Alpine Loop, Engineer Pass, and breathtaking scenery

Jeeps up on the top!

We just made the most amazing jeep trip yesterday. What can I say that even begins to describe the awe inspiring views in every direction. Alpine Loop is called the Switzerland of America, and for good reason. The views took my breath away and there were old mining towns everywhere you turned. And remember, we've been on many beautiful passes over the years. Wow. And all this gushing when we only did half!  It's 65 miles altogether and we did the Lake City over Engineer Pass to Silverton, the "upper" half, and then the rain and clouds came in. We decided to go back the regular highway. The second half will be for another day.

So lots of photos for your viewing pleasure...

And the toilet...

1880's kiln

in the market for an old mining town?

massive buck a peak over

house for sale, accessible only by bridge

sheep, thousands of them with sheepdogs and herders

the sheep and the view - Ireland? Switzerland?

top of Engineer Pass 12,800

Eureka - a mining town in restoration process

Mark took this-great

aerial ore bucket

Silverton

Lunch at Handlebar's - yum

Narrow Gauge Silverton-Durango train - need to do that!