County Road 2 Connector - Silverton to Animas Forks and Engineer Pass

County Road 2 Connector - Silverton to Animas Forks and Engineer Pass

County Road 2 Connector - Silverton to Animas Forks and Engineer Pass
County Road 2 Connector - Silverton to Animas Forks and Engineer Pass

Distance

13.5 mi

Technical Rating

4 Moderate

Best Time

Spring, Summer, Fall

Trail Type

Full-Width Road

Accessible By

Trail Overview

County Road 2 out of Silverton is part of the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway. It is an historic mining road that connects to many side trails, while following part of an old railroad grade and mines. The road itself is almost three different trails, as it changes in terrain and difficulty. The first section runs from Silverton to Eureka, the Sunnyside Mine and Eureka Gulch trail, as well as an RV park. This road is graded gravel, and suitable for any vehicle. The second section runs from Eureka to Animas Forks ghost town. The sign here warns of the need for high clearance, 4WD vehicles. If your vehicle allows the trip, Animas Forks is considered one of the best ghost towns in Colorado with its collection of preserved structures. The third section runs from Animas Forks to Engineer Pass, and is part of The Alpine Loop. From here on, you will need high-clearance 4WD vehicles. Some refer to this section as the North Fork Cutoff. It is much rockier with steeper hill climbs, and leads you to Cinnamon Pass and Engineer Pass. California Gulch and Mineral Creek trails also connect into this section.

Weather

Status Reports

Trent Tillett
Sep 18, 2024
2020 Jeep Gladiator
Open
Normal
Agree with a 4 here. There is one spot that gets you off camber a bit (pictured) and can be slightly challenging. But a good line choice and it’s no big deal
Dave Woodson
Aug 28, 2024
4x4
Open
North end of trail where connecting to Engineer has some technical spots, needing 4x4 lo range 33" and 2" lift. Couple steep switchbacks. Agree with a 4 on this one
Dan F
Jul 31, 2024
4x4
Open
Normal
Dusty
Rough/Deteriorated
North end of the trail approached a 4. Southbound it improved to a 3 and then a 2.
Levi Charles
Jun 09, 2024
4x4
Open
Normal
Muddy/Wet
Snow/Ice
Road was normal and clear. Saw plenty of Subarus going to the Fork