If Cinnamon Pass felt like a warm-up, then Engineer Pass in Colorado is where the Alpine Loop really cranks things up. At 12,800 feet, this trail is one of the highest (6th) unimproved road mountain passes in the state and delivers a mix of steep climbs, rocky shelf roads, and some of the most jaw-dropping views in the San Juans.
I was the most nervous about this trail because of the tight drop-offs and steep switchbacks. But with Tony behind the wheel, and those big mountain views waiting at the top, it turned out to be a drive worth every bit of the nerves.
Table of Contents
Listen to the podcast
Hey there, adventurers! 🚐
Did this episode get your wheels turning or make you think of your own off-the-beaten-path adventure? If it did, we’d really appreciate it if you could swing by Apple Podcasts to leave us a rating, drop a review, and hit that subscribe button. It’s a little way to help keep the journey going!
Have a hidden gem or an RV tip you want to share with us? We’d love to hear from you—leave us a message!
Safe travels, and we’ll see you out there on the open road!
SUBSCRIBE: APPLE PODCASTS | PODBEAN | SPOTIFY | IHEART RADIO | Plus, almost all podcasting apps. Let us know if you can’t find us on your app.
About the Engineer Pass
Engineer Pass sits at 12,800 feet, making it the sixth-highest dirt road pass in Colorado. The drive runs about 20 miles, depending on your route, and takes 1.5 to 2 hours just for the pass itself. It connects Lake City with Ouray or Silverton, forming one of the most dramatic stretches of the Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway.
The trail is known for its narrow, single-lane shelf roads, water crossings, and rocky climbs. It’s rated moderate in Trails Offroad, with conditions that can change dramatically with the weather. Compared to Cinnamon Pass, this route feels more technical and exposed, but also more thrilling. However, both trails are rated moderate, and I wouldn’t expect anything more extreme than Cinnamon Pass.
When to Visit Engineer Pass
Like most high mountain roads in Colorado, Engineer Pass is only open seasonally. Snow usually blocks the trail from October through late June, so the sweet spot runs from July to September. July brings alpine wildflowers and the most stable weather, but afternoon storms still roll through fast.
The road sees steady traffic between mid-morning and late afternoon, so plan to start early. You’ll have more time to enjoy the views and fewer moments of squeezing past oncoming vehicles along the cliffs.
Getting There
The most common way to reach Engineer Pass in Colorado is from Lake City. Engineer Pass Road (County Road 20) climbs west out of town, winding through mining ruins before gaining altitude fast. From the summit, you can take other trails toward Ouray or Silverton. There are plenty of chances to branch off onto other high passes and explore nearby ghost towns.
If you’re driving the entire Alpine Loop, many recommend going clockwise. That means climbing up Engineer’s steep switchbacks rather than going down them, which feels far less intimidating. It also keeps you on the inside edge of the road during some of the loop’s biggest drop-offs.
History of Engineer Pass
Like many trails in the San Juans, Engineer Pass began as a mining route. In 1877, Otto Mears completed the wagon road to connect the booming camps between Lake City and Ouray. Stagecoaches once rattled across the same narrow shelf roads you drive today, carrying ore, supplies, and passengers through the high country. A cool history tidbit: the same man who built Engineer Pass also constructed the legendary Million Dollar Highway.
By the late 1800s, towns along the route were thriving with hotels, saloons, and smelters. But the 1893 Silver Crash devastated the local economy, and traffic faded. The road gradually shifted from a lifeline of commerce to a scenic byway. Today, Engineer Pass is part of the Alpine Loop, drawing Jeepers, overlanders, and history buffs from around the world.
Ghost Towns and Stops Along the Way
One of the things that makes Engineer Pass in Colorado so fascinating is the numerous ghost towns and historic sites nearby.
- Capitol City: Founded in 1877 by George S. Lee, who dreamed it would become the capital of Colorado. Today, only a few ruins remain of his ambitious plan.
- Henson & the Ute-Ulay Mine: Located only four miles west of Lake City, this site features interpretive signs, mine ruins, and even a hydroelectric dam.
- Rose’s Cabin: Built in 1874 by Corydon Rose as a stage stop between Ouray and Lake City. It served travelers with food, lodging, and a saloon, and Rose himself became one of the first permanent settlers in the region.
Each stop adds another layer to the story of the San Juans, giving you a sense of what life was like when the area pulsed with mining dreams.
Camping Near Engineer Pass
While RVs can’t travel over the pass, camping options are easy to find nearby in Lake City. We found some cool sites around Lake San Cristobal with stunning lake views and the possibility of seeing moose! For RVers, staging in Lake City, Silverton, or Gunnison is the best bet before heading up in a smaller vehicle.
If you’re tent camping, you can find numerous dispersed sites lining the road leading to Nellie Creek, Engineer Pass, Cinnamon Pass, and San Juan County Road. Refer to the Trails Offroad guide to Engineer Pass for more detailed camping information and trail maps.
Accessibility and Driving Tips
A high-clearance 4WD vehicle is strongly recommended—Jeeps, side-by-sides, and off-road rigs are best suited for this terrain. Expect narrow, single-lane stretches where you may need to pull over to a designated area to let others pass.
Plan for a long drive, especially if you’re linking Engineer with other Alpine Loop trails. Weather changes quickly, so keep an eye on the sky for lightning or even snow, even in July. With the summit above 12,000 feet, altitude can also take a toll, causing headaches and shortness of breath if you’re not properly acclimated.
No cell service means you should download offline maps or carry a GPS unit. Bring plenty of water, food, and a recovery kit, and air down your tires for better traction and comfort. Uphill traffic has the right of way, but as always, courtesy rules the road.
Why We Loved Driving the Engineer Pass
For us, we loved Engineer Pass because it’s a Jeep Badge of Honor trail, and we also love those views. The views from the top stretch for miles, with endless peaks and valleys spilling out in every direction. High alpine meadows bloom with wildflowers in July, and it’s not unusual to spot marmots or deer along the way.
Compared to Cinnamon, this drive was a tad steeper, a little rockier, and definitely scarier at times—but that was part of the thrill. I usually dread shelf roads, and it wasn’t as bad as I feared, and the payoff was worth it. By the summit, we all agreed: this was the highlight of the loop so far.
Final Thoughts: Engineer Pass is a Must-Do
If you’re planning to tackle the Alpine Loop, Engineer Pass in Colorado is definitely worth considering. As a bonus, you get one of those cool badges if you have a Jeep.
Whether you come for the mining history, the ghost towns, or just the jaw-dropping scenery, this trail delivers. Pack your gear, start early, and trust us—this is one drive you won’t forget.
💬 Have you driven Engineer Pass? Did you find it scarier or more fun than Cinnamon? We would love it if you shared your story with us… Hit the button below and leave us a message.
FAQs on Engineer Pass
What is the elevation of Engineer Pass CO?
Engineer Pass CO sits at 12,800 feet, making it the sixth-highest dirt road pass in Colorado.
Is Engineer Pass in Colorado difficult to drive?
Engineer Pass in Colorado is generally rated moderate to hard. Narrow shelf roads, rocky climbs, and steep drop-offs make it a tad more challenging.
What vehicle do you need for Engineer Pass?
A high-clearance 4WD is strongly recommended. Jeeps, side-by-sides, and off-road rigs are best suited to handle the terrain.