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Recap: The 5280 Offroad 2025 Alpine Loop After-Action Report

Updated: Aug 1

Published by 5280 Offroad

Born at elevation. Forged in mud. Grit is earned.

5280 offroad Switzerland trail

Alright, Tribe, we just wrapped up something truly special, something that etched itself into our rigs and our souls. The 2025 5280 Offroad Alpine Loop Experience wasn't just another wheeling trip; it was a pilgrimage. Five days. Five historic mining towns. Several technical passes. For our crew and those that joined us, it was an unforgettable journey where every obstacle we conquered deepened the confidence in our machines and forged bonds tighter than a recovery strap under load.


We came to earn some grit, and believe us, the San Juans delivered.


The Challenge Conquered: Numbers Don't Lie

When our group committed to the Alpine Loop with 5280 Offroad, they signed up for more than just a drive. They signed up for 289 miles of pure Colorado backcountry, a climb of 28,330 feet over mountain passes, topping out at a lung-testing 12,945 feet on Hurricane Pass. The rigs were put to the test, and every one of them came through, and we came out stronger for the experience.


Here’s how our epic 5-day adventure unfolded:


Day 1: From Ouray's Box Canyon to Lake City's Shores

Sunrise in Ouray, and the Million Dollar Highway didn't disappoint - twist and turns with epic exposure and limited guard rails. That crisp mountain air and a buzz of anticipation. We aired down, checked our comms, and rolled out. The day kicked off with a series of severely underrated passes. The tight turns of Corkscrew Gulch, the high-alpine exposure of Hurricane Pass where the world just drops away and the vastness of the San Juans hits you square in the face. We then hit lake Como for an epic view well as a scenic run up California Pass were phenomenal. The views of the Red Mountains from this route are absolutely amazing and come highly recommended.


The weather was perfect, with clear skies all the way to the top of Engineer Pass. We monitored the weather closely and managed to beat a classic San Juan storm that rolled in that afternoon, pulling into Lake City area just as the skies opened up. First day, maximum grit earned.


Check out a recap of Day one our YouTube Channel:


Day 2: Lake City to Silverton – Wildflowers, Passes, Gulches, and Good Grub

Day two greeted us with the promise of the southern loop. We set our sights on Cinnamon Pass, and let us tell you, that trail is rocky, bumpy, and rough. Get ready to be shaked and baked. The reward, however, is the side trip into American Basin. The wildflowers and waterfall are a must-see for everyone, but time it right—it’s an in-and-out trail that can get very congested. If you’ve never seen this place in peak summer, add it to your bucket list. It’s pure Colorado magic. We stopped in Animas Forks for a road side lunch and enjoyed the views; we imagined how the 'old timers' lived and worked in the area.


The real prize for the day, though, went to Picayune Gulch and Placer Gulch. While often rated as 'Easy,' we feel they deserve a 'Moderate' rating. The exposure on the shelf roads, limited passing opportunities, tight switchbacks, and the steep descent from Picayune demand your full attention. We would caution anyone from taking a stock, non-offroad-capable vehicle on this route. We rolled into the fantastic town of Silverton and had dinner at Handlebars Saloon. With great food and tons of silly, historic stuff on the walls, you have to visit this place for a good laugh and interesting artifacts.


Check out a recap of day two our YouTube Channel:


Day 3: Silverton to Telluride – Cliffs, History, and Unforgettable Views

Leaving historic Silverton, we aimed for Ophir Pass. It's an epic but short trail that demands respect. This is a trail where you need to understand right-of-way and constantly monitor the trail ahead, especially on the Ophir side. The shelf road is no joke, so plan your ascent or descent carefully. Also, be respectful of the town of Ophir; people live there. Adhere to the speed limit—if you don't, the strategically placed ruts and speed bumps will make you regret it!


The afternoon took us along the historic Southfork Ilium Road, leading us right to the Historic Ames Power Plant. Standing there, imagining the sheer ingenuity required to build something like that in this remote wilderness, was a powerful moment. This power plant was the first hydroelectric power plant to push AC electricity built in 1890, there are no real opportunities to get up close as it's still in operation.


Check out a recap of day three our YouTube Channel:


Day 4: Telluride to Crested Butte – Aspen Corridors and Iconic Backroads

After three days of intense mountain passes, day four offered a change of pace without sacrificing an ounce of scenery. We ventured onto Last Dollar Road, a relatively easy dirt road and pass that delivers some of the most iconic, sweeping views of the San Juans. It felt like we were driving through a painting. As an added bonus, we got to see the house and property from the film True Grit.


Then, the true gem: Kebler Pass. This isn't a technical trail mostly just a dirt road, but it's an experience unto itself, especially in the Fall (the colors are epic). We cruised through miles of towering aspen corridors, the sun dappling through the leaves, promising the golden hues of autumn which will be here before we know it. It's a testament to Colorado's diverse beauty, and a chance to just breathe it all in. We arrived in Crested Butte, ready for some well-deserved R&R before departing back to our homes.


Stay tuned, a YouTube recap video will be released soon for day 3 & 4.


Grit & Wisdom: Lessons from the Trail

This trip was a success because of meticulous planning and a great crew. We had issues, but we tackled them as a team and kept moving forward. As long as we've been doing this, we're always learning, and we bring back those experiences to share with the Tribe. Here’s what this trip reinforced:

  1. Fuel Is Life: Fuel up every chance you get in the towns. There are no gas stations on these trails, and you are in very remote locations. Don't get caught out on the trail running on fumes.

  2. Etiquette is Everything: The trails were a mix of courteous and clueless drivers. Remember the rules: uphill always has the right-of-way. But use common sense—if you have an easy spot to pull over, do it. Look ahead, anticipate traffic on shelf roads, and communicate.

  3. Patience is a Virtue: Summertime in the San Juans can be crowded because the area is really an off-road mecca. That means crowds and lots of rental vehicles driven by people with zero or little experience. Be patient. Don't be in a hurry. Plan your routes, monitor the weather, understand your travel times, and stick to your schedule and give plenty of room to other vehicles.

  4. Expect the Unexpected (Mechanically): High altitudes, constant vibrations from rocky trails, heat, cold, and water crossings can create electrical gremlins. We dealt with our share of blown fuses and mysterious check engine lights. Having a basic toolkit, a full fuse kit for your vehicle, and a simple OBD2 scanner can turn a potentially trip-ending problem into a minor trailside fix.


In Summary

Every single one of us, and every rig, was Born at elevation. Forged in mud. & Grit was earned. The Alpine Loop and San Juan trails were truly a pilgrimage, we came back with more than just good photos and videos. We came back with new skills, deepened confidence in ourselves and our machines, and a reinforced bond within the 5280 Offroad Tribe. These aren't just memories; they're the fuel for our next adventure.

Check out our Photo Gallery of our trip to the San Juans!




Ready to Forge Your Own Legend?

The Alpine Loop Experience is just one of the ways we push the boundaries and build community at 5280 Offroad. We are already planning our 2026 Alpine Loop trip. Stay tuned for more details for the 5280 Offroad 2026 San Juan Scramble. If you're inspired by these tales of earned grit and epic landscapes, then it's time to become part of the Tribe.


Whether you're looking to gain the skills to tackle trails like these with confidence through our expert-led 5280 Offroad Training Programs, or you want to gear up with trail-tested merchandise that represents your own spirit of adventure, we've got you covered. Keep an eye on our events page for future expeditions – your legend awaits!


5280 OFFROAD - WHERE PREPARATION MEETS ADVENTURE

Born at elevation. Forged in mud. Grit is earned.

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