Mineral Creek is a 7-mile climb from the Million Dollar Highway south of Ouray to the high-elevation intersection with Engineer Pass and San Juan CR 2. Often included as part of the Alpine Loop, Mineral Creek is mostly rough dirt as it climbs nearly 4,000 feet, but multiple rock obstacles on the trail are best suited for a 4WD vehicle with a small lift and larger tires. Mineral Creek suits intermediate or novice drivers looking to challenge themselves. Large groups are not well suited to this trail as many sections cannot accommodate multiple vehicles passing one another.