Road Trip: The Alpine Loop

Exploring Colorado’s Alpine Loop isn’t just an offroad trek—it’s a full immersion into the wild heart of the San Juan Mountains. Stretching across 75 miles of rugged dirt roads, steep switchbacks, and breathtaking alpine passes, this route is a true test for both driver and gear. This summer, we hit the trail with the new Dometic CFX5 Series electric cooler—alongside friends Karissa and Linghbergh from @gondirtin and Chef Sarah Glover, @missarahglove— go off-grid, chase adventure, and enjoy some seriously good camp meals. 

Going Off-Grid: The Ultimate Cooler for Remote Adventures 

When you’re out on the Alpine Loop, you’re far from the comforts of everyday life. It’s remote, it’s raw, and it’s the perfect place to see what the CFX5 electric cooler can handle. Spoiler alert—it nailed it. From keeping our drinks cold at 10,000 feet to serving up ice cream on our final night under the stars, the CFX5 quietly did its job so we could focus on the experience. 

Because let’s face it—there’s nothing like wrapping up a day on the trail with whiskey-roasted peaches and ice cream, even when you’re miles from the nearest road. 

The Wilds of Colorado: Why the Alpine Loop is Unforgettable 

The Alpine Loop isn’t just another overland route—it’s an adventure that takes you deep into the rugged beauty of Colorado. Connecting Silverton and Lake City, the Loop winds through ghost towns, high-altitude basins, and mountain passes that feel like they’ve been frozen in time. It’s remote, untamed, and the kind of place that reminds you what real wilderness feels like. 

But it’s no walk in the park. The Alpine Loop is slow-going and packed with challenges—narrow roads, steep drop-offs, and rocky terrain that demand both focus and patience. The payoff? Views that make every mile worth it. 

From Silverton to Lake City: Tackling the Loop 

We started in Silverton, a town with history embedded in every building, and headed straight for Animas Forks, a ghost town perched high in the mountains. After exploring the old mining ruins, we took the Northern Loop, known for its sweeping views of the San Juan Mountains. It was a reminder at every turn—this isn’t just a route; it’s a journey through time and terrain. 

At camp, the CFX5 kept everything chilled without a second thought. Elk burgers and grilled onions were on the menu, and after a long day of off-roading, cold drinks were the perfect finish. Even when temperatures dipped, the CFX5 held steady, making sure we were fueled and ready for the next day’s climb. 

Engineer Pass: Conquering the Climb 

Day two was all about Engineer Pass—one of the toughest climbs on the Loop. Narrow switchbacks and steep inclines tested our rigs and our nerves. But as our convoy of five vehicles worked its way up, the sense of accomplishment grew with every turn. Reaching the summit at 12,800 feet was a shared victory. 

Karissa and Linghbergh from @gondirtin summed it up perfectly: “Doing the Alpine Loop with this group made it all feel like an incredible team effort. Knowing we had each other’s backs made every challenge easier, and reaching the top of Engineer Pass was an unforgettable moment.” 

Even Chef Sarah Glover couldn’t help but feel the excitement: “Standing on top of Engineer Pass, knowing we’d made it together, with our rigs intact, was pure joy.” 

Campfire Feasts: Fueling the Adventure 

Great food and good company are what really make an overland trip stand out. On day two, Karissa and Linghbergh whipped up Japanese steaks and spaghetti, the perfect comfort food after a day of tough trails. 
Day three? That’s when Chef Sarah Glover went all out. Grilled corn on the cob, campfire tri-tip, mushrooms, salad, and the showstopper—whiskey-roasted peaches with ice cream. The kicker? That ice cream was perfectly frozen, even after three days off-grid, thanks to the CFX5 electric cooler. 
As Hatam, Dometic’s Mobile Cooling CFO, said: “Sitting with the crew on our last night, enjoying grilled peaches with ice cream, brought everything full circle. Having ice cream three days into remote camping was a unique moment—thanks to the CFX5.” 

Gear That Works: The CFX5 

The CFX5 wasn’t just along for the ride—it was a key player in the adventure. With Vacuum Insulated Panels (VIP), an upgraded VMSO 3.5 compressor, and Bluetooth control, it kept everything cold without breaking a sweat. Powered by AC, DC, or solar, it ran off our rig’s battery system without a hitch, even at altitude. And with three-stage battery protection, we never had to worry about power. 
Amanda, Dometic’s Marketing Director, put it best: “This cooler is a game-changer. After 10 years in the San Juans, sharing them with the team—and testing the CFX5 here—was an experience I won’t forget.” 

Get Ready for the Road Less Traveled 

The Alpine Loop is more than just a drive—it’s about the people you share it with and the gear that keeps you going. Whether it’s the history of the ghost towns, the stunning mountain views, or the solitude of the San Juans, the Loop pushes you and rewards you in equal measure. And with the CFX5 electric cooler in tow, we had everything we needed to make the trip unforgettable. 

Ready to hit the Alpine Loop? These must-see spots will take your trip to the next level. 

• Silverton, CO: A historic mining town with Victorian charm—stock up and soak in the local history. 
• Animas Forks Ghost Town: Old cabins and mining ruins, with sweeping views all around. 
• Engineer Pass: The toughest climb on the loop, reaching 12,800 feet. Narrow switchbacks and endless vistas—a true adventure. 
• Lake City, CO: A small-town gem, perfect for a breather or lunch. Packed with history and plenty of character. May we suggest lunch at the Packer Bar & Saloon.  
• American Basin: Blanketed in wildflowers mid-summer, with towering peaks on every side—the perfect picnic spot. 
• Cinnamon Pass: Rocky and narrow, with mountain valley views are worth every bump. 

So, pack up your rig, gather your crew, and hit the trail. The Alpine Loop is waiting.