Colorado's Alpine Loop - ADV GUIDE to the PASSES! Imogene, Black Bear, Engineer, & More!

This is a detailed ADV guide of Colorado's San Juan Mountains which are FULL of amazing mountain passes: Imogene, Black Bear, Engineer, California, Corkscrew, Cinnamon, and more! What's best? All of these passes can be accessed by larger ADV motorcycles and smaller dual sports with limited fuel range, most within a single day via Ouray, Telluride, Silverton, and the Million Dollar Highway.
If you're on your way, here is a VERY useful map: www.silvertonrockpirates.com/g...
Love Adventure? Subscribe to eveRide ADV for new adventures every Saturday! Click: / everideorg
Join the eveRide community's positive vibe, tailor made for new and experienced riders. See more videos, pictures, ride reports, gear reviews, deals, and more at everide.org
Love the video? Help me create more short films! everide.org/patreon
Get to know our awesome, positive, inclusive community! See bonus footage, meet moto buddies, and get enduro tips!
everide.org/facebook
everide.org/instagram
everide.org/twitter
Favorite everide.org to support the FREE creation of more ADV, Enduro, and Dual Sport videos by using the partner links to shop online! Or simply click the links below and shop like normal:
everide.org/amazon
everide.org/ebay
everide.org/RMATVMC (Rocky Mountain ATV MC)
everide.org/motorcyclesuperstore
everide.org/cyclegear
See a video of my recommended riding gear! everide.org/yt/gear
See a video of every mod on my DRZ 400! everide.org/yt/mods
The following gear has withstood the crucible of enduro and ADV motorcycling while maintaining excellent value-for-money. The links below feature products from many different retailers, and are the lowest prices we could find. Using these links supports more free content on the eveRide channel.
*RIDER ARMOR & PROTECTION*
+AFX FX 39 Dual Sport Helmet $110 amzn.to/1KItYBB
+Fox Titan CLONE Body Armor $40 everide.org/buy/armor-jackets
+Decade Armored Gauntlet Gloves amzn.to/1EPo8Gg
+Over-the-knee Articulating Shin Guards $25 everide.org/buy/arc-knee-guards
+Oneal MX Boots $120 amzn.to/1BDZHeK
*MOTOVLOGGING, CAMERAS, MICS, & TECH GEAR*
+Helmet Camera - Sony as100v amzn.to/1I61xtS
+Sena SMH10 In-helmet Bluetooth Communicators amzn.to/1JkBxMM
+In-helmet Motovlogging Mic amzn.to/1AJuw6Q
+RAM Phone Holder amzn.to/1IgwoHQ
*LIGHTING AND STREET-LEGAL MODS*
+18w LED Flood/Spot Light Bar $15 amzn.to/1I66tPb
+Trailtech X2 Universal Halogen Headlight $100 amzn.to/1AJyE6C
+LED Flush-mount Blinkers $10 amzn.to/1dHz9Ev
+Dual Sport Kit everide.org//buy/tuskendurolig...
*DUAL SPORT COMFORT MODS*
+Seat Concepts Comfort Seat $160 everide.org/buy/seatconcepts
+Sheepskin Seat Cover $50 amzn.to/1FQ8D4K
+Progrip 714 Grips $15 amzn.to/1BE1z7p
+Cramp Buster Throttle Assist $10 amzn.to/1BE1IYp
+Trackside Heated Grips everide.org/buy/heated-grips
*LUGGAGE, BAGS, & TRAVEL SYSTEMS*
+Green Chile Modular Luggage System everide.org/gcag (use coupon code everide)
+Nomad Rider Tank Bag amzn.to/1BE1UHc
+Nomad Rider Venture Bag amzn.to/1dalPYj
+Tusk Rear Fender Tool Bag everide.org/buy/tuskfenderpack
+Tusk Front Fender Tool Bag with Tire Spoons everide.org/buy/tuskfenderspoons
+Tactical MOLLE Backpack amzn.to/1JkGwgA
*MUST-HAVE TOOLS & EMERGENCY GEAR*
+JB Weld Steel Stik amzn.to/1KIxAn2
+Slime Tire Inflator amzn.to/1BE319S
+12v Adapter amzn.to/1cuwtZe
+First Aid Kit amzn.to/1I6c1cD
+Ride On Tire Sealant & Balancer amzn.to/1QkDVDB
*CAMPING AND SURVIVAL*
+Dual Fuel Camp Stove amzn.to/1QkE0r5
+Anker USB Solar Charger amzn.to/1cuxfFJ
+Anker USB Battery amzn.to/1KIzvIp
+SOG Multitool amzn.to/1BE6J3e
+Gerber LMF 2 Survival Knife amzn.to/1BE6LZ0
+Sawyer Mini Filtration System $16 amzn.to/1cuxCzT
*MY FAVORITE DUAL SPORT TIRES*
+Kenda K760 Trakmaster 20% Road - 80% Dirt Dual Sport Tire amzn.to/1I6i54R
+Kenda K270 50% Road - 50% Dirt Dual Sport Tire amzn.to/1KIzO5Q
+Shinko 705 80% Road - 20% Dirt Dual Sport Tire amzn.to/1BE78mp
*BIKE PROTECTION*
+Trackside Handguards amzn.to/1BE6t4r
+Devol Skidplate amzn.to/1dHCHGL
*SPARES TO CARRY
+IRC Heavy Duty Tubes everide.org/buy/irc-hd-tube
+Spare Metric Bolts everide/org/buy/tusksparebolts
+Tusk Brake Lever everide.org/buy/tuskbrakelever
+Tusk Clutch Lever everide.org/buy/tuskclutchlever
*CLOTHING, COMFORT APPAREL, AND JACKETS*
+ADVAddicts Apparel everide.org/advaddicts
+Desert Riding Cooling Vest amzn.to/1QkFpOn
+Battle Born Pants everide.org/buy/arc-battleborn...
+Battle Born Jacket everide.org/buy/arc-battleborn...
+ARC Padded Shorts everide.org/buy/padded-shorts

[@kobywsmith]

That last pass you mentioned is no joke! I had my rear brake on my DRZ go out on the decent down it. Super sketchy, had to lay bike over a few times to prevent going over a Cliff. My father took us down that trail without realizing how hard it was. We were the only motorcyclists in a sea of Jeeps. Not for the faint of heart. Would definitely do it again😁

[@droniedave7664]

Went back to this video as I’m heading out this way. Useful again!

[@azrydr1723]

Everide... Dude, you hit it out of the park. This vid on Colorado's Alpine Loop is exactly what i knew you could do when you married the quad-copter to your moto adventures. You made the key Colorado passes easy-to-understand. Heretofore, they had just been a jumble of names and vid clips. I had no idea of where they were or how to plan a trip to visit them. I now see the big picture. I see the towns. I see the main roads. I see the pass routes. I see how and where the passes are. And you give us enough about each one of them that we can make judgements as to whether or not to tackle them. Brilliant. I'm very happy with this video and very happy that you have done such an outstanding job in capturing the essence of some of Colorado's main passes. Congrats. Pat yourself on the back and give yourself a raise.

[@CaliforniaDualSportRiders]

Looks like one could spend a long time enjoying that area and not get bored.

[@chiptaxfree]

This is now a 7-year-old video. Put 6 years ago you inspired me to do the exact same trip and I did it. Thank you so much Tyler.

[@emfl4437]

Absolutely amazing! You got me ready for an adventure

[@HawkGirlMistyV]

Too much awesomeness for words!!!

[@nwdualsport]

Excellent video! Been all over those trails and it never gets old! Ride safe.....

[@nucl3arfamily906]

Going to ride some of these this Summer. Very helpful for planning. Thanks!

[@deacon51]

OMG! Amazing video and extremely helpful. The Alpine loop is on my bucket list and this video looks like a great reference for route planning.

[@toddconn8217]

I did almost all these areas last year, and I agree. This is a MUST for all motorcyclist. Black bear was my favorite, and very challenging.

[@SolivagantJourney]

Thank you so much for the great video and suggestions! I'm planning on bringing my 310gs on a 2 week trip next summer and am looking forward to experiencing some of these now

[@ADVBandit]

This video is wonderful. It makes me want to visit or plan my next trip to Colorado. Keep up the amazing work!!!

[@Firemantaz]

Great video Tyler. Thanks for the map stuff.

[@grub321]

Absolutely the best video I have seen, awesome job.

[@KentReid7]

Wow! Absolutely beautiful!

[@poookie1b23]

This area of Colorado has been on my bucket list for a while and your crazy-well-done video has truly captured the many reasons I have for getting my butt down there. I've seen a lot of great videos over the last 2 years but this one caps it. No doubt now - we'll be there in 2018. Thanks muchly!

[@forkedintheroad1856]

Love this video! Your channel helps ease the motorcycle blues while i'm stuck out here in the M-E on deployment. Here's to a quick recovery so you can get out on the trails again.

[@allthingsoutdoorsmitchell8108]

Fantastic! Planning a trip to this area, your info will be a great help! Thanks so much

[@ColtonBlumhagen]

This video was super helpful in planning my trip to Telluride next year.

[@ridingdeep8530]

That was absolutely fantastic man! Loved it, great work. I'm sitting here at my table drinking a protein shake for breakfast and found myself mentally cruising through those beautiful mountain passes with you guys, good stuff.

[@ryandee234]

Fantastic job Everide! This is one of the best descriptive ADV touring videos I've seen, ever. Super useful! thanks very much. Gorgeous footage and great ride intel.

[@DRFOX55]

This tour you put together is 70 percent of where we will be in 2 weeks! Awesome timing , thanks !

[@trevormac1974]

The bucket list just expanded! Thank you.

[@galensinkey]

Great video! Really appreciate all the details and map work.

[@Justin_Krehbiel]

Amazing trip!! I live in Colorado and want to go up everyone of these trails!!!!!!!

[@wfodavid]

Superb video quality. Almost mesmerizing! Thanks for sharing. I'll er up next week in Taylor Park and then in August Riding dual Sport from Trinidad to MOAB!

[@RideVictoria]

My eyeballs are bleeding from cinema overload !!!!

[@Alaskandualsport]

I agree this was a great video subscribed to your channel RideVictoria

[@RideVictoria]

+Alaskan dual sport Hey thanks for that! I hope you enjoy the ride. 😊

[@ONTADV]

Great video. It really stands out compared to the many other Colorado videos. keep up the great work!

[@dalelosborn]

Very informative video. Showing the maps is a big help. Thanks

[@MarcoFrantz]

Wow man! Breathtaking. Congrats

[@badjuju6563]

One of the best I've ever seen, fantastic effort. It's actually of commercial quality.

[@mar1video]

Phenomenal video ! Made me dig out the Colorado Atlas and find it on paper.

[@corwynhoward269]

Outstanding video & narrative. Camped on the Alpine Loop in 2008. Rode the Black Bear Pass in my FJ Cruiser. Had a blast in Ouray.

[@maverickg2869]

Outstanding. Best video yet! Thanks.

[@humdinger5701]

Wow ! Awesome vid for so many reasons. Great editing, Epic views, and just the right amount of information to get there yourself and what to be prepared for. Did I say amazing cam footage? This is why I dual sport, to see and experience the outdoors, to get what no other means of travel and no other surroundings can give you. I'm sure after all this exploring you came back with a new level of excitement that words cannot describe... ! Keep up the good work Mr. Eve-ride and we will all keep watching while simultaneously drooling while sitting in front of our screens !

[@bustedknucks2280]

I was just barely there this weekend. Even on a streetbike there are amazing things to see.

[@shaundhakes]

just got back from there. I didn't do all the passes but that's all the more reason to go back. great video Tyler that drone gets some wicked footage.

[@MadAdventure919]

What a spectacular view.

[@ADVNomad]

I hit these on the COBDR on my DR650. Imogene was the hardest riding I have experienced. And good preparation for Tincup Pass a few days later. Love watching your excellent videos and daydreaming of this spring/summer in CO.

[@GuestVeea]

I grew up in Denver, and we would take mountain trips to Telluride, SIlverton, Ouray etc. a couple times per year. I've done a couple of these trails with a 4x4 and coming across this footage makes me feel super nostalgic and want to get back up into the mountains again! This looks like sooo much fun. I might have to take my '84 Magna up there soon just to get some of that scenery ;)

[@garrettschultz5588]

Hey Tyler, just want to encourage you and let you know how inspirational your videos are. I want SO BADLY to do the Alpine Loop, and have for years but I haven't gotten around to it. My close friend recently bought a diesel pickup and a DRZ400 and I showed him this video and now he is trying to force me to take time from my life to go on the Alpine Loop adventure. So, your videos are inspirational, and dare I say, life changing. Thanks for what you do.

[@Heartlanddualsport]

Very nice done my friend Colorado is on my list, I will make it back there one day, I have taken lots of vacations there, just haven't riden any of ti. Thank you so much for sharing and I hope you have a blessed week my friend.

[@aaronbehindbars]

Thank you for posting this, brings back a lot of great memories. Each summer of 1997-1999 and 2001, my family and some friends hauled the dual sports up to Ouray and we rode many of these passes and trails. I was 15 in 1997 and rode a 1978 Honda XL175 over Engineer Pass to Lake City and back through Silverton via Cinnamon. We also tried Black Bear, made it almost to the top, but turned back when my dad's bike started running like crap (float bowl start filling with gas). I am kinda of glad I didnt go over the pass as I would learn a few years later on a KLR650. That descent into Telluride is knarly. I enjoyed riding a KLR250 over Imogene, Ophir, Million Dollar Highway, Last Dollar Road, and the like. My dad and his buddies did Poughkeepsie Gulch and I opted to hang with my friends and ride in their van over to Silverton to meet everybody for lunch. From how they described it, it was terrifying and I am glad I did not go. I know my limits and that looked like more than I'd like to try.

[@bmxtimmy]

Beautiful rides. Man can't say that I'm not jealous. I really wish I had started adv riding when I lived in Denver.....

[@billkipper3264]

Another great video. Killer photography and a great travel guide all rolled into one.

[@ThreeWheeler54]

Great Vid,at the moment I can only do asphalt passes.Between you and Colorado Duels port I will be there in spirit. Thanks for your videos.

[@antoz9186]

Another great vid Tyler. Thanks for sharing.

[@b1pig]

thanksgiving 2014 we were staying in Durango. We drove the loop around Silverton, up to Ouray and north around the mountains back to Telluride. Beautiful trip. Everything was covered in snow. Even though we couldn't get the Jeep off the road, we had a wonderful trip out there. We will return!

[@gldsmith61]

Getting ready to go out that way from fla and found this . this is the perfect info I needed. Thanks a lot.

[@jason-oh6qr]

Heading out to ride this the end of July. First time out there and really excited!

[@jamescox4823]

Thanks for the inspiration, I just returned from Telluride, we did Opier pass from Tell to Silverton then rode the Million up to Oaray. Black Bear and Imogene where still closed. Did it on a tired DR650, the last 1000 yards to the summit was all the fun I wanted. Keep up the great work, I hope your medical BS is almost over!

[@bluegram1389]

You sure make me want to ride and explore all the time, thanks

[@pedromnsg]

Epic scenary mate! Cheers from Portugal and keep up the great work

[@iRideuWatch]

Excellent overview. Your editing is amazing. Did all these passes in July. loved it.

[@emarydrilling]

awesome, i live near Silverton and New Denver British Columbia Canada....wish i had a cam on my helmet back in the 70's.....like your video

[@joaquinchea2620]

Great video guide, now I just need a dual sport bike! Thanks for sharing!

[@DRZcoffeegirlRide]

Okay have to watch that again for all the views! WOW thanks for all the tips on riding places, we plan on going there sometime

[@redbird5811]

And this right here is one of the biggest reasons I'll be moving across the country to live in this beautiful state. Great work btw!

[@gregrichard1162]

I was in this area just 2 weeks ago can I can't wait to go back. You definitely didn't give Stony Pass the attention it deserved though. That and Rocky Gultch were two of the toughest trails of the whole trip. 10/10 would do again

[@rustyharvey2049]

I'm brand new to adventure motorcycle riding & yes I did so much research and still chose the 2016 KLR 650 your channel has opened my eyes to Colorado you see I drive an 18 wheeler for a living & have driving Colorado over & over saw all those bikes & was like I gots do this but never thought Colorado was that great until I found this channel now still it's not my favorite state Tennessee will always come first but I'm going to be making my first trip out there next year all on the bike & I've now watched all of your videos & so helpful thx u so much. I can't wait to have my own adventure motorcycle well adventures soon.

[@TimberMoto]

Cannot wait to move to Colorado! Black bear is first on the list in memory of a friend who passed away before we got the chance to ride it together.

[@elliottstreamliner]

I love this area. I have hit all the trails on my jeep but California. I guess I need to go back and try it on my bike. I love Ouray and go there as much as I can. Thanks for the vids

[@gi8323]

Tyler: You are so on the right track this sort of informative, amazing vids are a treat to watch keep up the great work ! Greg Bozeman

[@trevorjameson3213]

That entire area is the best riding I've ever done. I first rode there in '83 on my new Suzuki SP500, then each year thereafter until I got a DR350 in '95. Later, I got an '05 DR650 and we continued to ride there each summer. Since then I have a newer DR650 and still ride there most summers, but have since been exploring other parts of Colorado also. But there is nothing like the San Juan mountains for off road riding.. It's great to see that you made such a great video of these passes and other trails, simply beautiful! Last September I discovered yet another fantastic unpaved ride, from Cotopaxi to Salida via 47 miles of unpaved beauty, with several branching trails of higher difficulty. I think you could ride for a lifetime and never see everything!

[@XXXDeadhead]

I have watched a ton of your vids over the years - in fact, I have watched a ton of KZbin over the years. When it comes to the thousands of great ADV vids I have ever seen, this video is easily one of the best. 14k views makes me sad/mad... this video deserves so much more! Thanks Tyler!

[@TheIJoystick]

Colorado looks amazing

[@probehound8617]

Simply amazing.

[@EddieMarak-EM2]

Awesome video, great information! You covered just about everything. The only thing I might add is that while most of the passes are easily ridden in the rain, Last Dollar Road (the easiest of all of these), is probably the worst in the rain. It is very slick, especially the sections through all the aspen groves.

[@Tankerman]

Looks like yall had one awesome weekend. Very well done. stay safe

[@backcountryadvmoto]

Once again. Great work man!

[@chiefenumclaw7960]

excellent footage, excellent production quality. professional grade through & through.

[@ChrisONeillUSA]

Extremely helpful, thanks for making this!

[@WillysPerformanceCycleCtr]

Great video! Very nice. Thanks.

[@DrDualSport]

I second this message! Beautiful area!

[@MrDuhfactor]

oh man..... I've soooo got to go there!!!!

[@skanda1832]

Excellent. Thank You

[@russpro100]

Nice!! Love the video!! Thanks to share it ... some day I will be there..

[@RedRockDualSportADV]

Wow! That looked like an outstanding are to ride in. I LOVE the South West however I do miss the high mountains form time to time.

[@osimnod]

Amazing views, fabulous scenery, very helpful maps and town locations with route idiosyncrasies. As others have said, the Colorado Tourism Board ought to hire you or at least pay for your production! Well-done, sir.

[@FloridaOutdoorAdv]

Best video on KZbin. Great work ER

[@PhiTonics]

This is the kind of vid I've been wanting, love the google maps, really helps out those of us who have never been, and want to!, not sure if you've done one for Utah yet, but you should! :)

[@jasonhill4132]

I lived in Colorado from 95-2000. I was a Harley guy back then. I took a lot of excellent bike trips, but NOTHING like this. I could kick myself in the butt for not getting a dual sport bike as well. I will have to go back and do this someday. Excellent VLOG! Thanks Tyler

[@1life2ride91]

Epic video thanks. Selling the Harley and buying a KLR 650.. Let the Adventure begin.. Going to do Copper Canyon in Mexico 1st since its 200 miles from me. ❤👍🏍

[@Gunner40Five]

Wow Ty this was awesome! I loved it.

[@jaetheo]

Great video! Going to have to add that to the list!

[@rayrokni]

Thank you. Great info

[@chuck7140]

Wow looks awesome

[@urbanprowler]

man, that's lush. thanks for the video!!

[@Lifesnextadventure1]

Another epic vid! Thanks Tyler...

[@eveRide]

Thanks John!

[@allenhuling598]

Well done, Tyler!!

[@juliancain6128]

Incredible video sir!!!!

[@KarlDeckerPresents]

Well done man!!!!

[@JoeJoeMoto]

Awesome guide mate!

[@import9163]

Great video!!! Did you keep all your gear at a hotel? Looks like everyone is pretty bare, gear wise. Thanks again for the video. Looks like I've found a new place to go.

[@hoagiesherlin7732]

i so wish i could give this one two thumbs up but it would only let me give it one . very well done sir!!!

[@ShooterMedic1818]

This is amazing!

[@SchmitzGarage]

Great video! Can’t wait to get a dual sport and get back out to CO!

[@brettcronje]

Great video - thanks!

[@oic1968]

great video putting it on the list