Tincup Pass
Chaffee County, Colorado
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Nearby Towns: Tincup, St. Elmo, Buena Vista
Nearby Trails: Iron Chest, Mount Antero, Boulder Mountain, Grizzly Lake, Hancock Pass, Pomeroy Lakes
Trail Length: 12.3 miles
Elevation: 10,120 to 12,192 feet

Connecting the tiny towns of Tincup and St. Elmo, this is a great way to get from Chaffee County to Gunnison County and back. It's not a particularly rocky or difficult road, though it will give some stock SUVs a fun challenge.

If you start from the Tincup side you will pass by Mirror Lake. Stop here if you have time. Once you cross the creek and start heading uphill you can either stay on the easier trail by going right at the intersection or turn left to take "Old Tincup" instead, which is more difficult.

There are a few rocks you can either choose to avoid or aim for, depending on how hard you want to make this trail. An optional rocky section close to the pass can provide some additional challenges.

The top of the pass is beautiful and offers some hiking. Stay on the trail and do not travel on the illegal routes made by people in the past.

Continue down to St. Elmo on the easier trail, past some camping areas.

This is a nice trail for every offroad vehicle.

Information last updated on August 8th, 2008.

Member Reports

• August 21, 2010: ran by Mark U., Matt K. and Terry
• July 26, 2009: ran by Gary, Jeffrey, Matt K., Mike S. and Walt
• September 5, 2005: ran by Bob R., Ladd, Micheal and Monica

Driving Directions

From Denver, take Highway 285 through Johnson Village and Nathrop. Turn right on County Road 162 to pass many other trailheads. The town of St. Elmo is at the end, where you follow signs to Tincup Pass.

Meeting Places

Meet in Conifer on Highway 285 at the Bradley gas station. Those coming from Colorado Springs will want to meet at Johnsons Village instead and not come that far north.