Do you want to see the world from a mountain top in the Colorado Rockies?  If you do, come and join the COFA National Off-Road event on August 1st - 3rd of 2025 in Lake City Colorado!  We'll ride some of the most incredible scenic trails in southern Colorado.  The views are breathtaking up to 13,000 feet, and will create memories for years to come.  

We'll meet Friday night, Aug 1st, at 5:00 PM for a meet-and-greet BBQ. On Saturday, August 2nd, we will look at some old mines and ghost towns as we ride our 4-wheelers and learn about the history of Colorado's mining industry.  You'll see mines from the 1860's and 1870's.  There will be a Cowboy Chuck Wagon dinner on Saturday evening with your COFA Off-Road group.  Bring your camera, sunscreen, and enjoy the world from the top of the mountains.  

LODGING: If Camping is your thing, there are camping areas near the Uncompahgre, Grand Mesa, and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests. The National Forest Service has several areas to pitch your tent. There are nearby campgrounds, and you should reserve a camping spot in advance.

Click here for camping availability near Lake City. 

For RV’s, click here for your best RV Park options in the area, so you can enjoy Lake City and the greater Alpine Loop area! 

For Hotels/motels, check out this link by clicking here. 

ATV RENTAL INFO: If you don't own an UTV, there are UTV rentals in Lake City,. 

Lake City Auto & Sports Center: 809 N. State HWY 149, Lake City, CO 81235  Phone: 970-944-2311 

Lake City Loopers: 130 Gunnison Ave. Lake City, CO 81235 Text or call: 970-784-6630 email: info@lakecityloopers.com

Call them now if you can, or early in May.  Reserve the UTV for all day Saturday, August 2nd, 2025.

If you're bringing your own Off-Road vehicle, make sure that it's in good working condition.  Check the fluids and/or have your mechanic look your vehicle over.  COFA strongly recommends that you have insurance on your own vehicle.  You never know what may happen and it's best to be protected.

Registration

COFA is an All-Volunteer, non-denominational, designated 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Your suggested donation of $75 is per person, regardless of the number of days attended.  This fee provides for COFA's ministry and outreach programs including youth, men, women and family as well as helps to cover the cost of food for the Friday night BBQ and Saturday Chuck Wagon dinner.  We greatly appreciate your financial assistance!

Registration Donation should be paid by July 7th to confirm your spot!

If you have questions, contact Leslie at 303-909-3707 or Mike at 303.880.9878. We can tell you what gear to bring, what to expect, and answer any questions you may have.

More Detail About the Ride: The Alpine Loop is a scenic drive in Lake City, Colorado that offers stunning views of the surrounding San Juan Mountains. It is a 52-mile loop that traverses some of the most beautiful and rugged terrain in the state, including high mountain passes, alpine lakes, and historic mining towns. 

The Alpine Loop starts and ends in Lake City, a small mountain town in southwest Colorado. From there, it heads west on County Road 20 towards Engineer Pass, which reaches an elevation of 12,800 feet. This stretch of road offers stunning views of the San Juan Mountains, including the Wetterhorn and Uncompahgre Peaks. 

After crossing Engineer Pass, the Alpine Loop continues south on County Road 2 towards the historic mining town of Animas Forks. This section of road is very rough and requires a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle. Animas Forks is a ghost town that was once a bustling mining community in the late 1800s. 

From Animas Forks, the Alpine Loop continues east on County Road 5 towards Cinnamon Pass, which reaches an elevation of 12,640 feet. This stretch of road is also very rugged and requires a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle. The views from Cinnamon Pass are spectacular, with views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. 

After crossing Cinnamon Pass, the Alpine Loop heads east on County Road 30 towards Lake City. This section of the road is a bit easier and offers more gentle terrain. Along the way, you'll pass by several alpine lakes and have stunning views of the mountains.

You’ll get to see abandoned mines, mining equipment, and other structures that were used in the mining process. 

You’ll see the Ute-Ulay mine, this was a historic mining operation located in the Lake City Mining District of Colorado. The mine was established in the late 1800s, during the peak of the region's silver boom, and it was one of the largest and most successful mines in the area.

In the early 1900s, the Ute-Ulay mine was closed, along with many of the other mines in the Silverton Mining District. The mine's buildings and equipment were either dismantled or left to decay, and the site was eventually abandoned.

Today, the Ute-Ulay mine is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors who are interested in exploring the history of the American West and the mining heritage of the region. Visitors can tour the site and see the remains of the mine, including old mining equipment and ore carts, as well as other artifacts related to the area's mining history.

If you have questions about this event, contact Leslie at 303.909.9707 or Mike at 303.880.9878.