A Sponsored 36-hour Adventure
By: Amanda Goad, Dometic
This summer, we loaded up the new Dometic CFX5 Series and hit Colorado’s Alpine Loop—a rugged 75-mile stretch through the San Juan Mountains, climbing to 10,000 feet. With friends like Karissa and Linghbergh from @gondirtin and Chef Sarah Glover (@missarahglover) along for the ride, we spent days off-grid, sharing stories, good food, and some of the best views Colorado has to offer.
The Alpine Loop is more than a drive; it’s a journey through remote, raw wilderness. Connecting Silverton and Lake City, the Loop takes you past ghost towns and over high-elevation passes. This isn’t a casual drive—expect narrow, one-lane roads, rough terrain, and sheer drops. Most of the way, it’s just you, your crew, and the landscape, completely off-grid.
Our adventure started in Silverton, with a quick stop at the ghost town of Animas Forks, and then we took on the Northern Loop with its sweeping views of the San Juans. We set up camp each night, where the CFX5 kept our provisions perfectly chilled, no matter the changing temperatures. After long days on the trail, elk burgers cooked over the fire, and cold drinks straight from the cooler hit the spot.
Day two brought us to Engineer Pass, a steep, challenging climb with switchbacks that tested our rigs and our nerves. Reaching the summit at 12,800 feet felt like a hard-won reward, and we all gathered for a photo, knowing this was a moment we’d never forget. Karissa and Linghbergh put it best: “Doing the entire Loop with this group made every challenge feel like a shared victory. Knowing we had each other’s backs made it all easier.”
Meals were a highlight, with Karissa and Linghbergh treating us to a cozy camp dinner of Japanese steaks and spaghetti after a long day’s drive. And on our last night, Chef Sarah Glover turned up the flavor with grilled corn on the cob, tri-tip over the fire, and her famous whiskey-roasted peaches with ice cream—a meal that felt like a true celebration of the adventure.
The CFX5’s advanced VIP insulation and VMSO 3.5 compressor kept everything fresh and ready, no matter the elevation or terrain. With Bluetooth control and multiple power options, we had everything we needed to stay comfortable, from -7°F to 68°F.
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 and 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.
And, here’s what you need to bring:
- Full tank of gas (no fuel stops on the Loop)
- Extra food and water for at least an overnight stay
- Your best camping gear, an electric cooler, fire starter, and a way to pack out all trash
- Layers for all weather conditions, from warm days to freezing nights
- A paper map or downloaded GPS—there’s no cell service out there
- Satellite messenger for emergencies
- Camera and binoculars to capture the sights and spot wildlife
The Alpine Loop isn’t just about the drive; it’s about who you share it with and the gear that keeps you moving. Every twist and turn brings something new, and with the CFX5, we had everything we needed to make the trip memorable. So pack your rig, gather your friends, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. The San Juans are waiting.
Read more: Field Tested :: Dometic Go Hydration Water Jug and Faucet
Images: Drew Martin for Dometic
