Engineer Pass Road

Aliases: Mount Uncompahgre, Nellie Creek, Alpine Loop

This road connects Lake City with Silverton and forms the northern part of the Alpine Loop. Engineer Pass requires 4WD and high clearance, but accesses some of the most beautiful and extensive tundra habitat in the state. Those without 4WD can hike up the Nellie Creek road (or drive it in a high-clearance vehicle) to the trailhead for Uncompaghre Peak, highest peak in the San Juans at 14,309 feet. The spruce-fir habitat around the trailhead and along the Engineer Pass Road is excellent for the likes of Three-toed Woodpecker and Pine Grosbeak. In the alpine tundra areas, look for Brown-capped Rosy-Finch, American Pipit, and, with luck, White-tailed Ptarmigan. These roads are closed during the colder months.

Restrictions: Respect private property on the lower portions of the road

County: Hinsdale

Directions: Follow CR 20 (Engineer Pass Road) along Henson Creek west of Lake City to the Ouray County line at Engineer Pass. The Nellie Creek road heads north from the Engineer Pass road about five miles west of Lake City. The base of the Nellie Creek road is accessible in a passenger car; but you'll have to hike Nellie Creek from there.

Alternate Directions: From Lake City, travel west on 1st street, which becomes the Engineer Pass Road. The Nellie Creek Road is on the right after 5 miles. The top of the pass is in 23 miles. From Silverton, the pass can be reached by heading northeast out of town on CO 110, which becomes CR 2; Engineer Pass is 18 miles from Silverton.

Habitat: Spruce-Fir Forest, Streamside Willow, Krummholz, Alpine Tundra

Dates of Access: Summer months
Hours: Any
Ownership: US Forest Service/Private
Admission or Fees: Free

Parking: Roadside/trailhead

Lodging: Primitive camping

Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: None

Delorme: 67 D5

ROC: 1.15E+06

Latitude: 38.0169447
Longitude: -107.4254243