Early summer Alpine Loop visitors

Without question, one of the most important values of the Alpine Triangle is its motorized access.  Home to the Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway and 65 miles of often challenging terrain, the Alpine Triangle is an off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiast’s dream.  There may be no other place with such unprecedented motorized access to high-elevation ecosystems, living history and spectacular views in North America.

This campaign recognizes that motorized users in the Alpine Triangle have a huge economic impact in the communities of Lake City, Silverton and Ouray.  This campaign will advocate to protect the multiple use by motorized groups for perpetuity and secure that economic base for these communities.  This campaign recognizes the importance of motorized recreation and will not advocate for any road/trails to be closed.  Additionally, this campaign will not advocate for any restrictions to new construction of motorized routes in the Triangle, outside of the existing WSAs.

The Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway

One of the concerns citizens of the region have about the Alpine Triangle is that a heavy-handed, top down decision may be made in Washington, D.C. which could limit their access before any local input is taken into consideration. For example, national monument status could be proposed for the Alpine Triangle based on the Antiquities Act, and enacted by little more than the signature of the President.  Such a designation could have significant negative consequences for recreational users and the economies of the small communities of the region that rely in part on motorized visits to the Alpine Triangle.

That’s why one of the core principles of the Alpine Triangle Coalition is to engage all stakeholders, including motorized users, to ensure that each user group continues to enjoy the access it has today in any plans developed to protect this unique area for future generations.

Dirt bike riders atop Engineer Pass at 12,800'

Jeeps line up for the climb

Quad riders enjoy the views