Alpine Loop First Timer !

[WHAMMYBAR66]

Heading to Ouray the last week of July.
Have NEVER been there... and this is my first real off-road adventure with my truck and the family.
I have a buddy going with me and he is bringing his Rubicon.
We are excited to witness the amazing mountains in person and the ghost towns too!
My plan is to head South out of Ouray on the Million Dollar highway and hit the trailhead that leads to mineral point to go South to Animus forks.. then head back out through California and Corkscrew. I am not looking to challenge the truck much.. I gotta drive it all the way back home to Missouri !! I know the truck is extremely capable in most situations... just a little fat.. lol
Can't wait, even though a little stressed that I want everyone that is with us (wife included) to have a great vacation.... but have never been there.
Ideas and suggestions appreciated !

Thanks !
Whammybar66

 

[TiFJ]

Ouray is great, absolutely gorgeous and the trails are great. Been there three times in my FJ but havent made it down in the Raptor yet.

Alpine Loop is a fairly long day if you stop frequently for pics etc (which you should, it's beautiful) but the the trail is an easy one. The biggest obstacle you'll face will be getting a big truck around switchbacks or meeting another vehicle going the opposite direction on a narrow track.

Have fun and take lots of photos!

 

[Dane]

I do the Alpine loop every year in the Raptor. The Raptor is awesome for that trail. As stated above, the only issues are a few rocky turns where you can hit your running boards. Animas Forks is really cool - spend some time there. Give yourself plenty of time - especially if you're doing the full loop. Last time I just did Lake City to Ouray. Left Lake City before sunrise because the wife wanted sunrise on the trail and we were in Ouray before lunch.

 

[Otis857]

Consider doing Imogene pass too out of Telluride if you have time. Not too rough for a stock Raptor, I did it in mine last year. Fantastic scenery.

 

[MAXTRAX]

You'll be fine and you'll have a great time. Don't be afraid to look at some of the other trails in the area too. Imogene is great, so is Yankee Boy Basin (super pretty, do both in the same day) and then there's Last Dollar Road which is easy but really scenic.

 

[cayenne]

Tagging for good info... Need to get the Raptor and the FJ up there.

 

[traxiii]

No pictures?