Where is Tincup Pass?
Usa, north-america
20.43 km
3,710 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk Tincup Pass in Colorado! This beauty sits way up high at 12,171 feet, straddling Chaffee and Gunnison counties just west of the St. Elmo ghost town.
The whole thing's unpaved – we're talking good ol' County Road 267 stretching 12.7 miles from Tincup to St. Elmo. You can usually hit it from mid-June to early autumn, weather permitting. Snow can hang around 'til July, so keep an eye on those avalanche reports!
You'll definitely want a high-clearance, 4-wheel-drive SUV with low-range gearing. Most folks say the east side is a bit easier. The trail's generally in decent shape, but expect some eroded bits and exposed rocks, especially on the steeper parts. The west side is known to be pretty rough. Be ready for some narrow sections where passing can get interesting, plus a few steep spots. Nearing the top, it gets even narrower with some cliffside driving requiring your full attention.
This road was originally built way back in the 1880s as a wagon road. You'll actually be on the Continental Divide at the pass itself. The pass is named after a prospector who carried his gold in his tin cup, cool huh?
Give yourself 2-3 hours for the whole experience, including photo stops. Trust me, you'll want to stop! The views are absolutely stunning, with high alpine vistas that'll blow your mind. The lower sections wind through gorgeous aspen forests. Keep an eye out for marmots chilling among the rocks. Plus, you can take a detour to see the beautiful Mirror Lake!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 20.43 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,710 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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