Ouray Colorado

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The San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado have some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. Miners and prospectors built hundreds of miles of wagon roads into and over these mountains in the late 1800's and early 1900's. These old roads give access to this awesome scenery as well as ghost towns and mines that have a lot of history. Jeeping and ATV's are the best ways to view this magnificent mountain range.

For the ATV enthusiast: The Alpine Loop Back Country Byway system is sixty five miles of road carved through the breathtaking San Juan Mountains connecting the towns of Lake City, Ouray and Silverton. The area is dotted with the remains of ghost towns, mines, mills, aerial trams, and railroads as prominent reminders of the region’s extensive mining history

Five ATV staging areas are provided for your convenience, one each at Eureka, Hensen Creek near Lake City, Canyon Creek, .5 miles southwest of Lake San Cristobal, and on Hwy 550 south of Ouray at Engineer Pass turnoff.

Although vehicles must stay on established roads for camping, picnicking and driving, you may park immediately adjacent to a road where such use will not damage the environment. Signs are posted where parking is not permitted.

Regulations:
• Colorado Law requires unlicensed motorcycles and ATVs to display an annual OHV permit. For out-of-state visitors, this permit may be purchased at Ridgway State Park, located about 20 minutes north of Ouray on Hwy 550.
• All unlicensed motorcycle and ATV operators must possess a valid drivers license or vehicle operators license.
• Licensed Vehicles can travel on all roads that are legally established routes.
• Unlicensed motorcycles and ATVs are required to stay on roads identified on this map.
• All vehicle operators must observe authorized barriers, closed signs, and other obstacles meant to restrict vehicle travel or access.
• Liability insurance is required for all unlicensed motorcycles and ATVs in San Juan and Ouray Counties.

This information was taken from the brochure ALPINE LOOP: ATV’s and Unlicensed Motorcycles Summer Travel Routes. For the complete brochure please visit the Ouray Chamber at the Ouray Visitors Center.

ATV Rentals