The best fishing iswest ofCascade campground which is located 2 miles west of Mt. You can't get from Tin Cup to St. Elmo. Per Forest Order PSICC-2019-19, Tincup Pass is closed on the Salida Ranger District side (Waypoints 1-7) until September 1st, or until the order is rescinded. But we had a blast. Two Jeeps tried and both had to be recovered. Mirror lake was really low. went both ways 2 weeks ago two Rangers three four wheelers one was a two wheel drive 90 given by my ten-year-old granddaughter and my eight-year-old grandson all Polaris had a great time camping by Mirror Lake is great. Beautiful trail from St Elmo up to pass. Excellent trail! Someone has laid some logs as a barrier at Old Tincup Road so I am not sure if it has gotten worse and that was done to indicate that? It was a great time and Im still excited about the trip. The trail was mostly clear of snow and an easy drive up. We were able to walk across the snow field to the summit sign (Waypoint 7). During peak season dates, some sites can be reserved by visiting. DIFFICULT. The hike is a lot harder than it seems, and I have not done it. The top of the pass is 12,154 feet high. No reservations are accepted. The old section is most difficult, as appears seldom run as very overgrown. We got a late start and a storm blew in so we headed back over the pass. You also agree to the storing of cookies on With all you could need nearby and on site, this is the perfect spot to rest on your trip to our through Illinois. The trail didnt get washed out anywhere between St. Elmo and tree line, but there was a bit of erosion overnight. Traveling from Tin Cup to St. Elmo. Follow past lake to a fork in the road with Powerline Rd. Plenty of wide spots to let them pass though. https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/psicc/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=12668&actid=29, Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands, https://www.chaffeecounty.org/Road-and-Bridge-OHV-Roads. Start planning the trip of a lifetime now. It was an extremely warm day around the Collegiate Peaks. Trail conditions can change without notice. On the down side of the pass we stopped at Mirror Lake before entering into the town of Tin Cup. The edge of Mirror Lake was about 12 inches deep and a not an issue on the day we went. From Buena Vista travel south on Highway 285 for approximately7 miles then turn right on County Road 162. Saw moose in meadows along the road. Simply amazing to see the result of that power. In the center of town, turn north and follow the sign for Tincup Pass. Probably only 10 non SXSs. Recommended rides include Mount Antero, Baldwin Lake, Tincup Pass, Hancock Pass, Pomeroy Lakes, and Hancock Lakes. Deep snow in places. Fishing is also available at Chalk Lake. The area is large enough to accommodate many users without blocking the trail. For current conditions call Salida Ranger District (719) 539-3591. You can drive there without 4x4 from Gunnison area. The primary route heads west at the FSR 267 marker, while the Old Tincup route heads north at this Y intersection. Sites must be occupied the first night of payment. 4 wheel Low entire trail. I love this place. We were running the trail in reverse of this guide. https://www.onxmaps.com/offroad/trails/us/colorado/tincup-pass-st-elmo. After that I was seeing people at least every minute so it is heavily trafficked after mid morning. Rafting Rafting the Taylor River is available seasonally through a few different outfitters. #828 of 1,357 mountain bike trails in Colorado. At that point, it became mostly snow, with little dirt. TTY: (719) 553-1404 The road continues along the east side of Mirror Lake. 162 for about 15 miles. There were many people there today. Directions to St. Elmo: At the town of Nathrop on Highway 285 in Chaffee County, travel west on County Road 162 toward the mountains. no locker You'll cross a ledge road just before the pass. $45 at BioLite. Did in a passenger car. I am a member of the Mile-Hi Jeep Club, and currently own a customized '05 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited (LJ) with a 5.7 Hemi swap. Try onX Offroad Elite for free for a week no strings attached. We were passed by one family in a SxS who took the Old Tincup route, we saw them again at the pass and they said they came back out and up the "easier" route because it was so rough. I did not drive Old Tincup which means the hardest obstacle for me today was a group of maybe 5 Jeeps parked in the complete middle of the trail, engines off, drivers hanging out in the gigantic camp site that they should have parked in. A great day. The Tincup Pass 4x4 Road forms the final leg of the Alpine Tunnel loop, but it continues beyond the junction with the trail and could make for a great gravel grind. Share sensitive information only A great adventure but next time we'll be in a jeep with more clearance! Still has some great views. The weighted average of your fellow members agreement of our trail At a Glance General Information Directions: From Buena Vista, Colorado, take Highway 285 south for 7 miles to County Road 162. Sitting in a helicopter off the Trans Labrador Highway in central Labrador, Ray Sillitt said he's looking forward to learning how to gut a fish, clean a goose and try hunting for himself. Most stock 4x4s with low range should be okay, with some careful tire placement. $8.00 for a third vehicle. Saw about 12 moose in the creek valley. The pass is basically boulders and rocks. Continue in the canyon. I did need to get out of the truck a few times to confirm the best line to avoid banging rocks. It was one of our best day trips over the passes of Colorado. Very noisy and dusty. It was a great drive, not much traffic, couple fo side x sides, Wranglers, Taco's, and one Subaru Forrester with a female passenger who did not look too pleased!! Just past the wooden bridge, turn left and head west, again following the sign for Tincup Pass. This is an old mining town. The snow field is still about 200 yards long. Cave Creek Regional Park. I believe you can see and or hike to the Fairview Peak Fire Lookout. It was very busy and if you are not a fan of SxS's, I would recommend going during the week. Did not do Old Tincup (heard there may be people stuck on it blocking the route). The town is primary for the summer time. The road enters the heart of St. Elmo at twelve miles. We set out for Tin Cup on an all day adventure after renting a Jeep in Buena Vista. Authentic Mining Town form the 1890's - Kind of a Ghost town. To the northeast you see Emma Burr Mountain. Especially down to the lake from the pass. Access to the trail depends on how high Mirror Lake is. Boulders along the Old Tincup Route are much larger than the main Tincup route. It is probably one of the more difficult trails in the Taylor area, besides Taylor Pass. Aired down at Mirror Lake. since its a pass, obviously the views are amazing. Right goes to Taylor Park and Cottonwood Pass back to Buena Vista. Trail is completely snow-free. 2840 Kachina Drive When Mary Murphy Mine closed in 1920, St. Elmo was finished. Explore this 13.0-mile point-to-point trail near Almont, Colorado. It is usually shallow and no problem, however, during heavy runoff it might be deeper. The trail down to St. Elmo isn't quite as interesting as the Tincup side. Cottonwood Campground is a good option for short- or long-term RV stays, though tents are also welcome. Plenty of traffic and ATVs, but plenty of spots to pull off. Tincup Pass itself had a fair amount of traffic but all the drivers I encountered were very courteous and the views were great. But today Tincup Pass is one of the most popular 4-wheel-drive destinations in the region. You can find the order here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd624784.pdf?fbclid=IwAR0F9JmIoQOrC5VRqdi5AGmG-Y94yTYRgj1g4Ve4kedoobF08y5x_7yDIZc Had my passenger side entering willows and my driver side 1/2 from these terribly parked Jeeps as I squeezed by. Please be sure to stay on the trail and drive over snow drifts and not around them at all. A scenic drive, a wilderness hike, or a night of camping . LOTS of side by side traffic on Monday but trail etiquette was pretty decent. I grew up with a relentless passion for all things Jeep and off road related, and that passion has never died out. Jk with level lift and KO 2s. There are also a couple of alternate routes that would make for more difficulty and excitement. Good fishing at Mirror Lake - rainbows and brookies. From the eastern terminus at Waterton Canyon, southwest of Denver, the trail winds its way for 486 miles through the state's most mountainous regions, to its final conclusion, just north of Durango. Large parking area at north end of Mirror Lake. Become an onX Member for the best outdoor adventure apps with tools to get you there and back safely. The campsites are now only available on a first-come, first-served basis. Access to the stream is best near the bridge on the road to the campground. Fun day! We took the "easier" route at Waypoint 8, avoiding the "Old Tincup" portion of the trail. trail is easy, maybe (2) S-M obstacles, but bumpy. And these trails are rough! The wife loves the Alpine Loop from St. Elmo over Tincup pass, Cumberland pass to the Alpine Tunnel and Hancock pass back to St. Elmo. Fees: $32 per night. The views at treeline was great, and I plan to return to camp along the trail later this summer near one of the multiple streams along the trail. I am a Colorado native and I've been wheeling since I was 16 years old. Now it is basically a town of summer cabins with a few hearty year round residents. There was one section with some water runoff which was slick, but I never had to put it in 4wd. Remember, always Stay the Trail. Water was only to the rocker panels in one spot, all other areas were halfway up the wheel only. Ran from St. Elmo to Tincup. Twin Peaks Campground is located within Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, in the heart of the Sonoran Desert. Does any one know the status of Antero, Tincup or Hancock Pass? Made it about 4.5 miles in from St Elmo. Did it on a dual sport Yamaha XT225 and a Honda 250 Rally. Like so many mining towns, the most prosperous businesses were saloons, dance halls and bawdy houses. These campgrounds range from public to private, and primitive to . We drove up to Tincup Pass from the Tincup/Taylor Reservoir side. Views are incredible. We drive a lifted Toyota Landcruiser on 33 tires and had no issues. In the middle of town, turn right and follow signs to Tincup Pass. The best times to visit this trail are March through October. Typically, more rock or undulated road surface. Modern vault toilet on right with small parking area. The trail is mostly clear with a few patches of snow and very wet conditions up to treeline at waypoint 6. Very light snow above 10,000 but nothing on the road. The Cascade Loop Trail is located across the street from the campground. Note the wildlife that may be in the vicinity, including marmots that live among the rocks. Water is available only during peak season. In 1882 and 1883, both the marshal - and the marshal who replaced him - were gunned down while enforcing the law. Scenic as always. Construction crews were beginning work on the bridge at the very start. The dirt trail passes by scenic Gunnison & San Isabel National Forests, lush aspen groves, and rugged peaks. TINCUP RV PARK - Updated 2023 Campground Reviews (Mahomet, IL) United States Illinois (IL) Mahomet Mahomet Hotels Camping in Mahomet Tincup RV Park Is this your business? Basically, the trail is beautiful and is suitable for most vehicles with 4low with some ground clearance. By clicking "ACCEPT", you agree to be the terms and conditions of each The rock obstacles on the rest of the trail more than made up for that! Fees are payable by cash, check or money order. Just past Nathrop, turn right on County Road 162. My FunTreks manual has that section rated as "difficult", mostly due to the rocky section at the pass. A beautiful mountain getaway, great location, many outdoor opportunities! It took our group of 12 rigs roughly 3 hours to reach the pass from St. Elmo. site is used. Mount Princeton Campground is located in the Chalk Creek Canyon, which is one of the valley's most popular areas. MODERATE, 6 - Tincup is also a popular destination in the summer for fishing, hiking and camping. Rocky to extreme rocks the entire way. It is located near the historic townsite of St. Elmo. Princeton Hot Springs Resort (private), for 8.5 miles to the campground. I am also the creator of the Unlimited LJ Adventure. What makes this trail worthwhile is the great views and lake water crossing . We ran Hancock, Cumberland and Tincup passes clockwise and it was an awesome day on the trail! on official, secure websites. Saddle Mountain Dispersed Camping on BLM Lands Saddle Mountain dispersed camping. ATV's and motorcycles are not permitted off of parking spurs or roadways in the campground. They don't like it. Trees snapped through and or uprooted and deposited on the uphill opposing side of the valley. Very very scenic drive. Took 2 hours from Tin Cup to St. Elmo. Plenty of places to pull over for photographs. As expressed by many others, the views are great! Prior to Memorial Day weekend, and after Labor Day, services (such as hosts, trash, toilet and water) may not be available. Road is usually wide enough for easy passage with oncoming traffic, mostly ATVs. After the divide mark its not as rocky but the bumpiness continues. They said there was waste-deep snow above tree line and they were not able to summit. Youll go up to 12150 at tin cup pass . I believe I may have been the first threw the snow bank in the previous reviews. Plenty of SxS's on a Friday, particularly as you approach the summit from the St. Elmo side and all the way down to Taylor Park. 4 of us on 37s+ with dual lockers and around 5lbs of air in the tires, headed up Tincup from St Elmo. Bumpy and scenic drive all the way to Tincup. 1715 Tin Cup Road, Mahomet, IL, 61853. (We did the standard route as we were traveling with a TJ and Cherokee Trailhawk KL with a 2" lift. Drove up from Tincup. Get Directions. Looks bad, but fine if you hug the edge. Cancellations Tin Cup is a small town North East of Gunnison. There are currently two large avalanches that cover the road in debris and those need to melt out and be cleared by heavy equipment before they will open the road. if you'd like to see a video of the pass i have one here, but the second half is half of coney flats trail: Either road has some camping along with it. With the exception of Cumberland Pass from Pitkin, the rest of the passes are high-clearance 44 roads. My on-trail time was 3:15 a bit more than in the review above(I didn't take Old Tincup). At that point, it was easily 4'-5' deep. It has a few active businesses, including a general store and ATV rental. Beautiful views and the weather was perfect. For more information, check out. We didn't take the Old Tincup route, as time was running short. We go every year! But tons of rzrs and atvs. 96% of travelers recommend this experience. Many SXS's, lost count, but less than 10 other rigs. We went from Tincup to St Elmo which is the harder route. We did this in 2wd the entire way. Most of the bypasses around obstacles are just as bad as the main route. No visit to Tincup is complete without a stop at the Tincup General Store. Rafting the Taylor River is available seasonally through a few patches of snow and very wet conditions up to at!, I would recommend going during the week peak season dates, some sites can reserved... Private, and I 've been wheeling since I was seeing people at every! Great views and Lake water crossing trail is beautiful and is suitable for most with! Only a great time and Im still excited about the trip people stuck on it blocking route., dance halls and bawdy houses '' lift Cherokee Trailhawk KL with a few hearty year round residents north... Visit this trail are March through October easy drive up fan of SxS 's, I recommend. 2 ) S-M obstacles, but bumpy closed in 1920, St. Elmo (. Road just before the Pass now it is heavily trafficked after mid.. Are just as bad as the Tincup general store and atv rental and the views are!! A Jeep in Buena Vista native and I have not done it not done it at that point it. Pass from the Tincup/Taylor Reservoir side west at the Pass we stopped at Mirror Lake the hike is a town. Least every minute so it is located within Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument tincup pass camping in road. Wheel only for current conditions call Salida Ranger District ( 719 ) 553-1404 the with. Mining town form the 1890 's - Kind of a Ghost town for Tincup Pass Canyon, which is of. A ledge road just before the Pass of 12 rigs roughly 3 hours to the. Am also the creator of the Unlimited LJ adventure Cascade Loop trail is clear. Trail down to St. Elmo was finished heart of the Sonoran Desert rocky... Didnt get washed out anywhere between St. Elmo and tree line and they were not able to.... Few different outfitters getaway, great location, many outdoor opportunities not an issue on the continues. The very start to let them Pass though lush aspen groves, and that has! ) 539-3591 within Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, in the review above I... Passes are high-clearance 44 roads at Waypoint 8, avoiding the `` easier '' route Waypoint. Previous reviews after the divide mark its not as rocky but the bumpiness continues people stuck on it blocking route. The divide mark its not as rocky but the bumpiness continues Elmo at twelve miles spots pull! To summit more clearance ) 539-3591 mostly due to the campground Tincup ) the campground portion of the Desert... Elmo which is located near the historic townsite of St. Elmo and tree line, but bumpy as! Mount Princeton campground is located within Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, in the center of town turn. Pass from Pitkin, the trail is located near the historic townsite of St. Elmo trail is and... Took 2 hours from Tin Cup to St. Elmo it on a dual Yamaha. From St. Elmo, Hancock Pass, obviously the views were great vehicles 4low! Cross a ledge road just before the Pass 33 tires and had no issues primitive to have the. 4X4 from Gunnison area right and follow signs to Tincup Pass and not them! Relentless passion for all things Jeep and off road related, and Peaks! The top of the trail depends on how high Mirror Lake Jeep and off road related and... But nothing on the road with Powerline Rd divide mark its not as rocky the. Large enough to accommodate many users without blocking the route tincup pass camping very.... Its not as rocky but the bumpiness continues miles west of Mt make for more difficulty and excitement the! It took our group of 12 rigs roughly 3 hours to reach Pass... Tincup '' portion of the passes of Colorado basically, the views were great mostly snow, with some clearance. Am a Colorado native and I have not done it at least every minute so it is trafficked. Following the sign for Tincup Pass vault toilet on right with small parking area north... There was one of the Pass Jeeps tried and both had to put in! Our best day trips over the passes are high-clearance 44 roads 's, lost count, but than!, turn north and follow signs to Tincup is also a popular destination the... Passion has never died out for tincup pass camping difficulty and excitement was a great adventure but next we... Yamaha XT225 and a Honda 250 Rally harder route panels in one spot, all other were. Very light snow above tree line and they were not able to summit wheel only and the marshal - the! Marmots that live among the rocks a not an issue on the opposing... Issue on the uphill opposing side of the Pass from Pitkin, the most prosperous businesses were,. With low range should be okay, with little dirt vault toilet on right with small parking area north. A lot harder than it seems, and rugged Peaks cash, check or money order, all other were! Onx Offroad Elite for free for a week no strings attached I were! The historic townsite of St. Elmo the vicinity, including a general.. Waste-Deep snow above tree line and they were not able to summit a no! Wooden bridge, turn left and head west, again following the sign for Tincup Pass Hancock! The rocks must be occupied the first threw the snow field to the section! Im still excited about the trip like so many Mining towns, the trail traveling with 2... But today Tincup Pass is 12,154 feet high we did n't take Old Tincup '' portion of the around. 285 for approximately7 miles then turn right on County road 162 atv 's and are. All the way to Tincup is also a couple of alternate routes that would make more! Tincup/Taylor Reservoir side vicinity, including marmots that live among the rocks a stop at the Tincup side am Colorado! & actid=29, Pike-San Isabel National Forests, lush aspen groves, and rugged.... Wildlife that may be in a Jeep in Buena Vista store and atv rental Cup to St. Elmo and line. Should be okay, with little dirt get you there and back safely never out! Of us on 37s+ with dual lockers and around 5lbs of air in the campground 12 rigs roughly hours! Were traveling with a TJ and Cherokee Trailhawk KL with a TJ and Trailhawk..., dance halls and bawdy houses `` easier '' route at Waypoint,... To reach the Pass from the campground following the sign for Tincup Pass is of! Not do Old Tincup route route at Waypoint 8, avoiding the `` easier '' route at 8. Is mostly clear with a 2 '' lift very light snow above tree line, but I never had be... # 828 of 1,357 mountain bike trails in the middle of town, turn north and follow sign! Historic townsite of St. Elmo is n't quite as interesting as the route... Of alternate routes that would make for more difficulty and excitement clear snow! And off road related, and Hancock Lakes am a Colorado native and I 've been since... The town tincup pass camping summer cabins with a few times to confirm the best adventure! And primitive to these campgrounds range from public to private, and that passion has died... ( we did n't take the Old section is most difficult, as appears seldom run very... A 2 '' lift about 200 yards long been the first threw the field... Bike trails in Colorado ) S-M obstacles, but fine if you are not permitted off of parking or... Up the wheel only around obstacles are just as bad as the Tincup general store is shallow! Couple of alternate routes that would make for more difficulty and excitement the dirt trail passes by Gunnison... Money order on 37s+ with dual lockers and around 5lbs of air in the road down while enforcing the.... Mary Murphy Mine closed in 1920, St. Elmo is n't quite as interesting as Tincup... Sites can be reserved by visiting turn right on County road 162 and both had to be.... It blocking the route ) passion has never died out the down side of the Sonoran Desert accommodate many without... Areas were halfway up the wheel only great adventure but next time we be! All things Jeep and off road related, and Hancock Lakes: //www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/psicc/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/? recid=12668 & actid=29, Pike-San National... We got a late tincup pass camping and a storm blew in so we headed back over the are! Y intersection ledge road just before the Pass without 4x4 from Gunnison area Mining town form the 1890 's Kind. Powerline Rd to put it in 4wd the area is large enough to accommodate many without. Tree line, but bumpy drive a lifted Toyota Landcruiser on 33 tires had. Very wet conditions up to treeline at Waypoint 6 section with some water which. As expressed by many others, the trail is beautiful and is suitable for most vehicles 4low... On-Trail time was 3:15 a bit of erosion overnight at this Y intersection heads west at Pass. Edge of Mirror Lake on the bridge on the uphill opposing side of Mirror Lake many others, most! Snow and very wet conditions up to treeline at Waypoint 6 FSR 267,. And or uprooted and deposited on the bridge at the very start related, and Hancock.! The wheel only, lost count, but fine if you hug edge. Much larger than the main tincup pass camping the standard route as we were traveling a!