Cinnamon Pass

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4.6/5 (85 reviews)
Lake City, Colorado (Hinsdale County)
Last Updated: 11/30/2023

Trail Information

Highlights

Altitude Category Icon Altitude
Camping Category Icon Camping
Ghost Town Category Icon Ghost Town
Iconic Category Icon Iconic
Mine Category Icon Mine
Overland Category Icon Overland
Scenic Category Icon Scenic
This trail, just outside of Lake City, CO, is an over 25.5 mile-long trail that when connected with Engineer Pass - Alpine Loop Connector and Engineer Pass makes up the famous Alpine Loop. The two connected is a nearly 60 mile long trail that can make for a sunup to sun down day on the trails in the area. If you are running the Alpine Loop, then you will get onto the Engineer Pass part via the Engineer Pass - Alpine Loop Connector. You can also just connect to Silverton by taking this trail straight through and past the ghost town of Animas Forks. Along the way, you’ll run into ghost towns, mines and scenic overlooks that can make for some spectacular memories and images. Some of these ruins are over 100 years old and in amazing shape for their age. Tread lightly around these treasures. The overlooks are plentiful and while we’ve noted some of them here, you may find yourself stopping often to take pictures. These trails are what is left over of the road system needed for mining in the 1800’s during the gold and silver boom in the San Juan Mountains. The Bureau of Land Management now manages this trail from start to finish and maintains the surface and historical markers that you will see along the way. This trail is relatively easy and for everyone from the beginner to the experienced off-roader. It offers something for everyone along this route. The road is not a very rough surface in most places but it is a true off-road trail and will test your fortitude with shelf roads and some of the inclines. For Jeep owners, there’s a special note here. Jeep has designated some trails as Badge of Honor trails and this is one of the few in Colorado. Its fame means that Jeep will recognize if you ran it and provide you with a badge to put on your rig showing you completed the trail.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

This trail is a 25.5-mile straight connection from Lake City to the ghost town ofAnimas Forks. It’s also one of the starting points for the Alpine Loop. This trail is great for nearly as any high clearance vehicle can make this trail in good conditions. Other than some shelf areas, this trail is relatively easy throughout with no major obstacles to note. You’ll encounter a few rocks in the dirt and the occasional stream crossing as well. This trail travels well above the timberline and much if it is fragile alpine tundra. It’s extremely important that travelers follow the trail and do not deviate from it. The damage one vehicle can do can by going off-trail can take years for the area to recover. Typically, this trail opens in June, however there is no standard date to give out. This trail and area is completely governed by snow and unstable rock in the region. The San Juan Forest Service maintains a list of the trails in the area and what is open to the day. We will update this page as the trail is open or closed seasonally. In summer, it's a good idea to check this page directly for updates that can close the trail in summer for short periods, like rockslides and accidents. Click here for the most up to date information. To run the Alpine Loop in it’s traditional route, start in the town of Lake City. Go south and begin the loop at Cinnamon Pass. When you get to waypoint 20 on Cinnamon Pass, turn right (north) and head uphill towards Engineer Pass. After 2.1 Miles the Engineer Pass - Alpine Loop Connector ends, turn right (east) to pick up Engineer Pass at waypoint 11 back towards Lake City.

Trail Reviews

4.6/5 (85)
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Official Crew
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127550
Impassable
Visited: 11/30/2023

These trails are at a high altitude and are impassable until next season!
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Official Crew
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127550
Partially Open
Visited: 10/14/2023

The season's first real snowstorm has moved through the Colorado High Country, and the daytime temps are not low enough to melt the storms anymore. This trail should be considered only partially open at it's lower altitudes and may be dangerous if you encounter snow, if not impassable, until Spring.
Open
Visited: 10/07/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

We drove this yesterday, west to east to get to Lake City from Silverton. It was sunny and warm at the pass, no snow the entire route. It's rocky and steep for a short stretch leaving out of Animas Forks, but still a piece of cake aired down in 4Lo. After that, the drive isn't challenging at all. Lots of beautiful views and the fall colors are out right now. Fun way to get between Silverton and Lake City. Animas Forks is a must see, too.
Trail Review: Cinnamon Pass - Evan Fletcher
Trail Review: Cinnamon Pass - Evan Fletcher
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7600
Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 10/01/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Easier

We ran this trail from Lake City. The first 16 miles is a regular road. Some nice scenery along the way. The fall colors were the highlight of the trip.
Trail Review: Cinnamon Pass - Roger P.
Trail Review: Cinnamon Pass - Roger P.
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3600
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 09/18/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Fun trail. 3 rating seems OK. We ran from Lake City to Silverton during a snowstorm at the summit. The snow made it scary coming down the west side but we made it. It was not that crazy.
Trail Review: Cinnamon Pass - Scott

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