Hopefully it's OK for a SD boy to post in this forum! I'm sure some here have driven the Alpine Loop. If so, I have some questions for you.

1. How long does it take to drive the AL?

2. Would a stock '06 Liberty 4x4 with A/T tires be OK?

We had my wife's Liberty down in that area in June '09, and did a little driving in the mountains (we went to Animas Fork and a small mountain lake - Clear Lake, maybe?), but my wife was 5 months pregnant, so we took it easy! I want to go back this summer, and driving the AL was something I really wanted to do last time.

We have a couple of options. One is to drive our van, and then rent a Jeep to drive the AL. This would have the advantage of travelling in a much roomier vehicle (wife and I, 9 yr old daughter and 3 yr old son). However, we would be limited to only one day on the trails.

Otherwise, we could drive the Libby, and maybe get something to put on the roof to carry some luggage in. Smaller vehicle to travel in, but we could explore the trails at our leisure.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

A few years back I went over Cinnamon pass with an '01 Cavalier, I think your Liberty should be fine. As far as time for the whole loop, I am not sure, but could probably be done in a day.

 

Plan a whole day for it. Taking that pass yields amazing views from atop the world. You will want to take time to take pictured and check out the ooooooooold houses and mining equipment. Real amazing what they did up there with what little they had.

 

Plenty good to run it. Bring a good camera!