The Alpine Loop is truly a backcountry experience. Make sure someone knows
your travel plans and do your homework before you start your trip. Make sure
you have plenty of water, food and fuel to make it to your destination.
Electronics and wireless devises DO NOT work in most places on the Alpine
Loop. It is recommended that you download or print hard copy maps prior to
your trip. The Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway is a rugged 4x4 road that winds
through the spectacular scenery of the San Juan Mountains, connecting Lake
City, Silverton, and Ouray. The Alpine Loop byway traverses passes up to
12,800 feet while showcasing old mines, ghost towns, natural wonders,
beautiful wildflowers, and abundant wildlife. Alpine Loop is an avenue for
exploring nature and history amidst thrilling views and stunning geography.
Tackling the loop in its entirety is easily an all-day experience event.
However, the main loop is only part of the experience; miles of designated
side routes allow visitors to either take a short tour or extend their trip to
multiple days. For more information, please contact the Gunnison Field Office
or see the Alpine Loop brochure.

The Alpine Loop is truly a backcountry experience. Make sure someone knows your travel plans and do your homework before you start your trip. Make sure you have plenty of water, food and fuel to make it to your destination. Electronics and wireless devises DO NOT work in most places on the Alpine Loop. It is recommended that you download or print hard copy maps prior to your trip. The Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway is a rugged 4x4 road that winds through the spectacular scenery of the San Juan Mountains, connecting Lake City, Silverton, and Ouray. The Alpine Loop byway traverses passes up to 12,800 feet while showcasing old mines, ghost towns, natural wonders, beautiful wildflowers, and abundant wildlife. Alpine Loop is an avenue for exploring nature and history amidst thrilling views and stunning geography. Tackling the loop in its entirety is easily an all-day experience event. However, the main loop is only part of the experience; miles of designated side routes allow visitors to either take a short tour or extend their trip to multiple days. For more information, please contact the Gunnison Field Office or see the <a href="/sites/default/files/docs/2023-03/2023_Alpine%20Loop%20Brochure.pdf" rel="nofollow">Alpine Loop brochure.</a>

Contact the field office for more information.

San Juan Mountains

Columbine

Alpine Loop

Cinnamon Pass in Alpine Loop

Engineering Pass in Alpine Loop

With approximately 14 miles total of public fishing access, the Lake Fork is
excellent for fishing from the banks or for wade fishing. The Colorado
Division of Wildlife has stocked more than 24,000 fingerling and catchable
trout in the Lake Fork in the last few years. Most fish in the Lake Fork are
brown trout, plus a good number of rainbow trout, and in the fall, kokanee
salmon. Most of the trout measure from 7 to 16 inches, with some nice big ones
lurking around, too. For more information, please contact the Gunnison Field
Office.

With approximately 14 miles total of public fishing access, the Lake Fork is excellent for fishing from the banks or for wade fishing.   The Colorado Division of Wildlife has stocked more than 24,000 fingerling and catchable trout in the Lake Fork in the last few years.  Most fish in the Lake Fork are brown trout, plus a good number of rainbow trout, and in the fall, kokanee salmon.  Most of the trout measure from 7 to 16 inches, with some nice big ones lurking around, too. For more information, please contact the Gunnison Field Office.

Red Bridge Campground is a short distance off of the Silver Thread National
Scenic Byway. You'll find public fishing access to the Lake Fork of the
Gunnison River, and access to the Lake Fork Spur scenic drive. Red Bridge
Campground located on the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River and is a perfect
place for someone to relax and fish. The campground has 7 campsites and 1
restroom. Each campsite has a parking spur, metal fire ring, and a picnic
table. Potable water is not available at this campground. For more
information, please contact the Gunnison Field Office.

Red Bridge Campground is a short distance off of the Silver Thread National Scenic Byway. You'll find public fishing access to the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River, and access to the Lake Fork Spur scenic drive. Red Bridge Campground located on the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River and is a perfect place for someone to relax and fish. The campground has 7 campsites and 1 restroom. Each campsite has a parking spur, metal fire ring, and a picnic table. Potable water is not available at this campground. For more information, please contact the Gunnison Field Office.

$10 per night; all campsites are available on a first-come, first-served
basis.

Red Bridge Campground

This campground is tucked into the center of the geologic formation known as
The Gate, a notch in the rocks carved by the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River.
The Gate is a great spot for picnics, camping, and fishing access to the Lake
Fork of the Gunnison River. This campground is conveniently located on the
Silver Thread National Scenic Byway, about 16 miles north of Lake City. The
Gate Campground has 8 campsites, two vault restrooms, and a hand pump with
potable water. For more information, please contact the Gunnison Field Office.

This campground is tucked into the center of the geologic formation known as The Gate, a notch in the rocks carved by the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River. The Gate is a great spot for picnics, camping, and fishing access to the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River. This campground is conveniently located on the Silver Thread National Scenic Byway, about 16 miles north of Lake City. The Gate Campground has 8 campsites, two vault restrooms, and a hand pump with potable water. For more information, please contact the Gunnison Field Office.

The Gate Campground

Gunnison River Lake Fork

Lake Fork of Gunnison River Fishing

Lake Fork of Gunnison River

Lake Fork of The Gunnison Riv.

The Uncompahgre Wilderness now contains a total of 102,721 acres and is
managed by the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service. All of the
Wilderness is in the state of Colorado. In 1980 the Uncompahgre Wilderness
became part of the now over 109 million acre National Wilderness Preservation
System. In wilderness, you can enjoy challenging recreational activities and
extraordinary opportunities for solitude. In an age of _"...increasing
population, accompanied by expanding settlement and growing
mechanization,..."_ you play an important role in helping to _"...secure for
the American people of present and future generations the benefits of an
enduring resource of wilderness"_ as called for by Congress in the Wilderness
Act of 1964. Please follow the regulations in place for this area, and use
Leave No Trace techniques when visiting to ensure protection of its unique
natural and experiential qualities.

  
How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in
different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). Click on any of
the principles listed below to learn more about how they apply.

**Leave No Trace principles:**

  1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
  2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
  3. Dispose of Waste Properly
  4. Leave What You Find
  5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
  6. Respect Wildlife
  7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

**Regulations:**  
Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport are generally
prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the
use of motor vehicles (including OHVs), motorboats, motorized equipment,
bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of
aircraft including helicopters, unless provided for in specific legislation.
In a few areas some exceptions allowing the use of motorized equipment or
mechanical transport are described in the special regulations in effect for a
specific area. Click here for additional regulations or contact the agency.

  
Contact Information:**

> GUNNISON RANGER DISTRICT  
> 216 N Colorado Street  
> Gunnison, CO 81230  
> Phone: 970-641-0471
>
>  
> OURAY RANGER DISTRICT  
> 2505 S Townsend  
> Montrose, CO 81401  
> Phone: 970-240-5300
>
>  
> BLM GUNNISON RESOURCE AREA  
> 216 North Colorado St.  
> Gunnison, CO 81230  
> Phone: 970-641-0471
>
>  
> Office hours: 8 AM to 5 PM M-F

The Uncompahgre Wilderness now contains a total of 102,721 acres and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service. All of the Wilderness is in the state of Colorado. In 1980 the Uncompahgre Wilderness became part of the now over 109 million acre National Wilderness Preservation System. In wilderness, you can enjoy challenging recreational activities and extraordinary opportunities for solitude. In an age of "...increasing population, accompanied by expanding settlement and growing mechanization,..." you play an important role in helping to "...secure for the American people of present and future generations the benefits of an enduring resource of wilderness" as called for by Congress in the <a href="http://www.wilderness.net/index.cfm?fuse=NWPS&sec=legisact" rel="nofollow">Wilderness Act of 1964</a>. Please follow the regulations in place for this area, and use Leave No Trace techniques when visiting to ensure protection of its unique natural and experiential qualities. How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). Click on any of the principles listed below to learn more about how they apply.Leave No Trace principles:<ol><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_1.php" rel="nofollow">Plan Ahead and Prepare</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_2.php" rel="nofollow">Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_3.php" rel="nofollow">Dispose of Waste Properly</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_4.php" rel="nofollow">Leave What You Find</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_5.php" rel="nofollow">Minimize Campfire Impacts</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_6.php" rel="nofollow">Respect Wildlife</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_7.php" rel="nofollow">Be Considerate of Other Visitors</a></li></ol>Regulations: Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport are generally prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the use of motor vehicles (including OHVs), motorboats, motorized equipment, bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft including helicopters, unless provided for in specific legislation. In a few areas some exceptions allowing the use of motorized equipment or mechanical transport are described in the special regulations in effect for a specific area. <a href="http://www.wilderness.net/index.cfm?fuse=NWPS&sec=wildView&tab=Area%20Management&WID=618#regs" rel="nofollow">Click here for additional regulations</a> or contact the agency. Contact Information:<blockquote>GUNNISON RANGER DISTRICT 216 N Colorado Street Gunnison, CO 81230 Phone: 970-641-0471 OURAY RANGER DISTRICT 2505 S Townsend Montrose, CO 81401 Phone: 970-240-5300 BLM GUNNISON RESOURCE AREA 216 North Colorado St. Gunnison, CO 81230 Phone: 970-641-0471 Office hours: 8 AM to 5 PM M-F</blockquote>

Uncompahgre Wilderness

The Powderhorn Wilderness now contains a total of 62,050 acres and is managed
by the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service. All of the Wilderness
is in the state of Colorado. In 1993 the Powderhorn Wilderness became part of
the now over 109 million acre National Wilderness Preservation System. In
wilderness, you can enjoy challenging recreational activities and
extraordinary opportunities for solitude. In an age of _"...increasing
population, accompanied by expanding settlement and growing
mechanization,..."_ you play an important role in helping to _"...secure for
the American people of present and future generations the benefits of an
enduring resource of wilderness"_ as called for by Congress in the Wilderness
Act of 1964. Please follow the regulations in place for this area, and use
Leave No Trace techniques when visiting to ensure protection of its unique
natural and experiential qualities.

  
How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in
different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). Click on any of
the principles listed below to learn more about how they apply.

**Leave No Trace principles:**

  1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
  2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
  3. Dispose of Waste Properly
  4. Leave What You Find
  5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
  6. Respect Wildlife
  7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

**Regulations:**  
Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport are generally
prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the
use of motor vehicles (including OHVs), motorboats, motorized equipment,
bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of
aircraft including helicopters, unless provided for in specific legislation.
In a few areas some exceptions allowing the use of motorized equipment or
mechanical transport are described in the special regulations in effect for a
specific area. Click here for additional regulations or contact the agency.

  
Contact Information:

> GUNNISON RANGER DISTRICT  
>  216 N Colorado Street  
>  Gunnison, CO 81230  
>  Phone: 970-641-0471
>
>  
>  BLM GUNNISON FIELD OFFICE  
>  650 S. 11th Street.  
>  Gunnison, CO 81230  
>  Phone:970-642-4940
>
>  
>  Office hours: 8 AM to 4 PM M-F

The Powderhorn Wilderness now contains a total of 62,050 acres and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service. All of the Wilderness is in the state of Colorado. In 1993 the Powderhorn Wilderness became part of the now over 109 million acre National Wilderness Preservation System. In wilderness, you can enjoy challenging recreational activities and extraordinary opportunities for solitude. In an age of "...increasing population, accompanied by expanding settlement and growing mechanization,..." you play an important role in helping to "...secure for the American people of present and future generations the benefits of an enduring resource of wilderness" as called for by Congress in the <a href="http://www.wilderness.net/index.cfm?fuse=NWPS&sec=legisact" rel="nofollow">Wilderness Act of 1964</a>. Please follow the regulations in place for this area, and use Leave No Trace techniques when visiting to ensure protection of its unique natural and experiential qualities.

 
How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). Click on any of the principles listed below to learn more about how they apply.

Leave No Trace principles:

<ol>
	<li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_1.php" rel="nofollow">Plan Ahead and Prepare</a></li>
	<li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_2.php" rel="nofollow">Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces</a></li>
	<li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_3.php" rel="nofollow">Dispose of Waste Properly</a></li>
	<li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_4.php" rel="nofollow">Leave What You Find</a></li>
	<li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_5.php" rel="nofollow">Minimize Campfire Impacts</a></li>
	<li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_6.php" rel="nofollow">Respect Wildlife</a></li>
	<li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_7.php" rel="nofollow">Be Considerate of Other Visitors</a></li>
</ol>

Regulations: 
Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport are generally prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the use of motor vehicles (including OHVs), motorboats, motorized equipment, bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft including helicopters, unless provided for in specific legislation. In a few areas some exceptions allowing the use of motorized equipment or mechanical transport are described in the special regulations in effect for a specific area. <a href="http://www.wilderness.net/index.cfm?fuse=NWPS&sec=wildView&tab=Area%20Management&WID=473#regs" rel="nofollow">Click here for additional regulations</a> or contact the agency.

 
Contact Information:

<blockquote>
GUNNISON RANGER DISTRICT 
216 N Colorado Street 
Gunnison, CO 81230 
Phone: 970-641-0471

 
BLM GUNNISON FIELD OFFICE 
650 S. 11th Street. 
Gunnison, CO 81230 
Phone:970-642-4940

 
Office hours: 8 AM to 4 PM M-F
</blockquote>

Powderhorn Wilderness

The Powderhorn Wilderness now contains a total of 62,050 acres and is managed
by the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service. All of the Wilderness
is in the state of Colorado. In 1993 the Powderhorn Wilderness became part of
the now over 109 million acre National Wilderness Preservation System. In
wilderness, you can enjoy challenging recreational activities and
extraordinary opportunities for solitude. In an age of _"...increasing
population, accompanied by expanding settlement and growing
mechanization,..."_ you play an important role in helping to _"...secure for
the American people of present and future generations the benefits of an
enduring resource of wilderness"_ as called for by Congress in the Wilderness
Act of 1964. Please follow the regulations in place for this area, and use
Leave No Trace techniques when visiting to ensure protection of its unique
natural and experiential qualities.

  
How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in
different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). Click on any of
the principles listed below to learn more about how they apply.

**Leave No Trace principles:**

  1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
  2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
  3. Dispose of Waste Properly
  4. Leave What You Find
  5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
  6. Respect Wildlife
  7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

**Regulations:**  
Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport are generally
prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the
use of motor vehicles (including OHVs), motorboats, motorized equipment,
bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of
aircraft including helicopters, unless provided for in specific legislation.
In a few areas some exceptions allowing the use of motorized equipment or
mechanical transport are described in the special regulations in effect for a
specific area. Click here for additional regulations or contact the agency.

  
Contact Information:**

> GUNNISON RANGER DISTRICT  
> 216 N Colorado Street  
> Gunnison, CO 81230  
> Phone: 970-641-0471
>
>  
> BLM GUNNISON FIELD OFFICE  
> 650 S. 11th Street.  
> Gunnison, CO 81230  
> Phone:970-642-4940
>
>  
> Office hours: 8 AM to 4 PM M-F

The Powderhorn Wilderness now contains a total of 62,050 acres and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service. All of the Wilderness is in the state of Colorado. In 1993 the Powderhorn Wilderness became part of the now over 109 million acre National Wilderness Preservation System. In wilderness, you can enjoy challenging recreational activities and extraordinary opportunities for solitude. In an age of "...increasing population, accompanied by expanding settlement and growing mechanization,..." you play an important role in helping to "...secure for the American people of present and future generations the benefits of an enduring resource of wilderness" as called for by Congress in the <a href="http://www.wilderness.net/index.cfm?fuse=NWPS&sec=legisact" rel="nofollow">Wilderness Act of 1964</a>. Please follow the regulations in place for this area, and use Leave No Trace techniques when visiting to ensure protection of its unique natural and experiential qualities. How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). Click on any of the principles listed below to learn more about how they apply.Leave No Trace principles:<ol><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_1.php" rel="nofollow">Plan Ahead and Prepare</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_2.php" rel="nofollow">Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_3.php" rel="nofollow">Dispose of Waste Properly</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_4.php" rel="nofollow">Leave What You Find</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_5.php" rel="nofollow">Minimize Campfire Impacts</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_6.php" rel="nofollow">Respect Wildlife</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles_7.php" rel="nofollow">Be Considerate of Other Visitors</a></li></ol>Regulations: Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport are generally prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the use of motor vehicles (including OHVs), motorboats, motorized equipment, bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft including helicopters, unless provided for in specific legislation. In a few areas some exceptions allowing the use of motorized equipment or mechanical transport are described in the special regulations in effect for a specific area. <a href="http://www.wilderness.net/index.cfm?fuse=NWPS&sec=wildView&tab=Area%20Management&WID=473#regs" rel="nofollow">Click here for additional regulations</a> or contact the agency. Contact Information:<blockquote>GUNNISON RANGER DISTRICT 216 N Colorado Street Gunnison, CO 81230 Phone: 970-641-0471 BLM GUNNISON FIELD OFFICE 650 S. 11th Street. Gunnison, CO 81230 Phone:970-642-4940 Office hours: 8 AM to 4 PM M-F</blockquote>

Alpine Loop

Directions

Reviews

Nearby Parks

Lake Fork of The Gunnison Riv.

Uncompahgre Wilderness

Powderhorn Wilderness

Powderhorn Wilderness Area