Cinnamon Pass in Colorado: Ghost Towns, Big Views & A Jeep Adventure to Remember

If you’re looking for an off-road adventure with breathtaking views, a touch of history, and a dash of excitement, Cinnamon Pass in Colorado should be at the top of your list. The road climbs through the San Juan Mountains, linking the town of Lake City with the ghost town of Animas Forks. It’s one of the main highlights of the Alpine Loop, a backcountry trail system that draws off-roaders from across the country.

We started our drive in Lake City, Colorado, and quickly found ourselves in a mix of switchbacks, old mining ruins, and wide-open alpine scenery. The trail feels like a ride back in time, and it balances challenge with reward. Whether you’re a seasoned Jeeper or just learning the ropes, Cinnamon Pass delivers an adventure worth taking.

👉 You can find the full trail guide to Cinnamon Pass on Trails Offroad. Use code thefaiolas for 25% off a subscription if you’re not already a member.

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Cinnamon Pass: Trail Details & What to Expect

Sitting at 12,640 feet, Cinnamon Pass is a rugged mountain road that has been in use since the late 1800s. Back then, it carried supplies and people between mining camps. Today, it’s an adventurous drive for anyone wanting to experience the wild side of Colorado’s high country.

The trail is narrow, rocky, and often hugs the edge of the mountain. But the rewards are worth it. You’ll see sweeping alpine views, scattered mining cabins, and meadows full of summer wildflowers. Most drivers consider the pass a moderate challenge, making it a smart first step for those new to the Alpine Loop.

The full loop runs about 64 miles and takes six hours or more, depending on stops. Cinnamon Pass alone is 25.03 miles. Summer is the best season, since snow can linger well into June, and the road usually closes by October. Crowds build between mid-morning and late afternoon, especially in July, so starting early gives you calmer roads and quieter viewpoints.

Getting There

The easiest way to reach Cinnamon Pass is from Lake City, which sits on the eastern side of the Alpine Loop. From town, Cinnamon Pass/County Road 30 heads west into the mountains before climbing steadily to the summit and dropping down toward Animas Forks.

If you plan to drive the full Alpine Loop, it’s best to go clockwise from Lake City. That route makes the steepest switchbacks on Engineer Pass an uphill climb instead of a downhill drop, which feels a lot less intimidating. It also keeps you on the inside edge of the road during the loop’s most exposed stretches—a small but welcome comfort if shelf roads make you nervous.

History on the Trail

Cinnamon Pass has been carrying travelers across the San Juans since 1877, when it was carved out as a wagon road during Colorado’s gold and silver rush. It linked Lake City with Silverton and the mining camps in the Animas Valley, hauling ore, freight, and hopeful prospectors through the high country. At one point, the pass even held a telephone line, which was cutting-edge for its time.

As the mines shut down in the early 1900s, traffic slowed, and the road’s purpose shifted. What was once a lifeline for commerce gradually became a path for recreation. Today, instead of wagons and mule trains, you’ll see Jeeps, side-by-sides, and curious travelers retracing the same rugged route that miners used more than a century ago.

Ghost Towns Along Cinnamon Pass

One of the best parts of driving Cinnamon Pass is the chance to step back into Colorado’s mining past. The road winds through valleys and ridgelines dotted with ghost towns, each with its own story to tell.

If you follow the spur road up Wager Gulch from Cinnamon Pass, you’ll reach the ghost towns of Carson and Old Carson. The climb is rocky and rated moderate to difficult, but the history and views make it worth the effort. Founded in 1889, this mining camp sits above 11,600 feet and is one of the better-preserved ghost towns in the San Juans. Its weathered cabins still cling to the hillside, giving you a glimpse of what life might have been like for miners who endured harsh winters and isolation. A little farther across the Continental Divide is Old Carson, another site with only a few remnants left. Both towns are now on private property, so they’re best viewed from a respectful distance.

Not far away lies Sherman, a rare “platted” mining town from 1875. Unlike the haphazard clusters of cabins standard in the San Juans, Sherman was carefully mapped with streets and lots. Today, only traces of the town remain, but you can spot the site from an overlook along Cinnamon Pass.

At the western end of Cinnamon Pass sits Animas Forks, the most accessible and popular ghost town on the loop. This high-altitude settlement once boomed with cabins, a hotel, a saloon, and even its own newspaper. Walking among the restored buildings feels like stepping into a frozen moment from the 1870s. It’s also a perfect place to stop for lunch and stretch your legs before continuing.

Every ghost town along the pass has its own charm, but together they remind you just how tough and determined the early miners had to be.

Camping near Cinnamon Pass

RVs can’t make the climb over Cinnamon Pass, but there are plenty of camping options close by. Lake City has several campgrounds and recreation areas that make a great base for exploring the Alpine Loop. If you’re set up for tent camping or overlanding, Nellie Creek Road near Engineer Pass offers some excellent dispersed sites tucked into the trees.

Another favorite spot is Lake San Cristobal in Lake City, where you can camp right along the water and wake up to stunning mountain views.

For RV travelers, Gunnison is a solid choice with more amenities and easy access to supplies. That’s where we parked during our adventure before heading into the mountains with the Jeep.

For more details on specific sites and trailhead camping, check out the Trails Offroad.

Accessibility and Driving Tips

Cinnamon Pass is narrow, rocky, and often cut into the side of the mountain, so the right setup and a bit of preparation go a long way. A high-clearance 4WD vehicle is strongly recommended. Jeeps, side-by-sides, and well-equipped off-road rigs handle it best. Smaller vehicles do show up, but whether they make it through is another story.

The trail is usually rated moderate, though the weather can change that quickly. The eastern approach from Lake City is considered the easier side, while the western stretch toward Silverton is steeper and rockier. In many spots, the road only fits one vehicle, so be ready to back up to a pullout and let others pass.

Plan for a long day. The full Alpine Loop runs about 64 miles, and with a 15 mph speed limit, most drivers spend at least six hours completing it with stops. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, so starting early is your best bet.

Safety is simple but essential. There’s no cell service, so download offline maps or carry a GPS unit. Pack water, food, and a recovery kit, and air down your tires for a smoother ride. Uphill traffic has the right of way, but common courtesy always wins on these tight roads. At more than 12,000 feet, altitude sickness can sneak up on you, so take it slow and listen to your body. And always keep an eye on the weather—snow, hail, and lightning can hit even in July.

Cinnamon Pass rewards patience. Slow down, respect the trail, and you’ll enjoy one of the most scenic drives in the San Juans.

Why We Loved Driving Cinnamon Pass

What makes Cinnamon Pass so special is the way it blends raw mountain beauty with pieces of frontier history. One moment you’re easing around a tight switchback, and the next you’re staring out at meadows splashed with wildflowers and dotted with old mining cabins. The trail never feels the same for long. It shifts from rocky climbs to open valleys, and every turn reveals something new.

For us, that variety was part of the magic. The ruins reminded us of the miners who once braved these peaks, while the shifting terrain kept us on our toes without ever feeling overwhelming.

I (Kristen) admit that shelf roads make me nervous, but this one turned out to be the perfect entry point to the Alpine Loop. It had its scary moments, sure, but the reward far outweighed the nerves. By the time we reached the summit, I was glad we started here.

Final Thoughts: Cinnamon Pass is a Must-Do

Driving Cinnamon Pass in Colorado feels like stepping into a history book—only with bigger views and a touch more adrenaline. The route combines ghost towns, alpine meadows, and sweeping mountain vistas in a way that never gets old. Every mile delivers something new, from the crumbling cabins of Carson and Sherman to the wide-open summit where the San Juans stretch in every direction.

For us, Cinnamon Pass struck the perfect balance. It was challenging enough to get the heart racing, yet approachable enough to make a great starting point for the Alpine Loop. Beginning in Lake City gave us a smoother introduction to shelf roads while still delivering all the adventure we came for.

So pack your gear, fuel up in Lake City, and head for the high country—Cinnamon Pass is waiting.

💬 Have you driven Cinnamon Pass? We’d love to hear your story! Share your tips or favorite moments with us at thefaiolas.com/sayhi.