Cinnamon Pass Summit — Alpine Loop High Point Viewpoint

Cinnamon Pass tops out at 12,640 feet on the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway, connecting Lake City to the east with Animas Forks and Ouray to the west. The summit itself is a wide, rocky saddle with unobstructed views across the upper Henson Creek drainage and back toward the American Flats. This is a legitimate 4WD road — loose rock, steep grades, and no room for error on the exposed shelf sections below the pass. Weather rolls in fast up here; afternoon thunderstorms in July and August are routine, not the exception.

Road is typically open July through September depending on snowpack. The Lake City side via Henson Creek Road (FR 877) is generally easier than the Animas Forks approach but still demands 4WD with solid clearance. No services, no cell signal at the pass. Carry water and extra fuel.

12,640-foot Alpine Loop saddle — real 4WD country.