Engineer Pass vs. Cinnamon Pass: Which Direction Is Best for Driving the Alpine Loop?

If you’re planning to tackle Colorado’s legendary Alpine Loop, you’ve probably heard plenty of debate about Engineer Pass versus Cinnamon Pass. But here’s the secret: you don’t actually have to choose between them.

The classic Alpine Loop route includes both Engineer Pass and Cinnamon Pass, creating one of the most scenic and memorable off-road adventures in the country. Instead of deciding which pass to drive, the real question becomes:

Should you drive Cinnamon Pass first and then Engineer Pass, or Engineer Pass first and then Cinnamon Pass?

While there are passionate opinions on both sides, most experienced drivers and guides recommend driving Cinnamon Pass first, followed by Engineer Pass. Here’s why.

The Alpine Loop Route

The Alpine Loop connects the historic mountain towns of Silverton, Lake City, and Ouray through a network of high-alpine roads, historic mining sites, and breathtaking mountain passes. The route climbs above 12,000 feet, traverses some of Colorado’s most spectacular scenery, and takes visitors through famous landmarks like Animas Forks Ghost Town.

No matter which direction you travel, you’ll experience both of the Alpine Loop’s most famous passes:

• Cinnamon Pass – Elevation: 12,640 feet
• Engineer Pass – Elevation: 12,800 feet

Both passes offer incredible scenery, rich history, and unforgettable mountain driving. However, the direction you choose can significantly impact your overall experience.

Why Most People Recommend Driving Cinnamon Pass First

For first-time Alpine Loop visitors, the most commonly recommended route is:

Silverton → Cinnamon Pass → Lake City → Engineer Pass → Silverton

There are two main reasons why this direction tends to be the favorite.

1. The Views Are Arguably Better in This Direction

One of the best parts about driving the Alpine Loop is the constantly changing scenery. When traveling over Cinnamon Pass first and then heading over Engineer Pass, many visitors feel that the landscape unfolds in a particularly dramatic and beautiful way.

You’ll experience:

• Wide-open alpine basins
• Historic mining ruins and ghost towns
• Towering San Juan peaks
• Stunning panoramic overlooks
• Some of the most photographed landscapes in Colorado

While the scenery is spectacular regardless of direction, many experienced Alpine Loop drivers agree that the sequence of views simply feels more impressive when traveling Cinnamon first and Engineer second.

2. Most Drivers Prefer Going Down Engineer Pass Rather Than Up

Engineer Pass is generally considered the more intimidating of the two passes. It features steeper grades, narrower sections, and more rocky terrain than Cinnamon Pass.

For many visitors—especially first-time off-road drivers—descending Engineer Pass feels more comfortable than climbing it.

Driving Cinnamon first allows you to:

• Build confidence on slightly less intimidating terrain
• Get accustomed to high-altitude mountain driving
• Experience the Alpine Loop progressively
• Avoid some of the stress that can come with climbing Engineer’s steeper sections

Many drivers report that by the time they reach Engineer Pass, they feel much more comfortable operating their vehicle on mountain roads.

What About Driving Engineer Pass First?

That doesn’t mean driving Engineer first is wrong.

Some experienced off-road enthusiasts actually prefer beginning with Engineer Pass because:

• They enjoy tackling the more challenging terrain first
• They prefer climbing steep sections rather than descending them
• They like ending their day with the more relaxed terrain of Cinnamon Pass

The route still offers incredible scenery, historic sites, and unforgettable mountain views. However, for first-time visitors, Engineer-first can sometimes feel a bit more intimidating right from the start.

Comparing the Two Passes

Cinnamon Pass

Best Known For:

• Sweeping alpine scenery
• Historic landmarks
• Wide-open mountain basins
• Slightly easier terrain
• Marmot sightings 
• A great introduction to the Alpine Loop

Engineer Pass

Best Known For:

• Dramatic mountain vistas
• Steeper and more rugged terrain
• Spectacular high-elevation overlooks
• A greater sense of adventure
• Some of the most iconic views in the San Juan Mountains

So, Which Direction Should You Choose?

If it’s your first time driving the Alpine Loop, our recommendation is simple:

Drive Cinnamon Pass first, then Engineer Pass.

This route offers:

• A more gradual introduction to the Alpine Loop
• Some of the best scenery progression on the route
• Greater comfort for many drivers
• The opportunity to descend rather than climb some of Engineer Pass’s steeper sections

That said, there really isn’t a bad way to experience the Alpine Loop. Whether you choose Cinnamon first or Engineer first, you’ll travel through some of the most spectacular mountain terrain in North America.