Engineer Cross is a rugged and tough historic street into the San Juan mountains

Engineer Cross is a excessive mountain go at an elevation of three.901m (12,800ft) above the ocean degree, situated in Ouray County, within the U.S. state of Colorado. It’s principally a primary gear trip as a result of the street is tough and rocky. It is one of many highest roads of Colorado.

Is the street to Engineer Cross paved?

The street to the summit is completely unpaved. It is known as Engineer Cross Street or Ouray County Street 18. The street is tough and it’s a nightmare within the moist or darkish (or each). This path, mixed with Cinnamon Cross, constitutes the well-known Alpine Loop. Engineer Cross begins 4 miles south of Ouray off CO Hwy 550. The primary two miles are probably the most rugged and tough; parts of the street are extraordinarily rocky. Novice four-wheelers ought to proceed cautiously.

Is the street to Engineer Cross harmful?

The street to the highest is beneficial for top clearance 4 wheel drive brief wheel base autos, and is de facto too slim for a 4WD pickup truck. Many of the route is simple, however there are nonetheless a number of slim, steep locations on the west facet of the go that may get your consideration.

When was the street to Engineer Cross constructed?

Set excessive within the San Juan Mountains close to Ouray, in USA, it’s mentioned to be one among Colorado’s most scenic offroad drives. The Russian born engineer Otto Mears well-known for his development of the Million Greenback Freeway connecting Silverton to Ouray can be credited for constructing the street often called Engineer Cross. Accomplished after 1877 this toll street was a serious route connecting Silverton, Animas Forks, Ouray and Lake Metropolis collectively.

Is the street to Engineer Cross open?

The street nonetheless stays an adrenaline-pumping journey and is certainly not for the faint of lungs, coronary heart, or legs. It is a very excessive go and shouldn’t be handled evenly. Don’t drive if snow lined. Warning ought to be used always particularly in moist climate. Don’t journey this go in extreme climate circumstances. The season typically runs from late Might to late October however winter snows contribute to when you possibly can entry.

Is Engineer Cross scenic?

The drive is certainly value it. There are numerous glorious photograph alternatives right here. Don’t overlook your digital camera! On the summit there are 360 diploma panoramic views of 14,000 peaks. From this vantage level, the encompassing areas unfold, together with Mt. Sneffels (14,150 ft.) to the west and Uncompahgre Peak (14,309 ft.) to the northeast. The extinct Lake Metropolis volcanic caldera, which the Alpine Loop encircles, lies to the east. It offers the adventurous off-roader a possibility to see outdated mines, ghost cities, wildflowers, and scenic magnificence that’s really epic. There may be fishing, mountaineering, climbing, tenting and rather more. It’s a journey into the previous alongside a street utilized by miners and retailers over 100 years in the past that you can also take pleasure in. A number of the highlights of this path are the various mines, ghost cities, waterfalls, fishing and unbelievable views. It’s an exhilarating journey for drivers of all expertise ranges. There are numerous mines and factors of historic curiosity alongside the route.