Hancock Pass

Total Miles 16.9
Technical Rating
5 Moderate
Best Time Summer, Fall
Trail Type Full-Width Road
Accessible By
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Hancock Pass trail photo

Trail Overview

This trail connects St. Elmo to Pitkin via the 12,140-foot Hancock Pass. After taking in the views, descend to Brittle Silver Basin, on through to Pitkin, and the

Photos of Hancock Pass

Difficulty

Difficult. Most of the trail is easy wide road. At the pass, very rocky and slow-going, but okay for aggressive stock SUVs with low range and skid plates. Do not attempt if snow is present.

History

Hancock Road and the Alpine Tunnel Road were built along the original railroad grade that passed through the Alpine Tunnel in the 1880s. Several railroad structures still remain. Forest Road 839 was damaged at the Palisades by an avalanche in February 2016, and the road remains closed. It was hoped that Williams Pass Road would open as a way to reach tunnel, but so far, it's not.

Technical Rating

5

Hancock Pass Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • Single Track
  • 50 Inch
  • 60 Inch
  • High Clearance
  • Full Width

Hancock Pass Map

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