Breathe easy, you will be fine. Subaru Crosstreks go up all of those trails including Black Bear Pass and they do just fine.

 

[mbm112]

Did this exact loop last year in my then stock Limited with TRD Pro wheels on Falken Wildpeaks. That was my first kind of offroading experience and I never felt like I was out my depth for a first timer.

We did Corkscrew, California, Hurricane Pass to enter the loop then did Engineer Pass to Lake City and then Cinnamon Pass back. I liked this because it let me take the switchbacks uphill rather than downhill.

It's an easy trail and not technical at all. I do recommend airing down to like 18 psi though (if you have wheels that can support it) because the rocky shelf roads are rough. Just take it easy and find out in advance where you'd be able to air back up if you don't have an air compressor.

 

[fkheath]

I do all those every summer. I would stay away from Imogene and Mineral Creek (lower end of Engineer Pass next to highway 550) without a modest lift. Instead of Imogene, take Ophir Pass. A way back to the east side would be Last Dollar Road which is very easy.

Despite what others have posted, Black Bear is not for the faint of heart. Poughkeepsie is definitely out. Both are off limits if you rent a Jeep locally.

Instead of Mineral Creek, take California, Hurricane, and Corkscrew.

Another good drive is Clear Lake out of Silverton. This is a bit challenging but doable in a stock 4Runner.

And be sure to take the road to the top of the falls in Telluride where the first A/C power generating station was built by George Westinghouse to light the mines.

 

[fkheath]

Stop by the visitors centers in either Ouray or Silverton to get current road conditions and a free map.

 

[Endle55_5earch]

Thanks guys! My first time exploring this area and you're all giving me the confidence to tackle it. Appreciate your responses!

 

[MAST4R]

For current conditions, simply use the SoA website:

Trail Maps & Conditions, Ouray Colorado - Switzerland of America

Black Bear, Imogene, and Mineral Creek are not for your first offroad drive in the area, especially Black Bear. Get the new Wells Colorado (Southern) 4x4 guide book and start from the blue and green trails.

Btw, the XV that drove BB last year had an offroad front bumper; it is not possible to get down on a stock OB or XB bumper without carrying it in the back, lol. Some Forester versions can get by, barely.

This is what you want and it is pretty much up to date:

Guide to Colorado Backroads & 4-Wheel-Drive Trails - FunTreks

 

[Jetboy]

Pack your patience. It'll be crowded and you'll probably have to wait a fair bit at times. And there's probably going to be big groups you'll pass going the other way everywhere but the one-way part of bb pass. Some are better than others as far as trail etiquette and breaking into smaller groups.

My other tip is too use 4 low. You won't need it for traction, but the engine struggles with power at those elevations. Especially at the top of Imogene. It's fairly steep grade and my 4 runner struggles a bit in 4hi just to maintain consistent speed. 4low resolved the issue with lower gearing.

 

[sn_85]

Your 4Runner is not necessarily "stock". You are running 285's Nitto RG's and have the TRD Pro that I believe has a 1" front lift. Alpine Loop and Imogene Pass will be easy for you.

 

[TPz_Fuchs]

Be cool, take it easy and you will do fine on Alpine Loop.

 

[MAST4R]

By the way, as drawn, the route is the very best when it comes to scenery. It is made of 5 trails, all of which I have done in my H6 Outback (not in one day). It would be a long day though.

 

[SBRChris]

When are some of you guys going to be in the area? We are planning to be in that area from the 4th-8th or so.

 

[fkheath]

When are some of you guys going to be in the area? We are planning to be in that area from the 4th-8th or so.

I will be in the area from Jun 29 to July 10.

 

[SBRChris]

I will be in the area from Jun 29 to July 10.

Our schedule is pretty open so maybe we could meet up and go on some of the trails in the area when we are there.